Lily---Humalog Pen---75/25

Harvgrad · Oct 19, 2000

Originally posted by Harvgrad:
Problem: Humalog 75/25 is only made in a multidose vial pen. The needle to this injection device
must be remove. After the injection is given, the needle is recapped and removed from the pen.
The needle is then discarded. In an ideal situation,
the diabetic person is able to self administer the insulin.

However, in the less than ideal situation, the patient is unable to self administer.
Therefore, a health care worker must perform this injection. Nurses never recap "dirty"
needles. This medication administration requires that nurses recap. Which is a direct
violation of OSHA standards, this procedure could put your facility at risk for heavy
fines and you the Health care worker at risk for contracting, HIV, hepatitis and
other blood borne pathogens.

There also has been a complaint that once recapped the needle does not readily twist
off the pen. This is a product failure.

A concern was called to the Eli Lily and Co. their reply was that this product was
not marketed nor intended for institutional use.

Solution: 1.) Any person entering a hospital or LTC facility who is unable to administer
75/25 independently and safely have their diabetic drug regimen changed.

OR
2). Eli Lily and Co. manufacture a multi dose vial to use when healthcare workers must
administer this type of insulin

GOAL: That anyone reading this post will call Eli Lily and co. to file a formal complaint
at 1-888-885-4559 8a.m to 9p.m. (EST.)

Product info:www.lilydiabetes.com

I am moving this to the top of discussion board....this is a real safety concern and hope that others will act by calling the lily company

monica f · Oct 21, 2000

I just had a pt that used the 75/25 pen. I brought up the fact that you must recap the needle so that it can be disposed of. I was told 75/25 only comes in a pen and they don't know what else to do. I have seen nurses draw up the insulin with another needle from the pen but this is not recommened because the pen will not work correctly after you do this. These pens are also very expensive around $70 a piece so the hospital is not allowing us to draw up the insulin from the pen. Any suggestions to avoid recapping?

Harvgrad · Oct 21, 2000

Originally posted by monica f:
I just had a pt that used the 75/25 pen. I brought up the fact that you must recap the needle so that it can be disposed of. I was told 75/25 only comes in a pen and they don't know what else to do. I have seen nurses draw up the insulin with another needle from the pen but this is not recommened because the pen will not work correctly after you do this. These pens are also very expensive around $70 a piece so the hospital is not allowing us to draw up the insulin from the pen. Any suggestions to avoid recapping?

We are currently using hemastats to remove the needle. But this is awkward. I feel we will be able to get the Lily company to produce a multidose vial if people call a file a formal complaint. We now have had 1 nurse receive a "dirty needle stick" from recapping the needle. we also have been told not to remove the insulin from the pen with a syringe, as it will damage the pen. Please check out http://medi-smart.com/freeceu.htm go to the forums at this site and look under general nursing (nursing issues) and Nursing Liability concerns ( work place and employment) for further discussion on this topic.