An FYI on what you need to know about insulin supply issues in the UK

[Lanny]

That's great news @Lanny.
You mention you have two pens.
Is that all? You must have at least one spare one because insulin pens can break and then you would be left with no method to dispense your insulin.
They usually last a good few years but you never know when they may fail.

I asked how long the pens last & pharmacist couldn’t say. I will ask for another 2 pens & say they’re for back ups! 🙂

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I asked how long the pens last & pharmacist couldn’t say. I will ask for another 2 pens & say they’re for back ups! 🙂

In-use pens will generally last up to 28 days at ambient (room) temperatures.

Extra pens should be stored in a refrigerator (but not allowed to freeze). If properly stored they should last up until their expiry date printed on the box. 🙂

 

[Robin]

In-use pens will generally last up to 28 days at ambient (room) temperatures.

Extra pens should be stored in a refrigerator (but not allowed to freeze). If properly stored they should last up until their expiry date printed on the box. 🙂

I think Lanny means the actual reuseable pens themselves, not the cartridges that go in them. I’ve had mine for about 3 years so far, but I’ve got the old ones to fall back on should I have a breakage, only thing is, I’d have to live without the dosage info, as the batteries have worn out in the old ones.

 

[Lucyr]

Apidra cartridges aren’t on the shortage page but have an unknown duration supply issue at least near me. I’ve now got a prescription for disposable pens to try, if I can’t get those then will switch insulin to anything except humalog. Yes you can check with the pharmacist what they can get hold of but it can change in the time taken to sort the prescription for that item out.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I think Lanny means the actual reuseable pens themselves, not the cartridges that go in them. I’ve had mine for about 3 years so far, but I’ve got the old ones to fall back on should I have a breakage, only thing is, I’d have to live without the dosage info, as the batteries have worn out in the old ones.

Ah! Oops. Sorry @Lanny

Thanks for clearing that up @Robin

Novopen 6’s seem to be guaranteed for 3 years (and the insteuction book seems to suggest it would be the battery that might fail, when reading the disposal instructions. And there doesn’t seem to be an obvious recommendation for lifespan that I could see from a quick scan.

https://www.novonordisk.com/content/dam/nncorp/global/en/our-products/pdf/instructions-for-use/novopen-6/Novopen6-IR.pdf

I kept my reusable pens for longer than only 3 years when on MDI!

 

[Bruce Stephens]

And there doesn’t seem to be an obvious recommendation for lifespan that I could see from a quick scan.

I think the assumption is that you'll replace it as the battery fails if nothing else breaks. (They're not rechargeable or anything.) While the outside is metal there's plenty of plastic bits that could break if you were unlucky and dropped it while changing the cartridge or something.

In normal (reasonably careful) use I presume the battery will run out some time before mechanical failure, so assume 3-5 years.

 

[Duncan Mackay]

In-use pens will generally last up to 28 days at ambient (room) temperatures.

Extra pens should be stored in a refrigerator (but not allowed to freeze). If properly stored they should last up until their expiry date printed on the box. 🙂

In fact reusable pens should not be stored in a fridge. I use Sanofi reusable pens and the instructions specifically state that they shouldn't be stored in a fridge.

 

[Lucyr]

In fact reusable pens should not be stored in a fridge. I use Sanofi reusable pens and the instructions specifically state that they shouldn't be stored in a fridge.

If you’re using the reusable pen that it’s clearly in use and not in the fridge. Mikes talking about extra disposable pens.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

In fact reusable pens should not be stored in a fridge. I use Sanofi reusable pens and the instructions specifically state that they shouldn't be stored in a fridge.

Yes in the situation where someone is using penfil cartridges, it’s the in-use penfil cartridge that stays out of the fridge (in the reusable pen), and the spare penfil cartridges which are kept in the fridge. 🙂

It one of the great things about reusable pens - the penfil cartridges are so much more space-efficient to store in the fridge!