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novo pens

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rossi_mac

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi guys,

I have been using two novo 4 pens, one for basal one for bolus.
Bolus pen was in pocket and there was some grit sand etc in my pocket, not a lot to be honest but still some small particals got into the back of the pen where you twist it to dial up the dosage, basically it doesn't work anymore, which is annoying. I had an older novo 3 pen which I am now using, I'm not bothered that it isn't as good I'll use it till it breaks too, however what surprises me and slightly worries me is the dosage, well I do a 2 unit air shot and it just seems less compared to the same shot using a novo 4 pen, so it makes me wonder...I haven't had great numbers lately but can't put it down to that alone yet.

Just wanted to know if any of you have any thoughts, no worries if you don't!

Cheers

Rossi
 
That's why I never leave a pen loose in my pocket, always inside a pencil case (which can be barely bigger than a pen) - it keeps grit out of pen mechanism.

Sorry, I can't help with details of Novopens, though, as I don't use them.
 
Don't really know Rossi - but could be older pen faulty too - I'd get a new novo4 and a spare if you can - clinic didn't question it when I requested a couple of 'spares' last time we went. Just got them straight out of cupboard - expected no have to wait or get the on scrip or something

Wouldn't keep the new one loose in your pocket, tsk tsk:D
 
You can actually get a soft case which holds two pens, and that's what i used to cart mine round in. Nicely monogrammed with the NN logo, freebie from a DSN's cupboard!

You might get one if you ring up their helpline and blag it 'my friend has one and I would like one too please because this has happened and it seems like a really good idea to protect the pen because I know they are very expensive'
 
I would order new pens on prescription and not leave anything to chance, if you are anything like me it's probably been a while since you last ordered one🙄
 
i would ask for new ones from the nurse too they either give you them straight away or can add them to your script so you can order as and when, my nurse always makes sure i have spares and advised that most last from 18 months to a year only.....
 
i would ask for new ones from the nurse too they either give you them straight away or can add them to your script so you can order as and when, my nurse always makes sure i have spares and advised that most last from 18 months to a year only.....

I don't think your nurse is correct there about pens only lasting 18 months. I am still using my Novopen3 which is now 6 years old, in fact I have two still in use which were given to me in hospital on diagnosis.

John
 
I don't think your nurse is correct there about pens only lasting 18 months. I am still using my Novopen3 which is now 6 years old, in fact I have two still in use which were given to me in hospital on diagnosis.

John

We were told the same - about 18 months
 
We were told the same - about 18 months

I've been using mine since June 2008 - got a spare but only ever used this one pen. Lantus is slightly different as I changed from a 2 unit autopen to a single unit one about 9 months after diagnosis, but since then I've used the same autopen (about 3 years, just under) I have noticed though that the autopen's numbers have now worn off so if I'm absent-minded when dialiing up a dose I can't see how many I have dialled and have to airshot it and start again counting clicks. Might sound a waste, but I have to throw away half a cartridge of lantus every time anyway because my dose is so low!
 
I don't think your nurse is correct there about pens only lasting 18 months. I am still using my Novopen3 which is now 6 years old, in fact I have two still in use which were given to me in hospital on diagnosis.

John

ah the 18 months was specific to one type that the numbers seem to rub off of around that timescale, apologies i should have added that in my response
 
i would ask for new ones from the nurse too they either give you them straight away or can add them to your script so you can order as and when, my nurse always makes sure i have spares and advised that most last from 18 months to a year only.....
and this should have read eighteen months to three years.... not sure where my head is at today!!!!
 
ah the 18 months was specific to one type that the numbers seem to rub off of around that timescale, apologies i should have added that in my response

Sounds like my autopen! 🙂

and this should have read eighteen months to three years.... not sure where my head is at today!!!!

Looks like I'm pushing the limits on my novopen then, I will order a new one on my next prescription 🙂
 
Good luck Rossi ! I know the feeling about not having cases & bags. Less clutter etc when at work. When i had my pens they lasted donkey years (nurses !🙄)
 
Just wanted to make it clear Rossi, the case I'm on about is still small enough to go in your pocket, it only increases the size of the pen marginally. It's not like a pencil case.
 
i found all the previous cases too big i now have a soft one that velcros shut, it is much more compact than others i have had with pens and is the first one i actually use
 
cheers all

Don't really have a nurse (dsn) to see as it is all done at doctors surgery, yes I do see a nurse but don@t as such know how to contact her! But I can add a note to my repeat script online! And that is how I got a half unit pen a year or so ago (that one didn't last 12months!) So I'll do that soon.
 
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