How to get a Half unit pen

[Typeunknown]

Hi guys im on novorapid but currently the one I have goes up in 1 unit ive text my diabetes nurse to ask about getting a half unit pen as I'm on 1:15 carb ratio and quite often have to round up or down which isn't ideal but she's not replied (shocker) does anyone know if there's any other way I can get a half unit pen as surely it's the same prescription just with a different pen thanks

 

[Jaylee]

Hi guys im on novorapid but currently the one I have goes up in 1 unit ive text my diabetes nurse to ask about getting a half unit pen as I'm on 1:15 carb ratio and quite often have to round up or down which isn't ideal but she's not replied (shocker) does anyone know if there's any other way I can get a half unit pen as surely it's the same prescription just with a different pen thanks

Hi,

Are you on reusable pens or prescribed the disposable type.
The Novopen echo I believe is a half unit reusable pen.
I’d be more inclined to ask the endo rather than a DSN. Though some DSNs may have a dusty box in the office left by a “rep?”

 

[Yaya10_10]

Hi,

Are you on reusable pens or prescribed the disposable type.
The Novopen echo I believe is a half unit reusable pen.
I’d be more inclined to ask the endo rather than a DSN. Though some DSNs may have a dusty box in the office left by a “rep?”

my nurse sent the prescription to my gp. talk to her it should be quicker that way.

 

[Deleted member 527103]

My DSN usually provides things like insulin pens and meters.
I usually contact her by email but if I need something more urgent I phone her.
As you have texted, i assume you have her phone number?

 

[Typeunknown]

Hi,

Are you on reusable pens or prescribed the disposable type.
The Novopen echo I believe is a half unit reusable pen.
I’d be more inclined to ask the endo rather than a DSN. Though some DSNs may have a dusty box in the office left by a “rep?”

i have the disposable pens currently. Annoying I won't be seeing my consultant until February next year now so it's a long time to wait! Xx

 

[Typeunknown]

My DSN usually provides things like insulin pens and meters.
I usually contact her by email but if I need something more urgent I phone her.
As you have texted, i assume you have her phone number?

Yeah I have her phone number but not email I'll try calling her today and see if she picks up. It's just a nightmare to get hold of her

 

[Daibell]

The surgery DN can issue pen prescriptions. Suggest you swap to a reusable pen - less waste and storage space.

 

[curly]

I was given a half unit pen at my diabetes clinic when I was diagnosed as I also have ratios of around 15:1-20:1. It’s great, I couldn’t imagine needing to manage with a full unit one. It was just lying around in the clinic, apparently for children? Unfortunately after 15 years it’s starting to pack up and I need to see if they can give me a new one when I go to clinic in October. If they can’t, honestly I will buy one myself privately as it’s completely essential for me now. Worth the cost.

 

[chrisbug]

Hi,

Are you on reusable pens or prescribed the disposable type.
The Novopen echo I believe is a half unit reusable pen.
I’d be more inclined to ask the endo rather than a DSN. Though some DSNs may have a dusty box in the office left by a “rep?”

Hi,
The NovoPen Echo does deliver ½ units.

The only way I would be able to use half units for my Humalog would be to use a junior pen, so this may be a similar issue for other insulins?
Why do manufacturers stop producing half unit pens?

 

[JMK1954]

The usual reasons I'm afraid. There is less demand for half-unit pens, so some DSNs are not even aware they exist. As a result, they don't suggest them as a possible solution to anyone who is pretty sensitive to insulin, like me. They don't know that 0.3 ml disposable syringes measure in half units either. If people are not aware something is available, or are told it isn't, demand falls, so the manufacturer decides there is obviously no need to produce this item. It's a vicious circle.