Harm Reduction for Injecting Tablet Medications
Injecting tablet medications carries some risk of harm, but using harm reduction techniques can minimize these risks. The BC Centre on Substance Use and the overdose emergency response centre have developed a resource guide for people who inject tablet medications to promote safer use.
Step 1: Use Recommended Harm Reduction Filters
Harm reduction filters, such as Sterifilt and cotton filters, can be used to remove some of the fillers in tablet medications that can cause harm when injected. However, it is important to note that these filters do not make tablet injection completely safe. Sterifilt filters have very small holes and can remove most particles, while cotton filters can remove larger particles but not smaller ones. Makeshift filters, such as cigarette filters, Q-tips, or cotton balls, are not recommended as they remove fewer fillers and may have bacteria or viruses on them that can cause infections. Cigarette filters may also contain small glass particles or other substances used for smoking, which can cause vein damage.
Step 2: Use Recommended Harm Reduction Equipment and Practices
For each injection, it is important to use new, sterile equipment and follow recommended harm reduction practices. This includes an alcohol swab, needle, sterile water, cooker, tourniquet, harm reduction filters, and a pill crusher or clean object to crush your pills (such as a spoon or paper bag).
Step 3: Don’t Use Alone and Carry Naloxone
It is important to never use tablets alone in case of an overdose. Carry naloxone with you and know how to use it in case of an overdose emergency.
Step 4: Filter Your Drugs and Practice Harm Reduction Methods
Using an OPS (overdose prevention site) can provide a safer environment for injecting tablet medications. It is also important to filter your drugs before injecting to remove any contaminants. Always practice harm reduction methods, such as using new equipment and following recommended filters and practices, to minimize the risks of injecting tablet medications.
Conclusion
Injecting tablet medications carries some risk of harm, but following harm reduction techniques can help to minimize these risks. Be sure to use recommended harm reduction filters, equipment, and practices, and never use alone. Filter your drugs and consider using an OPS for a safer environment. Practice harm reduction methods to protect yourself and others.
FAQs:
What are the risks of injecting tablet medications?
Injecting tablet medications carries some risk of harm, including serious infections and damage to veins, skin, heart, and lungs. These risks can be caused by ingredients such as fillers in the tablets that can be harmful when injected.
What are harm reduction filters and how do they work?
Harm reduction filters are tools that can be used to remove some of the fillers in tablet medications to make injecting pills safer. These filters come in different types, such as Sterifilt and cotton filters. Sterifilt filters have very small holes and can remove most particles, while cotton filters can remove larger particles but not smaller ones. It is important to note that harm reduction filters do not make tablet injection completely safe.
What equipment and practices are recommended for harm reduction when injecting tablet medications?
For each injection, it is important to use new, sterile equipment and follow recommended harm reduction practices. This includes an alcohol swab, needle, sterile water, cooker, tourniquet, harm reduction filters, and a pill crusher or clean object to crush your pills (such as a spoon or paper bag).
Is it safe to use makeshift filters, such as cigarette filters or Q-tips, when injecting tablet medications?
No, makeshift filters such as cigarette filters or Q-tips are not recommended as they remove fewer fillers than harm reduction filters and may have bacteria or viruses on them that can cause infections. Cigarette filters may also contain small glass particles or other substances used for smoking, which can cause vein damage. It is important to use recommended harm reduction filters to minimize the risks of injecting tablet medications.
Is it safe to use tablet medications alone?
No, it is important to never use tablet medications alone in case of an overdose. Carry naloxone with you and know how to use it in case of an overdose emergency. Using an OPS (overdose prevention site) can also provide a safer environment for injecting tablet medications.
