Question about Insulin Pen

[Kyle's Mom]

My CDE gave us a pen for our novolog injections to try out and see if we like it. I have only used it a couple of times. When I put the new needle on, it leaks. I set the dial for the amount of units I want and it still is leaking and when I gave him a shot I noticed insulin leaking down his arm. I know each time I used it he did not get the full dose of insulin because he was high later in the day. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

[momofsingingdiabetic]

Sounds like maybe the needle is not sealing on the pen? Are you using the NovoPen Jr? and which needles?

Also, when you give an injection with a pen, hold the needle in the skin for a count of 5 after you have dispensed the insulin. This will help make sure that he gets all the insulin.

[Heather(CA)]

My CDE gave us a pen for our novolog injections to try out and see if we like it. I have only used it a couple of times. When I put the new needle on, it leaks. I set the dial for the amount of units I want and it still is leaking and when I gave him a shot I noticed insulin leaking down his arm. I know each time I used it he did not get the full dose of insulin because he was high later in the day. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

You have to hold it in for 10 seconds with pressure on the end...That's why Seth prefers syringes, the pen is hard for him with his fine moter skills issues. Some people love them though:D

[jeep_bluetj]

Our tricks to accurate dosing with a pen (prefilled H pens):

1. Shoot a unit or two off into the air EVERY TIME. (Methinks thermal expansion/contraction plays a part here, this primes the pen every time)

2. Insert, inject, hold for 10.

We loved pens. Waaay way way better than syringes for us.

[Jaredsmom]

We have used pens for the last 2 years both novalog Jr and lantus opticlick. We love the novalog Jr pen you must do your air shot and hold the needle in the skin for ten secounds have your child count with you. The lantus opticlic pen is little harder to use because you have to push in the end of the pen till it clicks other wise they don't get any insulin. We will be getting the new solostar pens disposables for lantus on our next refill. We use BD mini pen needles for both pens.