NovoRapid FlexPen Question

[Kaylz]

Hi there is anyone else on here using the NovoRapid FLexPen and could give me some advice please x

 

[khskel]

I used to use them but I'm now on the NovoRapid Echo

 

[Kaylz]

You may be able to help then great 🙂 see when the plunger reaches the number 12 mark does that mean there's 12 units left in it or 12ml if so how many units are in a ml etc x

 

[Matt Cycle]

Hi Kaylz

I use these. Yes, the 12 mark means there's 12 units left. The pen cartridges are 3ml and so this means at 100u /ml you have 300 units per pen. The marks on the barrel are approximate so if it's close to the end you can twist the plunger to see how many units you have left and then twist it back.

 

[Kaylz]

Hi Kaylz

I use these. Yes, the 12 mark means there's 12 units left. The pen cartridges are 3ml and so this means at 100u /ml you have 300 units per pen. The marks on the barrel are approximate so if it's close to the end you can twist the plunger to see how many units you have left and then twist it back.

Thanks for that Matt I had no idea if you twisted it when it was low it would tell you how many was left either so I put my last pen out with a little left in it oops x

 

[khskel]

They very rarely go right to the end any way

 

[Greyhound Gal]

I was told when it gets to 10u to throw away.

 

[Northerner]

I was told when it gets to 10u to throw away.

My doses vary from 4-7, so I'd be able to squeeze another injection out of that! 🙂 And I usually do - I use a novopen echo, which has the facility to check remaining insulin in cartridge. When I was first diagnosed I was on higher doses and initially used to do two injections if the dose had to be split over two cartridges, but then I decided it wasn't worth the extra jab 😱 🙂

 

[Kaylz]

I was told when it gets to 10u to throw away.

Ah I've never been told that, I will ask the nurse next week it's currently going to 47 units when i twist it so will last me another good few days x

 

[Kaylz]

My doses vary from 4-7, so I'd be able to squeeze another injection out of that! 🙂 And I usually do - I use a novopen echo, which has the facility to check remaining insulin in cartridge. When I was first diagnosed I was on higher doses and initially used to do two injections if the dose had to be split over two cartridges, but then I decided it wasn't worth the extra jab 😱 🙂

Mines are usually between 3-5 so will last me a while yet got off with only 2 units for breakfast today though haha x

 

[Kaylz]

They very rarely go right to the end any way

Why's that x

 

[Robin]

Why's that x

I think pens are made to a standard model, to take all kinds of insulin cartridges, some of which need to be shaken up to mix two different sorts of insulin contained in them, so you always need a bit of 'shaking room'
Also, the plunger is flat, but the cartridges taper to a point, so the plunger eventually gets stuck.

 

[Kaylz]

I think pens are made to a standard model, to take all kinds of insulin cartridges, some of which need to be shaken up to mix two different sorts of insulin contained in them, so you always need a bit of 'shaking room'
Also, the plunger is flat, but the cartridges taper to a point, so the plunger eventually gets stuck.

when would you suggest I dispose of it sorry for the daft questions x

 

[Rosiecarmel]

When you can't twist it anymore ie 0 units left

 

[Robin]

when would you suggest I dispose of it sorry for the daft questions x

Not daft at all, just something you can't be expected to know. I don't use this pen, but I think it's similar to my Echo. I chuck it when you dial up the number of units you want, and it won't go round that far! Which isn't much help if you're out, or if the new cartridge is in the fridge ( it's Ok to use it straight from the fridge, btw, it's just a bit less comfortable). To be on the safe side, if you're going out and it looks low, I'd twist it round to check the amount left before you go, and if there's not enough for what you think you might need, change it before you go.( remember to include the 'fresh air' shot you do before each jab when you're calculating your needs)

 

[Matt Cycle]

These are disposable pens Robin. Garish orange and blue plastic with a sealed cartridge. The whole lot gets chucked when it runs out. Not very environmentally friendly but a lot lighter in your pocket than re-usable pens with separate cartridges.

 

[Robin]

These are disposable pens Robin. Garish orange and blue plastic with a sealed cartridge. The whole lot gets chucked when it runs out. Not very environmentally friendly but a lot lighter in your pocket than re-usable pens with separate cartridges.

Ah, I see, thanks Matt. So you could just take a new pen with you when the old looks low.

 

[Kaylz]

Ah, I see, thanks Matt. So you could just take a new pen with you when the old looks low.

Sorry I forgot to mention they were pre filled disposable pens, thans everyone for your help and yeah I haven't tried using them straight from the fridge as I've been told it ca be much more nippy x

 

[silentsquirrel]

If you forget to take the new one out before you need it, just take the cap off, and hold the lower part of the pen in your hand for a few minutes, which will warm it up enough (but not too much!)