Using a syringe driver

Keeping pain to a minimum

A syringe driver is a small battery-powered pump that delivers medication from a syringe through a soft plastic tube placed just under the skin.

It is used to deliver a continuous dose of medication to control symptoms such as pain, sickness and fitting.

The nurse or doctor who sets up the syringe driver will explain to you why it is being used and answer any questions you may have.

When in use, the syringe driver makes a gentle whirring noise which is normal and is an indicator that it is working properly.

In general, syringe drivers are reliable and don’t need a lot of care, but it is important to:

• keep the syringe driver and area around the needle dry
• look out for signs of redness or discomfort where the needle meets the skin
• don't drop it
• let your nurse know if the syringe driver alarm goes off as this may indicate a problem or the need for a new battery
• tell your nurse or doctor about your symptoms so they can review how well the medicine is working

If the machine does stop working, don’t panic. The medication will continue to be active for a while. If the alarm on the machine does go off contact your District Nurse as soon as possible.

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Using a syringe driver
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