Harm Reduction Cotton filter choices

[phatass]

So i already know that micron filters are the most effectuve/safest way to IV drugs but that's not an option at this very moment

So im wondering of these 3. Choices which would work the best

1) q-tip
2) cotton ball
3) cigarette filter

i used to prefer Q-tips out of the 3 before i got access to microns and steris... interesting tho about the rizzla ffilters... they were the ones i used a couple of times when not at home....

 

[livetheopiatedream]

Cotton fever isn't from getting actual cotton in ur syringe. It's from bacteria that grow in your nasty wet used cottons. If u actually shot a piece of cotton it would cause complications far worse than cotton fever lol .. Myth of the century. Makes no sense. Also needle prolly too fine to even draw cotton.

 

[Swimmingdancer]

Cotton fever isn't from getting actual cotton in ur syringe. It's from bacteria that grow in your nasty wet used cottons. If u actually shot a piece of cotton it would cause complications far worse than cotton fever lol .. Myth of the century. Makes no sense. Also needle prolly too fine to even draw cotton.

It's true that "cotton fever" is usually caused by injecting bacteria, although not solely from used cottons, new ones can harbour bacteria too or you can get bacterial contamination elsewhere. But no one said we were talking about cotton fever, we are talking about drawing fibers into the syringe which can and does happen.

 

[mrflowers00]

it could be older filters and they have changed the way they make them now

 

[oldkaw]

^that's highly unlikely to happen, regarding the pharmaceutical diamorphine.

Well, yes, I agree. However it is an accepted medication for advanced chronic and/or terminal pain relief in more countries than most realize. Its kept off the radar because of the negative press that always follows. If you know an oncology nurse or reasonable facsimile thereof you will know yes, its out there. For patients who have been on long term methadone maintenance programs and have under gone a serious surgical procedure, its about the only med that can provide acceptable relief. But the initial question was tell me the safest way, not most realistic way, anyway.

 

[oldkaw]

It's true that "cotton fever" is usually caused by injecting bacteria, although not solely from used cottons, new ones can harbour bacteria too or you can get bacterial contamination elsewhere. But no one said we were talking about cotton fever, we are talking about drawing fibers into the syringe which can and does happen.

Every time you i.v. a drug you are bypassing virtually all of your bodies defensive mechanisms, and putting irreplaceable organs at risk for infections one may or may not ever be able to correct. Some, like hepC may take a while to take their toll, but eventually the dog will come back to bite you in the ass one day, you can count on it.

 

[Swimmingdancer]

it could be older filters and they have changed the way they make them now

Nope, cigarette filters have never contained any fiberglass. They have always been made out of cellulose, since the 1920s when they were invented. There have been a couple of brands that have used activated charcoal in filters and one that used asbestos fibers back in the 1950s, but that's it.

It's true that "cotton fever" is usually caused by injecting bacteria, although not solely from used cottons, new ones can harbour bacteria too or you can get bacterial contamination elsewhere. But no one said we were talking about cotton fever, we are talking about drawing fibers into the syringe which can and does happen.

Every time you i.v. a drug you are bypassing virtually all of your bodies defensive mechanisms, and putting irreplaceable organs at risk for infections one may or may not ever be able to correct. Some, like hepC may take a while to take their toll, but eventually the dog will come back to bite you in the ass one day, you can count on it.

I'm not sure how that is a response to me? Were you just elaborating about the dangers of potentially injecting bacteria/viruses?

 

[oldkaw]

More about the dangers of non sterile injection practices in general.

 

[rallynug]

Over here in the UK every needle exchange gives out packs of cigarette filters and ive never had a dirty hit and its hard to find anyone that has, so?