subject: Insulin Pens: The Modern Style Of Drug Delivery! [print this page] Insulin Pens: The Modern Style Of Drug Delivery!
Insulin pens are modern drug delivery devices. These enable more flexible and easier means to inject dosage of insulin for the people suffering from diabetes. As the name suggests an insulin pen looks like a writing pen and is equally easy to use. It consists of a vial of insulin and disposable needles which are screwed into the pen portion which also includes the insulin cartridge. These pens are more expensive but far more convenient and less painful than traditional syringes.
Types of Insulin Pens
There Are Two Major Types Of These Pens:
* Reusable Pens: These are non-disposal pens which reuse the pen portion. Once the insulin cartridge is used completely, it can be replaced in the pen. This is more economical to use for patients because they can be used even if the prescription of insulin changes after sometime. They are also designed for longer time and are easier to use. But, the limitation with longer usage is the loss of sterility and the pen also might get damaged.
* Pre-filled Pens: They are disposable pens which make use of single-use insulin cartridge. They are durable and easier to use especially for those who do not find changing cartridges convenient. But, they can be more expensive than reusable pens when used for a long time period.
No matter which type of insulin pens are used by a patient, the preparation and the method of injecting insulin are similar for both of them.
The disposable needles that are attached to the insulin pens are different from those of traditional syringes. They are actually one-third shorter in length than a standard needle and have a smaller bore diameter. This ensures more comfort to the patient on injecting the needle in the skin.
Also, the needle does not puncture the stopper before injection, due to which it maintains the right angle and sharpness. This is the main reason for these needles being less painful than the traditional syringe needles.
Major Beneficiaries Of Insulin Pens
Insulin pens are of great benefit to the old people and children who suffer from diabetes. People in the age group of 60 and above usually have some disability and mostly suffer from diabetes these days. For them these pens are very convenient to use and they can also ensure accurate dosages.
Also, children are usually scared of syringes. For them these pens are a wonderful and painless alternative as compared to normal injections. The ease and convenience of these pens enable their accurate usage by people of all age groups. The insulin pens are also very useful for usage by pregnant women for treating gestational diabetes. It reduces their stress during such time by providing easier dosage which is also less painful.
Precautions While Using Insulin Pens
General Precautions For Safety While Using The Pens Are As Follows:
* A pen should never be carried with an attached needle because it can hamper the accuracy of dosage.
* A pen needle should never be reused.
* Take care while taking the pen from a colder to hotter region as it leads to expansion of insulin.
* Take care while disposing sharp needles to avoid injuries.
It is always advisable to read the instructions from the manufacturers before using insulin pens to ensure their efficient and safe usage.
