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single (1) unit dose from Novorapid FlexPen

carl0s

Member
Messages
24
Location
Manchester
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi.
I'm not convinced that my Novorapid FlexPen is delivering a single dose effectively. i do prime it, although I often prime with 1U instead of 2, because it seems such a waste to prime with 2U every time.

I'm sure the stuff can't leak behind the plunger, so I suppose it has to be working, but I'm wondering if anyone has any opinion. I know they say that the last unit usually slowly forms on the end of the needle as a blob, but when I remove the needle I always get a blob anyway, no matter how long I've kept it injected for.

Before I get onto my DSN about getting a Novopen Echo (0.5U doses) or something, I thought I'd ask if you thought I had a valid concern or not?

It's just for corrective doses that I sometimes want 1U.

Thanks!

Carl
 
Hi, by the term "prime" do you mean airshot??
 
I can't help with the pen-injector because I never use the things.

I just use 0.3ml disposable syringes.

I've never had a problem with them, and I don't anticipate any.

Moreover, you aren't stuck with whole units, or even whole units plus half-units.

Pen-injectors not very subtle.
 

True, but I'd personally say they're quite subtle! Yes they're big, but I can jab myself really quickly and easily with no fuss anywhere any time without instilling horror in people nearby
I quite like the pen overall.
I wish I could put the cap back on with a needle on it though. I have started to leave the needle on that I have used before the meal, so that I reuse the same needle for a corrective dose if I need one, but then I can't put the cap on the pen.
 
Hi,

Yes, it's the size I don't like. The only one I ever tried was so fat it obscured my view of the injection site.

I'm no shier with a syringe than I would be with a pen injector. But each to their own.

I tend to re-use mine quite a bit (around a week) before disposing of them..
 
OK... I have a Novopen classic.. Been using them possibly for over 20od years.. Even longer if you count the old flimsy home computer beige type?
I have alway fired out a 2U airshot..
Never really looked at a 1U dribble off a micro fine before but I just had a go... Two U's is a safer bet. 4 if I've been on an aircraft for me!
Others may disagree..? I respect that..
 
I just checked and:
BD, who make the needles, say to prime with 2U.
Novo Nordisk, say to use 4U on a new pen, and 1U there onwards.

I'm not sure what you mean about the dose. Whether I'd need 4U or 2U is dependant on my readings and carbs etc.

I'm just not sure 1U actually gets ejected from the pen properly at all though. As you say, it's barely even a dribble.

I suppose a 0.5U pen would use the same needles though?
 


I was just talking about the airshot in my previous post. Far be it from me to tell you what to actually put into your body... Lol
 
Jaylee said:
I was just talking about the airshot in my previous post. Far be it from me to tell you what to actually put into your body... Lol
Click to expand...

Ah I see! Sorry

How come a larger airshot when coming off an aeroplane then? Does the pressure affect the pen?
 
Yep, the liquid expands pushing out a little insulin if the needle (if attached) then contracts, sucking in air...
Without the needle you can see the membrane on the cartridge bubble out. Always better to give a tap & check yer airshot in my book.
 
OK I will remember that for next time I fly!

Thanks

Now, about that more-dilute insulin... is there such a thing?
 
carl0s said:
OK I will remember that for next time I fly!

Thanks

Now, about that more-dilute insulin... is there such a thing?
Click to expand...

Keep you insulin in the cabin with you when traveling...

"More dilute insulin". I'm not clear on your query on this..?
 
Jaylee said:
Keep you insulin in the cabin with you when traveling...

"More dilute insulin". I'm not clear on you query on this..?
Click to expand...

I mentioned before that if the insulin was diluted more, I wouldn't have this problem. e.g. if it was diluted 50/50 with something inert, then I'd be injecting 1U but the volume of liquid would be equivalent to what I get for 2U at the moment.
 
carl0s said:
OK I will remember that for next time I fly!

Thanks

Now, about that more-dilute insulin... is there such a thing?
Click to expand...
There was when I was first diagnosed... U20 and U40 insulin, but now it's all U100 or higher
 
I think there was too much scope for error as the syringes were not marked in U20, U40 or U80 so they standardised everything at U100
 
carl0s said:
I mentioned before that if the insulin was diluted more, I wouldn't have this problem. e.g. if it was diluted 50/50 with something inert, then I'd be injecting 1U but the volume of liquid would be equivalent to what I get for 2U at the moment.
Click to expand...

I see what you mean... Lol I see what you mean now (I'm old school.) what I used to term as a "suspension fluid"..

Robert72 jogged my memory.. I've been on the U100 stuff fer years....
 
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