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should you reuse pen needles

No. In general, I'd suggest following the instructions that came with your medication rather than assuming that anything you do not understand is unnecessary or a conspiracy.
 
The simple answer is No but the choice is yours, the needles are designed to be used only once and do blunt quite easily, for comfort (if nothing else) it's best to change the needle each time that you inject.
 
AlexMBrennan said:
No. In general, I'd suggest following the instructions that came with your medication rather than assuming that anything you do not understand is unnecessary or a conspiracy.
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Pretty harsh reply considering the OP is a new member who asked a polite question.:grumpy:
 
Travelling enthusiast said:
I change mine about once a month on both pens, I'd been travelling for 2 years and saw the slums in India with small children playing with these needles, I'd never expected them to end up on landfill, how naive was I?
When I returned home I told my doctor and his response was that there was no need to change needles so often, keep the lid on your pen and make sure the area you inject is clean.
If it makes you nervous, then change by all means. But needles cost the NHS a lot of money and if we can make savings with no cost to our health, I don't think there is any harm.
All the best


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Strange first post at best-once a month???? Good luck to you and just hope no-one else believes this is the right practice.:mad:
 
Travelling enthusiast said:
I change mine about once a month on both pens, I'd been travelling for 2 years and saw the slums in India with small children playing with these needles, I'd never expected them to end up on landfill, how naive was I?
When I returned home I told my doctor and his response was that there was no need to change needles so often, keep the lid on your pen and make sure the area you inject is clean.
If it makes you nervous, then change by all means. But needles cost the NHS a lot of money and if we can make savings with no cost to our health, I don't think there is any harm.
All the best


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Your having a laugh, no credible doc, or anyone for that matter would not suggest that!

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paul-1976 said:
Strange first post at best-once a month???? Good luck to you and just hope no-one else believes this is the right practice.:mad:
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I thought this forum was an exchange of ideas. I said in the post to do what the individual was comfortable with, that's obviously the most important thing. My father and uncle both have had diabetes for over 30 years and they don't change their needles after every injection either.
If the needle was not to be reused why is the pen designed to cover a needle?
 
Travelling enthusiast said:
I thought this forum was an exchange of ideas. I said in the post to do what the individual was comfortable with, that's obviously the most important thing. My father and uncle both have had diabetes for over 30 years and they don't change their needles after every injection either.
If the needle was not to be reused why is the pen designed to cover a needle?
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Nah! I ain't playing-see ya!:rolleyes:
 
Travelling enthusiast said:
I thought this forum was an exchange of ideas. I said in the post to do what the individual was comfortable with, that's obviously the most important thing. My father and uncle both have had diabetes for over 30 years and they don't change their needles after every injection either.
If the needle was not to be reused why is the pen designed to cover a needle?
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Its not, some people use longer 12mm needles, others shorter which some pens do cover, others not. The needles used are very fine and after one use the needle can be damaged, google close ups of used needles, not nice. Can cause pain and mis dosage as well as infection. If no other needles to hand, yes re use then IF YOU HAVE too.
I'm leaving this conversation now cause your just trying to put mis information out there, and your winding me up, as well as others.

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Travelling enthusiast said:
Honestly the doctor who is the diabetes specialist told me so long as it's squirting insulin, it should be fine.


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I don't reuse mine for a month, but I reuse my pen needles at least a couple of times and have had no bad affects. Mostly, both are kept in the frig. Of course my GP has a fit. Dr. Bernstein says he even shoots his ( not pen needles ) through his cloths sometimes.

As for squirting insulin, I've found that the flow level can be inconsistent from one needle to another regardless if they have been used before - always prime the needle with two one unit dosages.

My Dad who is a retired surgeon told me that back in the day they reused their needles by sterilization - which he said was questionable and sharpened them - much thicker needle lol

For most of us, without compromises immune systems our bodies are robust and able to fend off microbes around us and basically the small pen needles are not intravenous



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brett said:
Its not, some people use longer 12mm needles, others shorter which some pens do cover, others not. The needles used are very fine and after one use the needle can be damaged, google close ups of used needles, not nice. Can cause pain and mis dosage as well as infection. If no other needles to hand, yes re use then IF YOU HAVE too.
I'm leaving this conversation now cause your just trying to put mis information out there, and your winding me up, as well as others.

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I've removed the post, I didn't want to upset anyone. I just wanted to share my experience. Don't think this site is for me. All the best.
 
I really can't believe that people do this, it's bloody dangerous and unhygienic, all sharps bins in the uk are incinerated not put in landfill


Type 2 diagnosed 24/01/2013.
Novomix 30, Victoza, Simvistatin.
 
noblehead said:
I would be questioning their advice, the modern micro-fine needles are for single use only.
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This is not advice, it is just what I do. But in fact in the States, where many diabetics have difficulty affording diabetic medicine and supplies reusing needles ( not sharing them ) is common practice

If you talk with the MDs that work at the free community clinic there they come from a very pragmatic and practical viewpoint that the risk are minimal if non existent especially when compared to skipping your insulin because you can't afford the supplies

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