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Insulin: cartridge problem or pen?

C

crk

Member
Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Other
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi all

Just went to take my levemir, and the cartridge was 35 units short. Can't have miscalculated, as I take 60 units/dose, so just get 5 doses out of a cartridge, as they usually have just over 300. Has anyone ever had that much missing from a cartridge, or could it be a problem with my pen, which is elderly?
 
hi there -- do you always do an air shot to make sure you have insulin in the needle tip ?
300 divided by 60 =5 but minus 4 air shots = 56 left on last dose

plus if you prime the cartridge at the beginning that usually wastes a couple of units ---- so at 60u per dose I would reckon you would realistically only get 4 full doses from a cartridge

sorry....... hope this helps
 
I was told of a test you can do. Nb it usee the outer cap on your needle.

"OK this is how you test your pen.
1st. Screw needle in place, remove cap.
2nd Do an air shot, as you would prior to an injection.
3rd Replace outer cap.
4th Dial in 20 in units.
Now with the pen pointing directly downwards, depress plunger and inject the 20 units into the outer cap.
If you look at the cap you will see 4 flutes/ fins . The bottom of the fins/ the smooth area is exactly 20 units. The 20 units should fill the bottom of the cap up to where the flutes/ fins start."
 
Yes, I do an air shot, and prime, but a 300 unit cartridge usually contains 305-310 units, so I just get the 5 doses. Been doing it for ages, and I've only once been short by a few units. Tonight, tho, I was 35 units short , which seems a lot - so either the cartridge had a lot less in than usual, or my pen is no longer reliable. Just wondered if anyone else had had the same problem.
 
That sounds like a good test - I'll give it a try. Thanks.
 
phone your DSN in the morning for a new pen !!
health is not worth the risk of a dodgy delivery
 
I'm picking up prescriptions this week anyway, so I think I'll add that on. As you say, not worth taking the chance.
 
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