Hi again-
I had all the same questions as you on this topic when we initially got on. DO NOT buy the needles that typically go with the Solo Star Pens. The dial-a-dose idea is good if you are a human using larger amounts but the dosing is WAY too inaccurate with the small amounts we give our cats. (read weathergirl/Vesta's early condos)
Use syringes instead to draw your dose. You basically are using the pens as mini-vials. There is a small septum type opening where the pen needle would go into the pen cartrige if in fact you were using it as such. Instead, this is where you will insert your syringe needle. You just take the cap off the pen, draw your dose then replace the cap on the pen putting it back into the refrigerator. I would lightly wipe the vial septum first with a tiny bit of alcohol and a lint free pad. Never put alcohol on the needle or injection site. I also kept mine stored standing up..not sure if this is absolutely necessary, but how I did it.
I capped the pen, then put it in a ziploc, then in a little box so it would stand up better. This also offered a little extra protection against other items in fridgwn fridge, getting jiggled, etc.. Try to keep it off the side or back walls or other areas where it can get too cold. Also don't keep it in the door where it gets shaken every time it opens/closes. Find it a nice quiet place where it can be left alone ;-)
Because the little mini vials are in a pen casing, you get a little extra protection as a bonus.
I bought both the Solo Star Pen AND syringes (1/2 unit mark syringes, short length, 30 or 31 gauge-personal choice) at Sam's club pharmacy. I think I paid 1$12.50 or so for the box of 100 needles, and $38 for the pen.
FYI: Costco was cheapest when I called around, but at that time they wouldn't see a single pen. He did say however that by the next month he might break a box as he had another customer wanting singles also and to check back. So you may check there as an option.
good luck!
Oh, PS: I didn't necessarily realize or follow this, but have read NOT to shoot air or insulin back into the pen vial. Unlike a vial they are designed with negative pressure (for the auto-dial-a dose to work) so shooting air back in can offset the balance of the solution. I didn't realize this and did in fact shoot overdrawn insulin back in a few times but don't think it compromised mine. But potentially it could so good advice. I think the more of these things you follow, the more life you are apt to get out of your insulin.
