SAFER INJECTING : the essential paraphernalia – cookers and filters
Injecting drug use exposes individuals to various complications , including :
• Viral infections ( e . g . HIV , HCV ), transmitted through sharing paraphernalia .
• Bacterial infections , primarily caused by bacteria from the user ’ s hands or the use of non-sterile equipment .
These risks can be minimised through the use of appropriate harm reduction supplies , such as sterile needles and syringes , water for injection , cookers , and filters . This guide focuses on cookers and filters .
COOKERS
Before injecting , the substance must be dissolved in water and may require heating to aid dissolution . People who inject drugs ( PWID ) need a container for this process . In the absence of proper equipment , they often resort to using items like teaspoons , bottle caps , or other improvised containers . However , sterile , safe , and specially designed cookers are recommended to reduce bacterial and viral risks .
Why choose STERICUP ®? The STERICUP ® is a sterile , single-use kit containing a cooker , a cotton filter , and a post-injection pad :
• The cooker is made of aluminium , a material proven safe even when heated . It includes a plastic handle for stability and to protect fingers from burns and is available in five distinct colours , reducing the risk of accidental sharing .
• The cotton filter removes high-risk insoluble particles .
• The post-injection pad is designed to compress the vein after injection , promoting better healing .
FILTERS
Filtering substances before injection helps prevent complications caused by insoluble particles , such as talc or starch . These particles are often introduced through cutting agents in street drugs or excipients in pharmaceutical products .
In the absence of proper filters , PWID may use cigarette filters or pieces of cotton , which are not sterile and provide inadequate filtration . This increases the risk of infections while failing to effectively remove particles .
Several types of filters have been developed to support harm reduction :
• Sterile cotton filters , which remove most insoluble particles and are included in the Stericup kit .
• Membrane filters , such as the STERIFILT +®.
Why choose STERIFILT +®? The STERIFILT +® is the first antibacterial filter specifically designed for harm reduction . Its 0.2 μm membrane provides exceptional filtration :
• Protection against insoluble particles . When injected , insoluble particles can block small blood vessels , particularly in the lungs , and cause vein damage . The STERIFILT +® eliminates all insoluble particles from the solution .
• Removal of bacteria and fungi . Solutions may be contaminated with bacteria and fungi , often transferred from the user ’ s hands . When injected , these contaminants can cause abscesses and more severe infections . The STERIFILT +® removes 100 % of bacteria and fungi , ensuring a safer injection process . Importantly , filtration with the STERIFILT +® does not remove active molecules or alter the desired effects of the injection .
Available from Exchange Supplies at www . exchangesupplies . org I To find out more visit www . apothicom . org