Available Insulin Devices
There are different devices through which injections can be given; pens and syringes
are the most widely used.40
Syringes
Syringes represent the classic way to deliver an injection. A syringe consists of
a needle, barrel, vial, and plunger.40 Insulin injections are usually given subcutaneously
in the abdomen, although other fatty sites can also be used, such as the upper arm
and thigh.
Over the years, great advances have been made in improving the comfort of syringe-based
injections. Today’s insulin syringes use needles that are narrower and have sharper
points.
Syringes may vary in a number of ways, including the amount of fluid they can hold,
and needle thickness and length. Needle thickness is measured as "gauge"; the higher
the gauge, the narrower the needle.
One challenge of using syringes can be drawing up the correct dose of insulin.
Insulin Pens
Administration with an insulin pen is another option.
There are two types of pens—disposable and reusable. Disposable pens are prefilled
with insulin, and patients throw away the pen when it is empty. With reusable pens,
the patient replaces the cartridge when it’s empty. The needles are disposable,
and must be changed with each injection. Never share needles or insulin pens.40
Pens were introduced in the late 1980s, and have become more widely used. Pens can
be carried and used more discreetly.40
Insulin Pen Use is on the Rise
The use of disposable insulin pens has risen 150% in the United States over the
past 5 years.32
Based on TmL data from NPA™ Monthly database, time period from January to September
2009.
In Most of Europe and Japan, Insulin Pens are Widely Used67
- Pens are an advanced technology for administering insulin and are the preferred
and dominant insulin delivery device in Europe and Japan67
LANTUS® SoloSTAR® Pen
>
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Lantus® is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to insulin glargine or
one of its excipients.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Monitor blood glucose in all patients treated with insulin. Insulin regimens should
be modified cautiously and only under medical supervision. Changes in insulin strength,
manufacturer, type, or method of administration may result in the need for a change
in insulin dose or an adjustment in concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment.
Do not dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution. If mixed or
diluted, the solution may become cloudy, and the onset of action/time to peak effect
may be altered in an unpredictable manner. Do not administer Lantus® via an
insulin pump or intravenously because severe hypoglycemia can occur. Insulin devices
and needles must not be shared between patients.
Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of insulin therapy, including Lantus®,
and may be life-threatening.
Severe life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur.
A reduction in the Lantus® dose may be required in patients with renal or hepatic
impairment.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Certain drugs may affect glucose metabolism, requiring insulin dose adjustment and
close monitoring of blood glucose. The signs of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients
taking anti-adrenergic drugs (e.g., beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and
reserpine).
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Other adverse reactions commonly associated with Lantus® are injection site
reaction, lipodystrophy, pruritus, and rash.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen. To help ensure
an accurate dose each time, patients should follow all steps in the Instruction
Leaflet accompanying the pen; otherwise they may not get the correct amount of insulin,
which may affect their blood glucose.
Lantus® is a long-acting insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control
in adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes mellitus and in
adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lantus® should be administered once a
day at the same time every day.
Important Limitations of Use: Lantus® is not recommended for the treatment of
diabetic ketoacidosis. Use intravenous short-acting insulin instead.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen.
Please click here for full prescribing information.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Apidra® is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients hypersensitive
to Apidra® or any of its excipients.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Closely monitor blood glucose in all patients treated with insulin. Change insulin
regimens cautiously and only under medical supervision. Changes in insulin strength,
manufacturer, type, or method of administration may result in the need for a change
in insulin dose or an adjustment in concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment. As
with all insulin preparations, the time course of Apidra® action may vary by
individual or at different times in the same individual and is dependent on many
conditions, including the site of injection, local blood supply, or local temperature.
Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of insulin therapy, including Apidra®,
which may be serious.
Severe life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur.
All insulins, including Apidra®, can cause hypokalemia, which if untreated,
may be serious.
A reduction in the Apidra® dose may be required in patients with renal or hepatic
impairment.
Apidra® for subcutaneous injection should not be mixed with insulins other than
NPH. Do not mix Apidra® with any insulin when used in the pump or for intravenous
administration. Insulin devices and needles must not be shared between patients.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Certain drugs may affect glucose metabolism, requiring insulin dose adjustment and
close monitoring of blood glucose. The signs of hypoglycemia may be reduced in patients
taking anti-adrenergic drugs (e.g., beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and
reserpine).
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Other adverse reactions commonly associated with Apidra® include injection site
reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, and rash.
Apidra® is a rapid-acting insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control
in adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (4 years and older) with type
1 diabetes.
When used as a mealtime insulin, the dose of Apidra® should be given within 15 minutes
before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Apidra® given by subcutaneous injection
should normally be used in regimens that include a longer-acting insulin.
Please click here for full prescribing information for Apidra®
Click herefor information on Sharps Medical Waste
Disposal.