Pen needles vs. Syringes

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laceyboots1000

laceyboots1000

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Questions about pen needles...

Is it easier to give shot with a pen needle? I read about some that require no "pinch up" of the skin. Those of you that use pen needles....what types do you use and/or recommend? I am currenly using a 29 gauge needle that is 1/2". I am wanting a shorter, thinner needle and came across the pen ones.

Thanks,
 
we actually suggest using syringes over pen needles -

you can get syringes that are 30 or 31 gauge - short needle - you may need to look for this, but the ones that are short needle - are quite small and easy to use for cats.
 
from the STICKY: LANTUS & LEVEMIR - NEW TO THE GROUP? PLEASE READ...:

U100 3/10cc syringes with half unit markings are the best to use for fine dosing. BD, Monoject, GNP, and ReliOn are some of the brands available with half unit markings. Needle gauge and length is your preference They come in ½ inch or 5/16 inch needle lengths. Needle gauges 29, 30 or 31 (31 being the thinnest).



The Lantus SoloStar pens will only dispense insulin in increments of full units. Since we *usually* adjust doses in increments of 0.25 units or less, we recommend using syringes to draw insulin from the pen.

I've always used ReliOn Syringes, 3/10cc, 31 gauge, 5/16" (short) needle from WalMart. Brands, gauge, and needle length is a matter of preference.
 
Plus there is a small variation within human limits using the pen needles which is NOT a variation we can deal with in small doses. Even drops can mean a big difference to cats that aren't even noticed by the human system.

Sure would be handy tho' wouldn't it... :-D

HUGS!
 
I had a rough time with Ruby when I was using the longer needles. Once I changed to the "short" ones, its been much easier to get good shots in her.
They're short and super thin. She's barely notices I'm doing anything to her.
 
I started out using the U100 3/10cc syringes that were 1/2" long and 29 gauge. I just went to Walgreens and got the U100 3/10cc syringes that are 5/16" and 31 gauge. We'll see how she takes it tonight. She actually takes the longer needle okay, but I think the shorter ones will be better if I want to inject in other places where she doesn't have much a skin fold. Thanks gang!
 
Those are the ones I use now.
With the longer needles it wasn't unheard for me to go all the way thru the tent. (which just makes me shudder) Blech. I haven't done that once with the short needles.
 
I tried using the Levemir pen for my Tonis. He was on 9 units BID so accuracy was not that important. However, I found that the pen was a lot harder to use. It is a lot longer than a 3/10 CC syringe and you have to leave the needle in a a little while to get all the insulin in. I just went back to using a syringe.
 
laceyboots1000 said:
Is it okay to "pre-load" syringes? Or is it best just to draw fresh ones?
Click to expand...

Depends upon the insulin. Lantus and Levemir--- NO.

PZI, I'm not sure.

Best to ask this question in the Insulin Support Group for the insulin you are using.
 
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