Insulin prefilled disposable pens or cartridges

[Raj2512]

Diagnosed as a T1 about 5 months back and have been using Novorapid and Lantus prefilled disposable pens (use & throw) as prescribed by my GP. I now learnt that both these insulins also come in cartridges which are about 25% cheaper than the disposable pen type.

Just am not very sure if I should switch hence need some advice from the forum members. Any pros and cons that you could share.

 

[Deleted Account]

I never used the prefilled pens.
Without seeing them, when I was first offered the choice, I went straight for the refillable pens.
My reason was to minimise rubbish. I have a big thing for recycling and adding as little as possible to landfill.

I found no cons to this approach. They were incredibly easy to refill taking less than a minute at a time.
As for pros
- less rubbish
- less cost
- less to carry with you (a spare cartridge takes up less space than a spare pen)

If you do go for the refillable pens, I would strongly recommend ensuring you have a spare pen (and take this on holiday with you). My pens lasted 7 or 8 years but when they died, they died pretty quickly so I needed a spare when this happened.

 

[Juicyj]

I also second using refillable pens as you can get 1/2 unit pens which make smaller boluses easier.

 

[Daphne917]

Apologies if I’m straying a little off topic here but I am currently injecting myself with Heparin following a major op but I think I may be doing it wrong because, no matter which way I do it, it always hurts or I manage to get a little bubble under my skin or have a little bruise at the injection site! Is there an easy way or, as I’ve only got another 10 jabs to go, do I just stop wingeing and put up with it and remain in AWE of all you T1 and T2 diabetics who have to routinely inject 2-3 times a day!

 

[paulus1]

what are you meant to be doing is it subcutaneous or into the muscle. with that drugi think you will get bruising and blood blisters

 

[kaylz91]

I vote for cartridges too, the pen is much more robust as well, doesn't feel like cheap c**p in your hand like the pre-filled ones and as mentioned available in half units which is fab! x

 

[TheBigNewt]

I don't think it matters much which you use. I think they quit using the cartridge refill pens in the US but I did get them at one time not in years though. What I remember is that sometimes the prong that pushed on the cartridge to eject the insulin would sometimes fall off the plunger that pushed the insulin out so it would not inject any insulin. Which was a drag because I'd have to toss the remainder if the insulin cartridge in the trash, retract the pusher rod, and start with a new one.

 

[Daphne917]

what are you meant to be doing is it subcutaneous or into the muscle. with that drugi think you will get bruising and blood blisters

It’s subcutaneous

 

[becca59]

Take mine to chemist for disposal.

 

[TheBigNewt]

Apologies if I’m straying a little off topic here but I am currently injecting myself with Heparin following a major op but I think I may be doing it wrong because, no matter which way I do it, it always hurts or I manage to get a little bubble under my skin or have a little bruise at the injection site! Is there an easy way or, as I’ve only got another 10 jabs to go, do I just stop wingeing and put up with it and remain in AWE of all you T1 and T2 diabetics who have to routinely inject 2-3 times a day!

Subcutaneous heparin disappeared in this country around the time we stopped using cassette tape players. Now it's Lovenox.

 

[Deleted Account]

Take mine to chemist for disposal.

Do you know if they are returned to the manufacturer for recycling or whether they are treated as "clinical waste"?

 

[Daibell]

My DN offered me the choice of disposable or refillable. I took the latter to reduce waste. If it was me I would ask the DN to change your script to refillable. I've been using my Novo original ones now for 5 years or so; they are very robust.

 

[becca59]

Do you know if they are returned to the manufacturer for recycling or whether they are treated as "clinical waste"?

I honestly don’t know. Next time I’m in I’ll ask.

 

[Daphne917]

Subcutaneous heparin disappeared in this country around the time we stopped using cassette tape players. Now it's Lovenox.

We are still using Heparin here in the Uk however Lovenox still needs to be injected so surely the process is the same regardless of what it is for?

 

[Raj2512]

Thanks for the inputs.......much appreciated.

 

[SueJB]

I agree that the refillable ones reduce waste, do half units and the pen is sturdy. However, I find the whole rituals to do with diabetes a pain so the fewer faff events I have to do including having to put in a new cartridge.