Lantus SoloStar

[shiftzor]

Well I figured for those of you thinking of using the SoloStar I would post some quick pictures of it. I’ve not used it, although it does feel lighter and seems sturdy.

Novo 3 Demi - Dark blue/Orange
Autopen 24 - Green
Lantus SoloStar - Silver

Sorry for grainyness of pictures, but you get the idea.

[Tattoo azz]

hey that looks pretty dam good
is it available on prescription? or will i only be able to get it at my consultants?

[owlyn]

In the U.S., it is available only by prescription. I've been using it since it came out. Works great.

[Jill-O]

I use it too, and like it :)

[jmilliman]

I use Lantus SoloStar along with the Novolog Flex Pen :D

[Alice]

I wish they had made it in a much brighter/contrast color than the Humalog pen! Like a bright red or purple...

I think I would wrap some day-glo duct tape around mine...

I'm still using the OptiClik...I've learned to love/hate it. At least it's so clunky you aren't likely to reach for it by accident.

[Jill-O]

I do agree with Alice. I've not mixed up my pens, but I could see how it would be easy to do so.

[UpNorth]

The SoloStar does look nice, but i'm on Levemir these days, and Novorapid, so i'm on the NP4's :D If i had still been on Lantus, i'd probably give the SoloStars a go... I really HATED the prefilled Lantus pen i used...

[owlyn]

Yeah, I've almost mixed them up. Fortunately, the feel of the dial is so different it stops you. They should have made the pen purple, like the lable, or a different shape. The look very similar.

[shiftzor]

Its prescription in the UK, but my doctor didn’t have a problem prescribing me a trail run of them (comes in a box of 6). Even though I had to fight to get test strips :D I did my first injection today with the new pen and I found it pretty good, no watery stuff comes out like on the Autopen 24 (insulin I assume) when I inject. However dial is a bit fiddly, maybe I’m just being too picky and not use to it yet ;) I hope it might reduce the chances of having “holes” in Lantus cover.

[ant hill]

Hey the Lantus Solostar may be my pick as I hate using the pen that Sanofi Aventis has produced.
And most people like it. :)

http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/attachments/type-1-diabetes/2980d1202404926-lantus-solostar-
I'll have the bottom one please. :D

[JJM335]

I hope it might reduce the chances of having “holes” in Lantus cover.

Errr.... don't get your hopes up! The insulin is the same stuff. That said the SoloStar is much much better than the dreaded Autopen 24. I used to hate the spring loaded injection system. It always seemed to put in the insulin too fast and I would frequently find insulin leaking back around the needle and onto my leg after injecting. Not exactly confidence inspiring - plus I prefer to control my own injection thank you very much!

I also use the SoloStar for Apidra (the Apidra pen looks the same except it is blue). Obviously the bolus insulin pen gets used much more frequently than the basal. Haven't had any problems with it to date.

Joel

BTW If your pens come in boxes of 6, you must be getting yours on the Tesco special offer (Buy five get one free). Mine come in 5's.

[Elina]

That SoloStar looks quite nice. But Autopen 24 looks like something I would never use! :s:

[DCaplinger]

I have used all of the newer autopens (Lantus, Levemir and the Novolog). I prefer the SoloStar from Lantus over the others, hands down. It feels better in the hand, it's easier to inject, and the motion of the injection is much more fluid.

I really like the ease of use of the pens, especially while my doctors are adjusting my insulin levels up about 3 times a week. I'm still out of control, however my spikes are rarer and rarer, and my morning BGL's, while still high, are becoming more and more consistant.

Regards,

[shiftzor]

BTW If your pens come in boxes of 6, you must be getting yours on the Tesco special offer (Buy five get one free). Mine come in 5's.

I think it’s a new side effect of Lantus, it stops me counting pens in boxes marked Lantus :o My boxes also come in 5.

Has anyone tried the Opticlik? It appears to be digital and my doctor nearly gave it to me instead of the SolorStar. It's also disposable (cartridge system at least)

OptiClik - Getting to Know Your Opticlik Pen (http://www.opticlik.com/)

[JJM335]

Has anyone tried the Opticlik? It appears to be digital and my doctor nearly gave it to me instead of the SolorStar. It's also disposable (cartridge system at least)

[/url]

When I first started on Lantus, my clinic put me on the Autopen. They specifically recommended not using the Opticlik as it apparently has a tendency to jam!

Joel

[owlyn]

The OptiClick is a piece of schriatp. Worst pen ever. Ties with the Lilly HumaPen Memoir for worst pen design ever. It does jam, and the feel when injecting is just not good. Use the SoloStar.

[isleharper]

Hello,

Have been using the SoloSTAR pen since about December 2007. It's great!! I hate needles, but have no problem with the one you uses with the pen. This is because there are the thinnest and shortest needles I've ever seen.

Only 3 problems with the usage:

1. You "throw away" 1 to 2 units testing the needle's correct seating, but this also allows you to check the color of the insulin to make sure its still good for use. HAlf and Half trade, but better trade if needle is defective. It does happen. :(

2. Need good insulated holder for pen even in the spring and summer. ;)

3. Military pharmacy still do not carry pens, behind again, but you can go to civilian pharmcy and use Tricare/Champus to lower price. :)

[Subby]

2. Need good insulated holder for pen even in the spring and summer. ;)

If you are looking for that you can't go past a frio. 5 min in water and it's good for a couple of weeks.

FRIO US :: Buy Online (http://www.frious.com/buy/Individual%20Wallet)

[aleshia clark]

Yeah i have tryed the opti click and was not a fan of it. I then got the solo star and really love it. I think that its much easyer to use. With the opti click i was having trouble pushing the button to inject the insluin.