Anyone reuse needles from flex pens?

[KEVIN88GT]

just like the title said....curious does anyone reuse theirs?

[JasonJayhawk]

Yes, but only if the needle stays on the pen. Once it's off the pen, I've never felt like it's clean enough to re-use.

I never had success reusing pen needles with Levemir flexpens, though. It seems that the fluid clogs within a few hours of non-use. With Novolog flexpens, it's a rare event (though it does happen if the pen hasn't been used in 8-24 hours).

Before using the needle again, I do a 1-unit airshot, with the hope that any "germs" might be reduced by the medication.

I'm probably asking for some sort of lipid disorder from needle reuse, but these things are just too darn expensive to use just once!

I have made the mistake of recapping the pen needle and placing the entire pen back in my pocket, only to stick my hand in later and reach in for a surprise after the cap falls off. That is not what I call good times!

[Funnygrl]

Of course.

[Penny]

I do because my doctor only gave me a prescription for 3 injections a day with the pen, and I sometimes take as many as 6....for snacks, or if I did not do enough for a meal, etc. But sometimes I forget to bring a new one and use the one that is on the pen. It feels different when I use one a second time though, doesn't hurt, just feels a little duller, maybe.

[kel4han]

my daughter and I share syringes, for dinner, breakfast, lunch. But we dont "reuse" them really. We share them....but after WE each use them for a meal we trask them. I give her injection first though, becuase pharmacists/endos swear to me that after one puncuture they are alot more dulled.

[Funnygrl]

my daughter and I share syringes, for dinner, breakfast, lunch. But we dont "reuse" them really. We share them....but after WE each use them for a meal we trask them. I give her injection first though, becuase pharmacists/endos swear to me that after one puncuture they are alot more dulled.
Hmmm, even though she's your daughter and stuff, that just doesn't sound like a good idea.

[liz32]

I used the novorapid tip for one day and then throw it out...it is too expensive. The levemir clogs so they are a one use only tip. I'm very carefull about not letting the needle touch anything other than my skin so hopefully there aren't too many germs involved.
Liz:)

[right2fight]

I have to agree with Funnygirl. It's not a good idea to share syringes. As I recall from an earlier post of yours, your daughter is only 6 years old. Do they have a low cost medical program for children with medical needs in Nova Scotia. If so, I would certainly look into it for needed supplies.

Margaret

[JasonJayhawk]

I agree, sharing needles is not wise. It does not sound like good times when having to deal with sickness passed by subcut fluids.

[sofaraway]

I re-use the novorapid flexpen needles, not because the cost issue, i can use as many as i want. but because it's a pain changing them and i'm lazy, i change it once a day though. I'll always do a 2units ait shot to check it's not blocked.

[Emm]

Yep - I use my Novorapid needle for a full day - 4 - 7 jabs. Lantus I use for 2 - 3 days, so 4 - 6 jabs.

Would *never* share my needle with anyone else, family or otherwise. But no problem re-using my own. Used to use them for weeks until I realised how much they were hurting and bruising me!

[trunkles]

I re-use all the time. 1 needle, 1 cartridge. Why waste them? :D

I will change them occasionally, if they get really blunt.

[kgm0612]

Prior to pumping, I never reused a pen needle when I was on NPH and 70/30.

Karen

[Scratch]

For my Novolog pen, I change once per day, either when I wake up or just before leaving for work.

I've frequently made multiple uses of syringes in the past, but currently use a one-and-done method for the Lantus and syringes.

I wouldn't ever share syringes and needles though.

[Chris Graham]

I reuse mine too. I change it when it "hurts"...about 3 or 4 jabs.

[MATT5]

call me crazy, but I use the same needle on my Lantus Opticlik pen and the one on my Humalog pen until each one is empty...:eek:

[KritterMom]

I have an insulin pump now, but when I did MDI's, yes, I re-used my needles all the time.

[June91]

I never had success reusing pen needles with Levemir flexpens, though.

In fact, they clog so fast with Levemir (no other insulin - and I've tried most), there should be a warning on the box ;)

[thomasb]

Use a new needle everytime. Figure since they are free for me i might as well. Novorapid.

[Tyler]

I've never considered this before.

Insurance is being a pain and only allowing 100 needles per 20 days. So, 5 shots a day. I often take many more than that. I've never even considered reusing needles before now but it appears to be common practice?

Is everyone using alcohol wipes?

[Jill-O]

No. I'm way too much of a chicken. I use a 70/30 Novolog Flex Pen 2x a day, and a new needle each time.

Now, my lancets on the other hand..... I've decided to start changing those 1x a week when I set up my medicine in that weekly pill dispenser thingy. I think my finger tips would be less sore if I were less lazy about my lancets.

[shabbie6247]

i change my needles once a day on both pens. novorapid pen gets re-used up to 5 or 6 times! and ive never, ever, ever used an alcohol wipe!

[rzrbks]

What!!

Do mean to tell me that the needles will come off before the cartridge is empty?

[Peggy]

I use the Novolog pen and change the needle after about 5 days. I am on a very low dose and twice a day injections so a pen last me a long time. But after about 10 injections it starts to hurt. Not a cost issue, just a lazy issue. It's so much easier to just pop off the cap. dial the dose, and stick it in.