Novopen sell by date?

[fencesitter]

Just wondering if there is a lifespan on an insulin pen. William's had his Novopen Junior since diagnosis (2.5 years) and it seems to work fine, if looking a bit battered. He also uses disposable pens so it's not in use constantly. Couldn't find any info about it - can he just carry on using it or should they be replaced at intervals?
Thanks.

 

[Northerner]

As far as I know they can be used until they fail for some reason (or get superseded by a better model!). I've had my Novopen 3 since diagnosis and used it for over 3 years, but now it is my 'spare' as I have a Novopen Echo.

The Echo might be replaced when the battery runs out and it no longer shows the dose reminder though. I used to use an Autopen24 for my lantus and I can see those needing replacing more frequently as they are shoddily constructed, plus the numbers wear off on the dose dial.

 

[trophywench]

No they just carry on carrying on, normally, BUT.

You should check it's actually still delivering the actual dose you dialled, as the plungers do go a bit iffy with age.

I think you can use the plastic needle cases which hold a prescribed amount, summat like 4u, is it?, but can't recall the details now.

The other thing is, the Junior is a half unit pen and disposables usually aren't, so how does that compute for him?

 

[fencesitter]

Yes, it's a half unit pen - he doesn't really need the half units any more, although for the first year or so it was incredibly useful as his ratios were constantly changing and he often didn't need much insulin. Great idea to test whether the pen is still delivering the correct amount - thanks for that.