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Type 1 Insulin pen needles

Clairey78

Member
Messages
10
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi all, is it right that my Dr’s surgery has changed my pen needles without discussing this with me first? I only found out when I picked up my prescription from the chemist.
 
That depends on what YOU think of them. Doctors change to something cheaper, if they can find another suitable product, often without consulting us. I would try out the new ones, but if you have any problem with them, explain it to your doctor and ask to go back to the previous needles. I had to do this years ago. I found the new needles were less sharp and I ended up with some enormous bruises, so I asked for the previous ones again. We are all different and doctors cannot always be sure what will suit us best. I would have accepted different needles if they had performed as well as the originals -but they didn't.
 
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon.
The usual reason is to save money but it depends what the change is.
If your needles are shorter, this change is due to aligning with common practice. Most people find shorter (usually 4mm) needles better.
If your needles are a different make, this is to save money. Some people are fine with the cheaper brands. Others find they don’t “glide” in as easy which is uncomfortable (and maybe painful). If this is the case for you, I would recommend discussing with your GP and, if different, you Diabetes team.
 

The new needles don’t glide as easy as the others and I have been left with some horrible bruises. I will speak to my GP and ask to go back to the others. I have also found that this other brand don’t screw on to my pen properly and it can take a while before it stops twisting.
 
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