Injecting medication at home can be a convenient way to treat certain types of amyloidosis without going to your doctor’s office. But if you’re new to self-injections, there can be a bit of a learning curve.

The amyloidosis medication eplontersen (Wainua) is packaged as a single dose in prefilled syringes or autoinjector devices. These make the injection process simpler, since it doesn’t require extra steps, like drawing up the solution with a syringe. This medication is approved to treat polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis, also called ATTR-PN or transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ATTR-PN, your healthcare provider will help you decide the treatment option that’s best for you. If they prescribe a medication you inject at home, you’ll need a plan to stay consistent with your injections. It may take some time to feel confident about giving yourself the medication. Here are some tips to help get you started.

1. Set Reminders to Stay on Schedule

Different treatments have different dosing schedules. For example, eplontersen is usually prescribed as a once-monthly injection. You should inject it on the same day each month to keep a steady level of medication in your body. Always follow your doctor’s exact instructions for your specific medication. To stay on track, set a reminder on your phone and add the date to your calendar.

If you miss a dose by accident, you can usually still take your medication, even if it’s a couple days late. But you should always ask for medical advice first. If you think you may have trouble taking your medication on time — such as during travel — contact your provider for advice ahead of time.

2. Organize Your Supplies

Injecting medication isn’t the same as taking pills. There are a few extra steps involved. For example, you’ll need to prepare your skin before you inject. You’ll also need a safe way to discard the needle or device when you’re done. Having all of your supplies on hand can help you stay organized and ready to do your injections on schedule.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Hand soap to wash your hands before your self-injection
• Alcohol wipes to sanitize the injection site
• Your autoinjector
• A bandage to place on your skin after the injection
• A sharps container to dispose of your autoinjector after use

Rare disease medications like eplontersen are often delivered through a specialty pharmacy. These pharmacies usually send medications through the mail. It’s important to order your medication on time so it’s ready when you need it. The specialty pharmacy may also include supplies such as a sharps container and alcohol wipes with your order. You can ask them when you fill your prescription.

3. Use Techniques to Stay Calm

If needles make you nervous, you’re not alone. Researchers say that about 10 percent of people are very fearful of needles. Before you can inject your medication, it may help to relax your body and mind.

If needles make you nervous, you’re not alone. Researchers say that about 10 percent of people are very fearful of needles.

Visualization can help calm you before your injection. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a relaxing place, like the beach. Take slow, deep breaths, and focus on slowing down your heart rate.

You can also try reframing how you think about injections. Instead of focusing on the needle, remind yourself that this treatment supports your health. A qualified therapist can help you work through anxiety and build coping skills if you need extra support.

If you’re still struggling to do self-injections, a caregiver or trusted member of your household can give the injections for you. They should be trained by your healthcare provider so they learn how to inject your medication safely.

4. Alternate Your Injection Site

Eplontersen can be injected into a few areas of the body, including your thighs, your stomach (at least two inches away from your belly button), or your upper arms. Only a caregiver should inject into your upper arms. If you’re giving yourself the injection, you can use different spots on your stomach or thighs.

Try to avoid injecting into the exact same spot each time. Making a note of where you injected can help you choose a different spot for your next dose. Do not inject into skin that has bruises or scars, since this can affect how much medication your body absorbs.

5. Pay Attention to Temperature

You can store eplontersen in the refrigerator, but it should be room temperature before you inject it. Never try to warm it up with heat, because heat can damage the medication. Let it sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it.

Eplontersen can also be stored at room temperature for up to six weeks. After that, it needs to be thrown away. If you think your medication may have been exposed to high temperatures (for example, in a hot car or in direct sunlight), talk to a healthcare professional before using it. The medication should never be frozen or exposed to warm temperatures. Do not use medication if it looks cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.

6. Get Ongoing Support and Training

Your healthcare provider should show you how to take your medication before you try to self-inject. But one training session may not be enough. If you have questions or still feel uncomfortable doing your injections at home, ask if you can bring your autoinjector to the doctor’s office for more guidance and support.

Your healthcare provider should show you how to take your medication before you try to self-inject.

Your medication will come with “Full Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use,” which you can read if you have questions. The drug manufacturer’s websites may also offer instructional videos and other resources.

Self-injections get easier with practice. There’s plenty of help available to support you. It is always OK to ask for a refresher or a little more support when you need it.

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On MyAmyloidosisTeam, people share their experiences with amyloidosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

If you self-inject amyloidosis medication, what tips would you share with someone just starting out? Let others know in the comments below.