Flexi Pen or Novo Pen for pump failure?

[Picci]

My specialist nurse asked the GP to prescribe flexi pens in case of pump failure. .

While on MDI therapy, I used the Novo Pen Echo insulin pen, with a memory function and half-unit dosing. It's a good pen and I would prefer to keep it as a spare in case of failure, rather than the flexi pen.

I know it is my choice, but I am wondering if anybody else has a Novo Pen for pump failure? I have so many spare cartridges which don't expire for approximately a year too!

Surely flexi pens attribute to plastic pollution All that plastic to be thrown away, at least the Novo Pens are reusable.

What do you all use? Is it me, am I stuck in my old ways?

 

[Chas C]

I have the pre filled pens for spares, so just need to add needle. Also have Novolog pre filled pens too.

 

[Deleted Account]

I have only known reusable pens for exactly the reasons you state: attempting to keep plastic waste to a minimum.
I just kept my old NovoPens as pump back up with the cartridges.
In the two years I have had my pump, I have never had to go back to the pen and recently realised my pen cartridges were out of date so had to order more (and made a mental note to check the replacements more often).
The only reason I can think of for flexipens is if you can get less of them than the 5 cartridges in a pack to avoid wasting unused (but out of date) insulin.

I know some people carry their pens with them all the time as pump back up. I carry a small syringe which I can fill from my pump cartridge if the pump fails.
I see my pens as overnight backup so only take them with me if I am out for more than a day.

If I am planning to be away for a week or more, I take a loaner pump which Animas provide. I do not know if other pump suppliers arrange these but I find them useful for peace of mind to avoid ruining a holiday or business trip.

(Sorry for the long response which goes beyond your question.)