I swapped to Levemir just so I could use the Echo, I then started having an allergic reaction to the Levemir and had to go back to Lantus.
I was so annoyed with the useless Sanofi pens that I developed a method to use Lantus in the Echo!
The main problem is that a lantus cartridge is slightly fatter and shorter than a novo cartridge.
For the width, I put 2 lengthwise cuts through the sticker and peel half the sticker off (leaving the Lantus name)
For the length, you need a 2mm ring the same diameter as the cartridge, I found a tent pole sleeve cut to 2mm works well. Make sure this is the right size or it may interfere with the pens plunger if incorrect.
Then, click off the plastic cap from any novo cartridge and put it on your lantus cartridge.
Put the Lantus cartridge in the holder, ring on top of the cartridge and assemble as usual.
This method has 2 drawbacks :-
- due to the difference in cartridge width, you are giving 6% more Lantus than novo, this needs to be taken into account when swapping to/from this method. ie 9.5u from the Echo = 10u from a sanofi pen.
- auto stop at the end of the cartridge does not work, make sure you check for this before each use and I would make sure that the plunger is never pushed into the end of the cartridge as this may damage the pen.
I've been using this method for a few of months now without issue.