Syringe pen for insulin

To facilitate the task of administering insulin to patients suffering from type 1 diabetes , a special pen syringe was invented. Consider how this device is arranged and how to use it.

How is the syringe pen for insulin?

This small compact device is designed for subcutaneous injection. Outwardly, it is very similar to a conventional pen designed for writing, however with a larger diameter. Currently, you can buy a one-time option, and reusable syringe-pens for insulin .

The difference between the two options is significant:

1. A disposable syringe pen has a non-removable cartridge. Therefore, after using the device, it is simply thrown out. The lifetime of such a device depends on the dosage of the drug and the frequency of injections. On average, one-time option is enough for 20 days.
2. The reusable device lasts much longer - about 3 years. This continued use is provided by the ability to replace cartridges.

Acquiring a syringe-pen, you should take into account a small nuance. The manufacturer of cartridges filled with insulin releases the corresponding devices on the market. Therefore it is desirable to buy a syringe pen and refill cartridges of the same brand. Otherwise, the result of use may lead to negative consequences for the patient's health. For example, because of the broken scheme of injections under the skin will get a smaller or larger amount of the drug.

How to use a syringe pen for insulin?

The system works quite simply and makes the procedure as comfortable as possible:

1. Immediately before the injection on the device, you must put on a thin disposable needle. The length of the needles varies between 4-12 mm. Needles with a length of 6-8 mm are considered optimal, but this depends on the patient's anatomical features and the place chosen for injection.
2. Now you need to choose a dose of the drug. Especially for this purpose there is a small window on the device. Using a rotational element, the required number is displayed in the window. The advantage of modern models is that the set is accompanied by loud enough clicks. Therefore, you can set the desired dosage even in total darkness. As a rule, in such syringe-pens the step of insulin is 1 unit, much less often there is a step in 2 units.
3. It remains to make an injection in the selected area. At the same time, a compact device and a thin needle allow the procedure to be carried out painlessly and quickly. A visual dispenser makes the task much easier.
4. Some models are equipped with a memory function. It is enough to make a single value in the dispenser and you do not have to enter the required number manually.

Since you can introduce insulin with a syringe pen almost anywhere, patients prefer not to part with the device placed in a convenient case.

Disadvantages of the syringe pen

Despite the obvious advantages of the device over a conventional syringe, it is worth noting two significant drawbacks:

1. First, sometimes the mechanism gives a leak. In this case, the drug flows out imperceptibly to the patient and the dosage will be impaired.
2. Secondly, in most models on the market there are dosage restriction. As a rule, this value is equal to 40 units. Therefore, a person who needs to administer the drug in a volume exceeding 40 units will have to perform 2 injections.

Knowing how to make an injection of insulin with a syringe-pen, you can significantly alleviate the problem. But to ensure their own safety in order to prevent deterioration of their condition, it is necessary to choose devices from proven manufacturers and buy syringes-pens only in the pharmacy kiosk.