The current pandemic is causing severe disruption to the care of patients with non-life-threatening conditions. If IC/BPS patients can be given an appointment now – in some cases on video or phone – it can equip them to cope through the winter and possibly a second wave of coronavirus, until their condition can be fully addressed.
Most patients can be taught in one or two sessions how to self-instill Gepan, and get their symptoms under control. It was already happening in some hospitals as a matter of routine, but this is especially useful right now. If they are taught Intermittent Self Catheterisation (ISC) – which is used often in a number of other indications – then Gepan is the easiest GAG-layer therapy to use at home. This is for a few reasons:
- It comes in a pre-filled syringe which can be discarded in the household waste – no need to reconstitute or use sharps
- Its innovative tip pops straight on to a catheter – no need for multiple consumables, however an adapter is available if required
- The solution of 0.2% chondroitin sulphate (CS) has the consistency of water so it flows smoothly into the bladder
- The syringe size and design is suitable for patients with dexterity difficulties
Some hospitals have taught more than 90% of their patients to self-instill within a couple of sessions. Patients can then be followed up by phone. They can pick up prescriptions from hospital or their GP, with local pharmacies dispensing.
If patients need extra support with ISC, most catheter companies have excellent tutorials on YouTube, and we can give you self-instillation resources too.
During the Covid crisis, we can, in some cases, supply Gepan directly to patients. Please contact us if we can help.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact: Purple Orchid Health Ltd.
E: info@purpleorchidhealth.co.uk
T: 0844 415 2420
W: purpleorchidhealth.co.uk/gepan-instill
