Two injection-related topics...one tip and one question

What you're probably experiencing is back-pressure when you pull back on the syringe plunger to withdraw the medication.  Try this, which is standard procedure for healthcare providers withdrawing meds from a vial. 

Draw air into the empty syringe equal to the amount of liquid you are going to withdraw.  Inject the air into the vial, then withdraw the medication.  This should help to withdraw the liquid more easily.

Tim

Thanks for the refrigeration tip, Dan.  I have two more injection medication questions to piggyback on to yours.  Do you or anyone else know what determines the expiration date on bi-, tri- and quad-mix medications? Is it ok to use them past the expiration if they still work?

My quad-mix has a six-month expiration, is expensive and not covered by insurance.  I'm still using expired pills of different kinds, so can I do the same with injection medication.

I use an auto-injector (InjectEase) which helps make the initial needle injection go smoother.  Has anyone ever tried any of the topical over-the-counter topical numbing meds (like lidocaine) before injecting?  

I use a 28 gauge x 1/2 inch needle size. If I press the the AutoInjector firmly against the skin before triggering it works ok. I don't use any of the spacer rings.