Syringe vs Pen?

[Jim]

Hello,
probably a dumb question, but have been giving Lantus via syringe, but have seen a lot of people are using pens. Is there any pros vs. cons with using one type of injection method over the other?
Thanks,
Jim

 

[Sandra And Buddy (GA)]

Hi Jim!

It is true, a lot of us use pens, but, we still draw the insulin out of the pen with a syringe. The benefit of a pen over a vial is it is cheaper and you have a better chance of using it all before it goes bad.

We don't usually give shots with the pen as you can only do 1u increments

 

[Susan&Felix(GA)]

Not at all a dumb question, but yes, a pen and a syringe is the way to go.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

The pens can be used as a "mini" vial. In fact, in Canada, you can buy the actual insulin cartridge that is inside the plastic casing. The pharmacist will often try to sell you pen needles. They are unnecessary since. you draw insulin from the pen the same way you would from a syringe. The pens have a rubber gasket at the top just like a vial.

Practically speaking, I liked the pens better than a vial. If you happened to drop a vial, there's a good chance you have smashed the glass. The pens are encased in a plastic casing and there is less chance that the pen will break. The pens are. usually sold in a box of 5. So if there's a disaster, you usually have a back-up pen.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Just take the cap off the pen and use a U100 syringes and pull the insulin out of the pen!

We increase or decrease by 0.25 units, with the pen you can only do it by 1 units
Do you have syringes with half unit markings?
@Jim

 

[Christie & Maverick]

@Diane Tyler's Mom looks like this post is a wee bit stale, this was CG's last post and their kitty's SS hasn't been updated since end of Dec 2019. I don't think they'll see your post, but hopefully it helps someone else with the same question

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@Diane Tyler's Mom looks like this post is a wee bit stale, this was CG's last post and their kitty's SS hasn't been updated since end of Dec 2019. I don't think they'll see your post, but hopefully it helps someone else with the same question

Thanks
@Christie & Maverick