New option in Enbrel self-administration can help enhance patient confidence and experience
New option in Enbrel self-administration can help enhance patient confidence and experience
Many patients with chronic, inflammatory disease may face potential barriers to successful self-injection,1,2 ranging from physical and mobility issues to emotional obstacles.1,2 Recognising that patient barriers to self-injection can lead to poor treatment adherence and poor clinical outcomes,1,3 Pfizer has launched the Sleeve for the ENBREL Auto-injector. A new delivery option to help make self-injection even easier.4
“People living with chronic inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may experience different barriers to successful self-injection including dexterity issues associated with impaired hand function or inflamed joints, anxiety from newly diagnosed patients who may be nervous about treatment as well as those lacking the confidence to self-inject,” said David Witcombe, Immunology and Inflammation Medical Affairs Lead ANZ.
Successful patient self-injection can be hindered by both physical and emotional barriers,1,2 including pain, decreased grip strength and impaired hand function associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).1,5 Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (axSpA) can also experience impaired hand function caused by dactylitis.6 Whilst emotional barriers include the anxiety patients may face with self-administering an injection, needle phobia and also a lack of confidence.1,2 Some patients may also experience high levels of stress and anxiety over self-injection. 3,7
For patients with RA, a study published in Medical Devices: Evidence and Research 2019 of 24 RA patients with varying degrees of manual dexterity found that the Sleeve for ENBREL Auto-injector made self-injection easier.4
Significantly the study found that regardless of dexterity impairment, 71 per cent of patients said self-injection was easier with the Sleeve for ENBREL Auto-injector.4 The main benefits cited by patients were better grip and a better feeling of control.4 Additionally 3 out of 4 patients stated they would request the Sleeve for themselves, with all patients unanimous they would recommend the device to others.4
“Recognising that the patient cohort may face physical or emotional barriers which can lead to poor treatment adherence and poor clinical outcomes, Pfizer has launched the Sleeve to be used with the ENBREL Auto-injector.”
Designed to encase the ENBREL Auto-injector, the 2 times larger diameter of the Sleeve compared to ENBREL Auto-injector* makes it easier for patients to grip, hold and self-administer compared to the Auto-injector on its own.4,8 Once the Auto-injector is inserted into the sleeve, clicking into place, ENBREL can then be easily administered by gripping and firmly pushing down on the device, with no need to push a button.9
Patients, nurses and Rheumatologists will receive clear 4-step instructions on how to use the Sleeve along with the comprehensive ENBREL Auto-Injector instructions. Further support for healthcare professionals and patients is also available via the Your ENBREL Experience website or Your ENBREL Experience Patient Support Program.
“The launch of the Sleeve provides a new option for patients with chronic inflammatory disease with mobility issues, or who are experiencing anxiety or lack the confidence to self-inject. These patients can expect the same simple and secure self-administration that they’ve come to rely on with the ENBREL Auto-injector with the added control the Sleeve offers enhancing their experience and empowering them to continue living their lives with confidence,” said David Witcombe, Immunology and Inflammation Medical Affairs Lead ANZ.
“This device enhancement continues Pfizer’s ongoing commitment to patient and physician choices in immunology, putting them at the heart of our business and improving the patient experience and outcomes.”
Watch the video to see how the Sleeve works.
To order the Sleeve for the ENBREL Auto-injector, specialists should contact their Pfizer product specialist. Patients can order online from Your ENBREL Experience website or by calling Pfizer on1800 362 735.
* Sleeve diameter: 45.5mm; ENBREL Auto-injector diameter: 18.1mm.4
References
- Boeri M, et al. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2019;13:1093-110.
- Keininger D, Coteur G. Health Qual Life outcomes.
- Schiff M, et al. Rheumatol Ther. 2017;4:445-63.
- Rekaya N et al. Medical Devices: Evidence and Research 2019;12:443-450
- Dellhag B, Burckhardt CS. Arthritis Care Res. 1995;8:16-20.
- Tévar-Sánchez MI, et al. Clin Exp Rheumatol.2018;36:879-83.
- van den Bemt BJF, et al. Drug Deliv. 2019;26:384-92.
- Pfizer data on file. Auto-injector specifications.
- The Sleeve for ENBREL Auto-injector Instructions for Use leaflet.
