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Type 1 Novapen 5 Novafine needles

I

iangott

Newbie
Hi
I am new to this forum, but I remember the day of a syringe and a bottle of insulin! Things have moved on since then and I have the fantastic Libre sensor, use Toujeo (very long acting) and Fiasp (very quick acting) insulins. The Novapen 5 is great as it reminds me if I cant recall when and how much I have used. For ages I have used Novofine needles without a problem, here I have to confess that I don't change needle after every use just every day.

So here is the problem, the GP says they are too expensive and have so far given me two alternatives, one without an inner cap (which does not seem hygienic or safe) and the other has the inner cap too long so that the pen lid does not click into place.

I am very happy discretely injecting myself (even around a dinner table, whip pen out and done) but having to screw on a new needle on is not discreet.

Does anyone use this pen with alternative needles that fit?

Many thanks

Ian
 
iangott said:
Hi
I am new to this forum, but I remember the day of a syringe and a bottle of insulin! Things have moved on since then and I have the fantastic Libre sensor, use Toujeo (very long acting) and Fiasp (very quick acting) insulins. The Novapen 5 is great as it reminds me if I cant recall when and how much I have used. For ages I have used Novofine needles without a problem, here I have to confess that I don't change needle after every use just every day.

So here is the problem, the GP says they are too expensive and have so far given me two alternatives, one without an inner cap (which does not seem hygienic or safe) and the other has the inner cap too long so that the pen lid does not click into place.

I am very happy discretely injecting myself (even around a dinner table, whip pen out and done) but having to screw on a new needle on is not discreet.

Does anyone use this pen with alternative needles that fit?

Many thanks

Ian
Click to expand...

Hi Ian,

I remember the "olden days" of "drawing up," too.

How long are the proposed new needles by your GP for the Novopen 5?

I also carry my pen with the needle "ready to go." (& a spare handy just incse.)
I've not had in my experience any issue with the inner cover removed, as long as the needle is shielded by the Novapen cap.
 
Thanks for the response, I guess I could use it without the inner cap but it doesn't feel right. The latest are Microdot Max insulin needles and the inner cap is probably around 3 mm too long. Not much but enough to make the pen not clip together
Ian
 
iangott said:
Does anyone use this pen with alternative needles that fit?
Click to expand...
I use the Klinion 5mm needles, which are the cheapest ones my pharmacy has, according to the pharmacist (I asked them because I didn't want my health care insurance to pay for a more expensive brand). They fit in my Novopen 5 with the inner cap. Not sure if they are available where you live though.
 
iangott said:
Thanks for the response, I guess I could use it without the inner cap but it doesn't feel right. The latest are Microdot Max insulin needles and the inner cap is probably around 3 mm too long. Not much but enough to make the pen not clip together
Ian
Click to expand...

Yep, I think the inner covers where accommodated by the earlier Novopen caps in the late 1980s?
But the caps back then were prone to sliding off so the needle cover didn't realy help.
I'd say the older pens could have been aprox 8mm longer with the cap?

I'm thankful for the sturdier & slightly shorter modern pen design.

OK, I'm just in the process of changing my Lantus cartridge & the needle on the Novorapid too. (Whilst at it.)
The "geek" in me has the tape measure out. the inner caps measure at 15mm. They cover a 4mm needle.

Long time since I tried it, but but out of curiosity & to help your enquirory, both my AllStar pro for Lantus & The Novopen caps click into place with the inner sheathing in situ.

Hope this helps.
 
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