Advice on switching to refillable insulin?

[UnworthyBean]

Hi all,

I'm currently using a combination of Novorapid flexpens and Lantus Solostar pens but I'm ideally looking at switching to the refillable pens simply to try and reduce a bit of plastic usage. Thankfully I'm not on massive dosage but every little helps! Obviously I'll speak to my DR but thought i'd get some advice first.

Firstly, anyone know if the pens will have to be bought myself or if they're available for free? Not to worry if they're not.

Also, pen choice - the NovoRapid I can find plenty of Information and choices so sorted there. I can't find anything for the Lantus though unless I'm blind?

Any other advice on the switch would be appreciated if anyone can offer it!

 

[Deleted member 527103]

The pens should be available to you through your prescription.
I don't think my GP is aware of them (but then I am sure they struggle to spell "Type 1") so if you have a hospital based diabetes team, I would ask them.
Pens are available for both NovoRapid and Lantus - I have been using them for more than 15 years and never used pre-filled pens.
Make sure you get spare pens - one of each.
Reusable pens are more robust than the single use ones but they do fail so you must have backup.
I never took my back up pens with me when I went out for a few hours but always took them when I was away overnight.

Oh, and well done and wanting to change. I never understand why single use pens seem to be so popular.

 

[Jaylee]

Hi all,

I'm currently using a combination of Novorapid flexpens and Lantus Solostar pens but I'm ideally looking at switching to the refillable pens simply to try and reduce a bit of plastic usage. Thankfully I'm not on massive dosage but every little helps! Obviously I'll speak to my DR but thought i'd get some advice first.

Firstly, anyone know if the pens will have to be bought myself or if they're available for free? Not to worry if they're not.

Also, pen choice - the NovoRapid I can find plenty of Information and choices so sorted there. I can't find anything for the Lantus though unless I'm blind?

Any other advice on the switch would be appreciated if anyone can offer it!

Hi,

I use re-usable pens. Never used anything else. & prescribed the same basal bolus regime you are..

You are looking for the AllStar-pro pen for lantus.. Actually sturdier than it looks.
https://www.dca-design.com/latest/sanofi-launches-allstar®-pro-reusable-pen-injector

 

[EllieM]

I agree with the others, never seen the need for disposable pens. Plus who has room in their fridge to store pens rather than cartridges? (Certainly not me.) Though I agree spare pens are a good idea, I get by with a packet of disposable syringesfor emergencies when my pen breaks or (more likely) I've managed to lose/mislay it.

 

[searley]

The often will want you to use disposable until they know you will be sticking with that treatment

I never had much luck with the gp so as your hospital they will write to the gp telling them what to add to the prescription