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http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/drug-users-reject-terumo-syringes-at-needle-exchanges-20160705-gpz1wy.html#ixzz4Df3wL6q5 Drug users reject Terumo syringes at needle exchangesHealth workers are worried about a new batch of syringes being given out at needle and syringe exchanges.Drug users are rejecting a new batch of syringes in Australia's needle exchange programs, saying they're too blunt and too flexible and that the tips are snapping off in people's arms.
The trend is causing alarm among needle and syringe program workers who say they have been inundated with complaints about them.
They fear the problem is driving people to use old and shared equipment that puts them at risk of HIV and Hepatitis C, and will cause people to abandon their services altogether.
Frontline workers told Fairfax Media that drug users have been reporting problems with the Terumo syringes for the past few months. The users say the needles are causing injuries to their veins and blood spillage - problems that can lead to bacterial infections and blood borne virus transmission. Some have required surgery to remove needle tips stuck in their arms.
Users are demanding old stock and when they don't get it, they are walking away to find other alternatives, the workers say.
"The impact is becoming more and more obvious … It's a public health disaster," said one who did not want to be named.
Another said it was a "massive problem" that would have long term consequences for the program, which hands out millions of syringes across Australia.
One of the new Terumo syringes piercing its cap"We need a response now," the second worker said.
Head of Harm Reduction Victoria Jenny Kelsall said she had heard of people breaking into syringe disposal bins to find old equipment. However, she said the Victorian government was working on the problem and hoped it would be resolved within months.
CEO of the Pennington Institute John Ryan said he was working with the Victorian department of health on a survey of about 400 injecting drug users to see which syringes they prefer.
He said the department of health had sourced three different products from overseas for the survey, which is due to begin later this month.
Mr Ryan said it was difficult to know if anecdotal reports of deficiencies were legitimate as opposed to people getting used to dealing with a new product in a "highly ritualised and habitual" practice. He said there may not be anything technically wrong with the syringes.
Fairfax Media understands the complaints about the Terumo syringes emerged after the company moved its production line from the US to Asia. The new products manufactured in Asia have filtered through to the needle and syringe programs in Australia in recent months.
A spokesman for the Victorian Department of Health said it was aware of a "small number" of complaints and is seeking consumer feedback on new products.
He said the government's procurement agency, Health Purchasing Victoria, had not received any other reports from health services relating to the product.
"The needles meet current standards, and product testing prior to their introduction did not identify any safety issues. Guidelines have been developed to help clients using the new needles," he said.
"Any clients using the products who have concerns are encouraged to talk to Needle and Syringe Program staff."
In 2009, an Australian government assessment of needle and syringe programs concluded that between 2000 and 2009 they prevented an estimated 32,050 HIV infections and more than 96,000 Hepatitis C infections.
Over the nine years, the program cost governments $243 million. For every dollar spent, the report said the government saved more than $4 in avoidable health and disability costs.
Professor Paul Dietze, a leading drug expert with the Burnet Institute, said there were about 20,000-35,000 people in Victoria who injected drugs and about 135,000 in Australia. He said it was too early to determinethe consequences of the syringe problem.
However he said any threat to Australia's successful needle and syringe program was a concern given its prevention of costly diseases.
A spokeswoman for Terumo Australia said while the company had received some complaints, no "quality issues" had been found.