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Anyone using half unit Novorapid pen?



Great - lots to read now! It's a new day which started well until (wait for it) I rang the surgery to try to make an appointment to see the Diabetic Nurse who is sometimes based there. To cut a long story short, she rang me and I explained I only had the NovoPen Echo Pen, no cartridge and no ?correct needles. On the pack it clearly states I must use Penfill 3 ml insulin cartridges, and NovoTwist or NovoFine disposable needles up to a length of 8mm. The Nurse told me I can use the same cartridges and needles that I already have. I explained I use Unifine Pentip needles 5mm (I am very small). The Nurse then told me to open the NovoPen and try to fit the cartridge I use now plus one of the needles I use now. I repeated three times what I had read and told her about regarding the correct items to be used and she got quite impatient. I told her I did not think it would be a good idea to start using what she suggested in case it was wrong!

Now I am not sure what I should use. Please can someone advise.
 
What cartridges are you using at the moment? If they are Novonordisc insulins, then they are designed to fit the Novonordisc pens ( all of them ) . They are called "Penfill " to distinguish them from the vials and flex pens ( disposable insulin pens) . What is your current pen ? I'm sure you did say at one point, but I've forgotten

Your current needles should fit your Echo, the insert with the pen recommends Novofine because they manufacture them, but the needles don't have to be those alone. I use BD Microfine 4mm on my Echo, and many others use different needles from the Novo ones.

Try what you have and see, it will either fit, or won't, you can't damage it or yourself by trying . It's always difficul to have a conversation such as the one you had today over the phone, and sometimes the nurses forget that not everyone is as familiar with the equipment as they are

Signy
 
if it does all fit together...I would do air shots and inject into an open syringe if you have one, to measure the shot to reassure yourself that everything is fine
 
I use Unifine Pentips 5mm. Cartridges for my old Novorapid - Nurse says I can use these in the Novoecho. Is this correct? My brain is too scrambled to think straight now
 
Yes, that's correct
Same cartridges, same needles .

Signy
 
I get my echo pen tomorrow but my dr Is off so I can't get any prescriptions for new cartridges yet
 
L3wisr said:
I get my echo pen tomorrow but my dr Is off so I can't get any prescriptions for new cartridges yet
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If your using a Novopen now the cartridges will fit into the Novopen Echo.
 
noblehead said:
If your using a Novopen now the cartridges will fit into the Novopen Echo.
Click to expand...
It's the disposable novorapid flex pens I'm using at the moment I think. Not used cartridges as of yet, was told to change my prescription
 
I think you will love the difference between the Flexpen and the Echo when you get the cartridges To me it makes a lot of difference ( don't I sound a right sad git ? Lol ! )

Signy
 
L3wisr said:
It's the disposable novorapid flex pens I'm using at the moment I think. Not used cartridges as of yet, was told to change my prescription
Click to expand...

Right, you will need to change your prescription to the 3ml cartridges that fit the NovoPens.

One thing is for sure, you'll be well impressed with the Echo once you start using it
 
L3wisr said:
Good to hear! Going to pick it up a minute
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Just remember, each click is half and unit not a full one, thought I'd mention it as some people do just count the clicks in the pen when dialling up.
 
noblehead said:
Right, you will need to change your prescription to the 3ml cartridges that fit the NovoPens.

One thing is for sure, you'll be well impressed with the Echo once you start using it
Click to expand...

Just received a delivery of NovoRapid Penfill insulin and a pack of Novotwist needles. I think something may be wrong here.
 
lollyann1 said:
Just received a delivery of NovoRapid Penfill insulin and a pack of Novotwist needles. I think something may be wrong here.
Click to expand...


The Novorapid Penfill cartridges are the ones used in the Novopens like the Echo.
 
lollyann1 said:
Just received a delivery of NovoRapid Penfill insulin and a pack of Novotwist needles. I think something may be wrong here.
Click to expand...
That's exactly what I'm using with my Echos, so you have the correct supplies.

I really like the NovoTwist needles compared to the screw-on type
 
robert72 said:
That's exactly what I'm using with my Echos, so you have the correct supplies.

I really like the NovoTwist needles compared to the screw-on type
Click to expand...


Thanks everyone - at one point I thought I was going mad.
 
I've now got my cartridges as two echo pens. Only tough thing now is choosing out of the red or blue one
 
L3wisr said:
I've now got my cartridges as two echo pens. Only tough thing now is choosing out of the red or blue one
Click to expand...

Good. I managed to put the cartridge into the holder but I can't get the pen lid to stay put on the end of the pen, it just won't connect. I am jinxed with this. So have made an appointment to see a Nurse (non Diabetic can't get appointment) at my surgery tomorrow
 
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