Pens

Wildbill · #1 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007, 03:23 PM

Is a prescription required to purchase insulin pens/cartridges?

Peggy · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007, 03:52 PM

I've never tried to buy my Flexpens without a prescription but I have bought my husband's vials of insulin without one. No insurance will cover it without a prescription and the pens are pretty expensive without it!

sleepy_hound · #3 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007, 04:21 PM

As far as I know, all insulins and pens that have insulin in them require a prescription from your doctor. I once got the OptiClik Lantus pen device from the doctor free, but had to get the insulin at the pharmacy. The reason behind that is the doctor wanted to make sure I was properly trained to use the OptiClik from their office before I went on my own with it.

Wildbill · #4 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007, 05:09 PM

As far as I know only a few insulins require a prescription and syringes do not require a prescription. I can't understand why a pen would require a prescription.

palefacegirl03 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007, 06:33 PM

It depends on your state and their regulations and also on the type of insulin. When I was on NPH and Reg, I could just go and buy a bottle without a script, same with needles, I am in Texas.
I take Novolog and Lantus and nees a script for each of them.
Not sure on the rules for other insulins or other states.

The prefilled pens have insulin in them , if you get a cartridge, then it has insulin and you will need the pen to put the cartridge in. Insurance would require a script to cover it.
You may be able to get the empty pen without one.

HTH