What is the Risk of Disease Transmission when Sharing a Syringe but Switching Needle?

I just recently had 1 syringe of juvederm ultra plus injected into my upper lip for fullness by an RN. Upon using the first syringe she said that I really needed another syringe worth to achieve the desired effect. My best friend came with me and she only used half of her syringe. The Lady who did the injections said I could use the remainder of her syringe but she would switch the needles. Is there a high risk of blood related transmitted diseases by doing this.? It was a very poor decision.

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by Hak in Houston, TX

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Lip Augmentation

Hello, There is no “discount” worth risking transmission of disease. To be honest, the primary concerns in reusing needles / syringes / anything that isn’t properly sterilized are Hepatitis C and HIV. Neither of which have a cure. Regardless of the risk of reusing someone else’s syringe, why take the chance? Hope this helps.

Sharing Lip Augmentation

The answer is absolutely NEVER share syringes even if the needle is changed. This is a cosmetic procedure in which you are trying to improve your appearance, why would you risk anything to cause a major problem to arise. The nurse who suggested this to you has medical ethics that should be questioned and in many physicians opinion reported. Your safety and health ALWAYS comes first.

What is the Risk of Disease Transmission when Sharing a Syringe but Switching Needle?

This is a clear violation of all medical code and ethics as well as basic disease transmission guidelines. This should never, ever be done period. I'm sure no experienced MD would have done this.

Syringe sharing is a bad idea

Sharing a syringe, even if you change the needle, is a terrible idea. The fact that the nurse who did the procedure suggested it, is a very scary scenario. Make sure to talk to your friend and get yourself checked.

Never share a syringe with someone else

I agree with all of the other physicians who answered this question, never share a syringe with another person, even if the needle is changed. Although the risk of disease transmission is low when you know the other person is healthy, it's not worth taking the chance. I would like to clarify a comment by Dr. Schulman. All of the major filler manufacturers, Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse, do make "half size" syringes. It is also common for physicians to... more

Lorrie Klein, MD

145 reviews

Laguna Niguel Dermatologic Surgeon

www.ocdermatology.com

Sharing a Syringe of Juvederm

It is a bad idea to share syringes or needles, even with your best friend. At least you know this person who hopefully will share any known health problems. Under the circumstances there probably is not a high risk of transmission of disease.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Sharing same syringe is a no no

Firstly, Sharing the same syringe is a definite "no no". Blood can be aspirated back into the product and in some areas we purposely pull back to be sure that we are not in a vessel. Also, why would you have a nurse inject you when you can have someone with a full medical education and knowledge of anatomy do this. Does this person realize the blood can be transmitted into the material. Secondly, In practices where we do a lot of this we have a good idea of what you will need prior... more

Sharing syringes, even with a new needle, places you at risk.

Sharing a syringe, even when using a new needle, is a direct violation of standard precautions. I agree that you should report the RN to the state medical board. If she is engaging in this type of reckless and risky behavior, it is likely that she is also taking shortcuts in other areas as well. I see this in NYC all the time....advertised prices for 1/2 syringes, knowing that there is no such thing as a 1/2 syringe and clearly you are getting someone elses leftovers. This... more

Sharing syringes

This is a BAD idea. There is a clear risk of transmission of disease from one patient to another and this type of activity should never happen!!!

Horrible idea and should never be done

Sharing any syringes or needles is always a terrible idea and should never be done under any circumstances. Whatever the risk is, it is clearly not worth it.

Sharing a syrige

Answered very well by Dr. Freiman. This is a dangerous practice and should be reported to the health department of your state. Protect other patients.

Sharing Needles is Never Suggested

There are multiple problems that you are exposing yourself to: I would not suggest sharing a needle OR syringe. The question you should ask yourself is if the person your are sharing with was a known AIDS patient or Hep C patient, would you give that syringe to your child or parents? If the chance was 1 in a million that you could contract the disease but you are that 1 that makes your chance 100%. You are getting injected by an R.N. The fact that this person feels it is ok for... more