Novolog Pen Drips?

KyleN · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 08:59 PM

I recently switched to the Novolog Pens (from Humalog vials). I notice that the pen tends to drip quite a bit (before and after I use it)--there are always drops of insulin on my skin when I remove the pen from my skin. I don't think I'm getting the correct amount of insulin as I seem to be running high way more than I used to. Has anyone else seen this issue?

jenb · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 11:40 PM

I too had that problem. For that reason, and also because I need 1/4 units, I draw insulin from the pen into syringes with half unit markings.

Jen

miscreant · #3 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009, 06:57 PM

I'm bumping this because I have the same issue.

My basal, not so much an issue, but now that I am on bolus, too, this makes me wonder since I'm dealing with much smaller units.

UltiMica06 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009, 07:03 PM

U gotta leave the Needle inside for about 10 seconds or before removing it....I had the prob. too...I learned to wait a bit before removing

soso · #5 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009, 07:31 PM

and store the bloody thing needle pointed up or you will be minus 20 odd units per day—unless you look in the cap!

edited to say.. the company say thats why you should change the needle every time..store it without the needle...yeah right....

KyleN · #6 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009, 07:48 PM

I haven't seen this recently. I have been leaving the needle in for 10 sec after giving the insulin, keeping the button pressed, and not pinching the skin.

As for the later post--you definitely do not want to store the pen with a needle tip attached and you should change the tip each time.

miscreant · #7 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009, 07:53 PM

Note that I leave it in up to 15 seconds. I've even tried pushing hard, holding for 20 seconds, but same thing. It's like there's "pressure" inside my body

preventing it all from coming out, but when I withdraw it, it drips.

butterflykisses · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009, 08:48 PM

try a longer pen needle.

miscreant · #9 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009, 01:16 PM

I've tried ultra short (5mm) and short (8mm) to no avail. Can't go much longer than 8mm, don't have much to pinch at all.

SteveFromIowa · #10 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009, 09:35 PM

Needles stay in my Bolus pen all day before getting changed out. I change out my Basel pen needles twice a week and leave the needle in while not in use. I store them flat, not upright. I haven't lost any insulin while not in use that I am aware of.

A lot of others in the forums have said they reuse needles like I do. Is everyone removing the needles after use?

soso · #11 (**permalink**) 07-26-2009, 10:13 PM

I only change my needles when the pain from jabbing blunt pokers in hurts too much..lol.... I used to change them more often, then I got more adept at replacing that skinny little lid without bending the needle...

before you ask, never had an infection.

MiniMoe · #12 (**permalink**) 07-27-2009, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miscreant

Note that I leave it in up to 15 seconds. I've even tried pushing hard, holding for 20 seconds, but same thing. It's like there's "pressure" inside my body

preventing it all from coming out, but when I withdraw it, it drips.

Don't push hard. That makes the injection site more dense and may even result in you injecting in muscle. Push only enough to keep the needle in.

And use a new needle each time. You wouldn't stop washing your hands after using the bathroom and before eating just because there are some who don't.

Subby · #13 (**permalink**) 07-27-2009, 06:31 AM

It's great if people enjoy pens - don't get me wrong. But, they just dripped for me, whatever I did. That's about three different pen models I tried over the years, I personally believe the flaw must be pretty fundamental to typical pen designs, in conjunction with some people's flesh. I just used syringes, which never once dripped. In and out in 2 or 3 secs, not a drip. Just... better, for me.

SammyIamToday · #14 (**permalink**) 07-27-2009, 07:51 AM

I keep them in about 20 seconds. And try to kinda shake the skin up and down a little. Also make sure you really keep the button pressed. They still kinda leak, but that has made it a lot less.

Quote:

Originally Posted by soso

I only change my needles when the pain from jabbing blunt pokers in hurts too much..lol.... I used to change them more often, then I got more adept at replacing that skinny little lid without bending the needle...

before you ask, never had an infection.

This.

soso · #15 (**permalink**) 07-27-2009, 09:05 AM

I have never used a syringe, but like Subby, every pen I have had drips.. at first I was worried..changed pens, then decided as long as I got used to my doses, if it dripped that would just be part of the equation... Most trouble I had was when I stored it needle down for a day.. lost about 100u into the cap... I would hae thought that little inner cap might stem the flow a bit...in fact if I take the lids off and suspend the pen I will get a steady drip drip drip..

My DH ratted me out to our Dr re the reusing needles and lancets and she supported my stance that providing it is just me using them the infection risk is very small...as she said, we puncture and cut our hands all the time and stuff gets in, but we deal with it...

FWIW.. I do wash my hands before cooking, eating and after bathroom visits
can't say I appreciated the implication there, old pal.