Someone may use a syringe driver for one or more reasons, for example:
- they have difficulty in swallowing tablets.
- they have persistent nausea or vomiting that cannot be controlled with oral medication
- they are extremely weak or restless.
- oral medication offers poor pain control.
How it works
A fine needle is inserted under the skin, usually in the upper arm, thigh, stomach or chest. This is held in place with a small, clear dressing. The needle is connected to a syringe containing the medication by a fine, flexible tube. The syringe is then inserted into the driver.
Once the battery has been inserted, the driver will start and a small light will flash on and off continuously. You may hear a faint 'whirring' sound from time to time: this is the motor in the driver moving the syringe to deliver the medication and is completely normal.
Looking after the driver
The syringe normally needs to be changed once a day. A District Nurse usually does this but some people monitor their own syringe drivers.
Carers can help by:
- looking out for signs of redness or discomfort where the needle has been inserted
- remembering that 'top up' injections may be necessary until the correct drug regime is found
- making sure the driver and needle are kept dry.
It is possible to have a bath with a syringe driver attached as long as you are careful.
Asking for help
You should talk to the doctor or District Nurse if you have any worries about the syringe driver or you think the battery has gone flat, for example if the light stops flashing, the slight whirring noise stops or the syringe is not emptying at the expected rate.
