The result is often that patients with a fear of injections continue their treatments erratically or even stop them altogether. People who require injections of thrombosis agents, diabetics who generally need their insulin several times a day, patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis or children whose growth is inhibited - they and others like them all depend on injections of their medications. For them, their fear can become a vicious circle which can generally only be broken through psychotherapy. The success of many medications depends on compliance with treatment. If, though, patients suffer from psychological problems such as a severe, or even slight, fear of injections this often has a negative effect on the regularity of medicine administered in this way. The consequences range from deliberate forgetfulness to total refusal.

Motivating patients to adhere to their treatment by gentle means is the underlying concept of the new injection devices from Merck Serono, which feature a concealed needle that is hardly felt. The development of easypod™ in 2007 in particular facilitated the treatment of children with growth hormones. And the market launch of RebiSmart™ in June is trend-setting for patients with multiple sclerosis. The easypod™ was especially developed for children who had until then been using autoinjectors, and is characterised by its ease of operation and reliability. Negative experiences can be the cause of a fear of injections, especially in children, explains Laura Ritthaler. “I’m not scared of the needle anymore because it’s hidden,” says one young patient who, with the help of his easypod™, is expected to grow quite a bit more.  He is one of 37 patients who took part in a small study in Sweden – with surprising results: 29 of the 34 patients who finished the study preferred easypod™ due to its easy operation and its reliability. easypod™ has already taken several awards including the International Forum Design prize in 2007 for product design. A recipe for success for both doctors and patients alike, and a concept that will now be used in RebiSmart™. 

Treatment with RebiSmart™ comes as a blessing especially for patients who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Besides the already life-changing diagnosis of MS, the idea of now having to daily self-administer an injection is, for many, a thought that fills them with horror. With the new high-tech device, treatment is now a walk in the park. Of course, it will not cure an injection phobia. But the fear of needles and injections and the loss of control is minimised. Patients are able to adjust the injection settings on the device completely according to their needs. Just a little push of the button is enough and the fear-inducing episode is over. Not even a jab and it’s over. Marie Humble now has to wait. Just three more months until the birth, which she needs to somehow survive. But before the next child, she actually wants to complete a treatment, she explains bravely.