For Americans..you use pens

[liz32]

Hi, lately I've been hearing that Americans don't use insulin pens as a rule. I was questioning why we don't have a lantus pen here in Canada and both my pharmacist and my diabetic clinic say that we don't becuase americans don't use pens much and so the company who makes lantus won't bother to make pens for us in canada. I've however noticed that at least a few of you use lantus pens. I'm just wondering is that the average or do you mostly use syringes and pumps. I just can't figure why I can't get a pen here in Canada and since there are an abundance of americans in this forum I thaught I'd put the question to you. Thanks. I'd like to either see that they are right or prove them wrong.
Liz

[Penny]

I would use the Lantus pen if it was available. It is much easier using my Novolog pen than the syringe. I wonder how that would work though, I use 70 units of Lantus....been splitting it, 50/20, but that is still a big dose for a pen.

[jeggeman31]

I wonder how that would work though, I use 70 units of Lantus....been splitting it, 50/20, but that is still a big dose for a pen.

Now please forgive me if I am wrong, my memory is not the best. However when I was on that great mix ****, I used a pen. I used 70 units of that great stuff, and the pen only went up to 60 so I had to dial it up and do 2 jabs.

[Cyborg]

While I was on MDI, my insurance wouldn't cover pens.

[gettingby]

Hi, lately I've been hearing that Americans don't use insulin pens as a rule. I was questioning why we don't have a lantus pen here in Canada and both my pharmacist and my diabetic clinic say that we don't becuase americans don't use pens much and so the company who makes lantus won't bother to make pens for us in canada. I've however noticed that at least a few of you use lantus pens. I'm just wondering is that the average or do you mostly use syringes and pumps. I just can't figure why I can't get a pen here in Canada and since there are an abundance of americans in this forum I thaught I'd put the question to you. Thanks. I'd like to either see that they are right or prove them wrong.
Liz
Hi Liz. Have you considered contacting Aventis and requesting that they provide Lantus in the pen form for Canada? Might not help but you never know. If more people let these companies know what they would like to see, the company may work on making it possible. Wouldn't hurt to let them know what you want.

[HelenM]

Penny
The lantus pen delivers up to 40u. The instructions say that you have to give 2 or more injections for more.

[Tokyo Cate]

I've however noticed that at least a few of you use lantus pens. I'm just wondering is that the average or do you mostly use syringes and pumps. I just can't figure why I can't get a pen here in Canada and since there are an abundance of americans in this forum I thaught I'd put the question to you. Thanks. I'd like to either see that they are right or prove them wrong.
Liz

I am a Canadian using a Lantus pen in Tokyo and it is OK. But only OK. It is certainly better than old-fashioned vials and syringes, by a long shot, but it is not as good as other pens. Aventis needs to invest more money in making its pens match the performance of other pens (the best I have used to-date is the Novopen 3).

[TvBabe]

Liz I recently attended the Vancouver Diabetes Expo and the Lantus people were there. They told me that the Lantus Pen would be available in December here in Canada. It had to get approval from Health Canada.

[rzrbks]

the Opticlik Lantus pen can deliver 80 units in one injection.

http://www.opticlik.com/home.do


I really like having this pen. The only thing is that you MUST use the BD needle rather than a Novo needle.

The carry case is pretty nice too. It holds 2 extra needles and I think it holds and extra 300ml cartridge as well.

The only down side, as far as I'm concerned, is that the Opticlik cartridge will only fit the one pen.

But hey, to get to use up all the insulin I paid for instead of throwing 1/2 of it away, I'll put up with not being able to use another type of pen.

[Penny]

Penny
The lantus pen delivers up to 40u. The instructions say that you have to give 2 or more injections for more.

I was just thinking, my Novolog pen is disposable, either that would be a lot of pens, or there is somekind of disposable cartridge?????? Excuse my ignorance, but just trying to get a picture of how it would work. I would like to use a pump, but guess I am too old for one...I guess they figure I won't live long enough to get their money's worth (but I intend to show them how wrong they are). So if I can make the 5 to 7 shots I take daily, easier, I sure would like to try it and will bring it up, next time I see my doctor. Maybe if enough of us do, it will get back to the Lantus manufacturers and they will make them for all of us.

[jeggeman31]

I was just thinking, my Novolog pen is disposable, either that would be a lot of pens

When I was on pens my DR wrote my script out for so much insulin, and they gave me that amount in pens. I got 4 box's per script and there was 5 (if I am remembering correct) per box.

[Penny]

When I was on pens my DR wrote my script out for so much insulin, and they gave me that amount in pens. I got 4 box's per script and there was 5 (if I am remembering correct) per box.
I get a box of 5 Novolog pens,I use those in about 6 to 8 weeks time. I get the Lantus in vials. I did not know it came in pens.

[liz32]

I am also trying to figure out which is more cost effective: lantus or levemir? Levemir is available here in Canada in a pen. This is how it breaks down for me:
lantus-1oooo units $80
syringes 100 $28

levemir 1500 units $168
pen tips 100 $30

I also us the novorapid pen which I like. Right now I buy both syringes and tips so there is waste there. The levemir is more expensive but where I only use 837 units a month, there would be less waste as levemir comes in 300 unit vials and has a storage life of 6 weeks at room. I can't decide what to do. I'd like to stay with lantus but as I can't get it in pen (and you say the pen you do have isn't great), and I end up purchasing more supplies it seems like the way to go is levemir.
Liz

[rzrbks]

I also us the novorapid pen which I like. Right now I buy both syringes and tips so there is waste there. The levemir is more expensive but where I only use 837 units a month, there would be less waste as levemir comes in 300 unit vials and has a storage life of 6 weeks at room. I can't decide what to do. I'd like to stay with lantus but as I can't get it in pen (and you say the pen you do have isn't great), and I end up purchasing more supplies it seems like the way to go is levemir.


THat's why I switched to the Lantus pen. Even though the syringes and vials of Lantus were less expensive, I was wasting so much of each vial. So. I sat down and figured up the per unit cost per vial, then figured up the unit cost per cartridge.

Even though the initial outlay for the cartridge is more, $9 U.S. per unit cartridge Vs $6 per unit vial, since I threw away so much of each vial, the per vial cost was closer to $22 U.S.--------was obvious to me which way I had to go------I'm glad I got the Opticlik Lantus pen.

[liz32]

rzrbks, do you really like your pen? I've heard here that the lantus pen isn't as good as the novo pen. I've made an appointement with the doc for friday to see about switching. The other bonus's to switching to levemir is the ph balance is better (lantus stings!), and it doesn't cause wieght gain like lantus can.
Liz

[rzrbks]

I believe, after talking to the sales rep., the Lantus pen used in the U.S. is different than the one used anywhere else. At least, that's what I was told about a year ago.

I do like it:

A. it's cheaper because I use all the insulin rather than throwing away 1/2 or more of a vial. I can use up a 300ml cartridge in less than a month, but I couldn't do that with a 10ml vial

2. I like the security of hearing the clicks as I dial up the amount of insulin, just like with my Novolog pen

Thirdly. When I do have to travel, the case the Lantus goes in carries two extra needles, an extra cartridge, and the Hard plastic carrying case will fit into my shirt pocket as opposed to carrying syringes, cooler and vial.


On the down side,

1. It's not as convenient as a novo pen, larger and bulkier

Secondly. the cartridges are a pain to get in place, sometimes, they have a "Tail" on them that has to fit "Just So"

C. You Must use BD needle caps on them. The Novo needles leak, or so I have read and been told.


On the whole, I really do prefer then pen.

But, if I could get the Levemir cheaper, and it came in a cartridge that would fit in a Novo pen, I'd probably switch.

[rzrbks]

Been doing some checking, liz32.

Since I don't like disposable pens, and Levemir 3 ml cartridges seem to be cheaper than Lantus cartridges, I do believe that I'll be looking into this.

[liz32]

The levemir at least here in canada comes with the novo pen becuase the reps said that they have labels and a blue pen so that people don't get their rapid and long mixed up. I think, like you that it's worth looking into. Let me know what you decide. I go to the doc's on friday so we'll see if she agrees. If so then I think I will switch.
Liz

[psilocybin]

C. You Must use BD needle caps on them. The Novo needles leak, or so I have read and been told.


i was told the needles were the same and interchangable

[HelenM]

Penny
I was just thinking, my Novolog pen is disposable, either that would be a lot of pens, or there is somekind of disposable cartridge??????

Mine is disposable, its an Optiset. Mine comes in boxes of 5. It dosesn't seem to be available in the US. I don't find it as user friendly as the one for Novorapid but I'm sure its better than using a syringes
Looking at the link from rzrbks the Opticlik has a changeable cartridge.

Its interesting to note the difference in availability and use of pens between the US and Europe. A quick search of the net seemed to show that whereas the vast majority of diabetics in Europe use pens, more people in the US use syringes (although the market is growing).

[rzrbks]

psilocybin

rzrbks

C. You Must use BD needle caps on them. The Novo needles leak, or so I have read and been told.



i was told the needles were the same and interchangable

I thought so too, but while talking with the sales Rep., he mentioned it. And the CDE made a Big point of Only using BD needles as the Novos didn't quite fit correctly.

[liz32]

Been doing some checking, liz32.

Since I don't like disposable pens, and Levemir 3 ml cartridges seem to be cheaper than Lantus cartridges, I do believe that I'll be looking into this.
I just switched to the levemir. while the initial cost was a bit steep it will be cheaper and less waste in the long run. I must admit, I'm really happy about it.
Liz

[someone]

I have a Lantus pen. You should be able to get one from your doctor (at least in the US).. you cannot get them any other way.

As a matter of fact, the Lantus pen is called "Opticlik" and the website is http://www.opticlik.com/.

[Sarah]

[QUOTE=rzrbks]I really like having this pen. The only thing is that you MUST use the BD needle rather than a Novo needle.


As U said it's mean than BD needle better than Novo?
I also feel that but need to ask others opinion.
And I plan to switch NPH to Lantus or levemir but I also plan to have a baby how about others experience?
:king: :puke: