Novolog Flexpen

[widi96]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone uses the Novolog Flexpen. Our hospital does, but when I was oriented (a year ago) I was told by my preceptor that a lot of people don't trust that they give the correct dose, so they draw it up in an insulin syringe. I have been doing that I was talking to our manager today and she said that doing that jams the pen, plus potentially throwing off the dosing for those who would use the pen with the adaptive needle. I also brought up the points of - pts in isolation (do we leave the insulin in the room, or break isolation) and patients who get other insulins that could be mixed with Novolog (go ahead and stick them twice because it is the pen?). It appears that the entire hospital needs to do one or the other though because those of us who are drawing it up to verify dose are screwing up the pens for those who use them with the adapter needle. Just wondering what you all think of this. Do you think the pen is accurate in dosing? Do you leave the insulin in isolation patient's rooms? Stick them twice if the insulin could be mixed?

[softstorms]

I work in a Rehab unit, and some pts. come to us with these. Most pharmacy's who contract with rehab and LTC facilities do not cover these. It is not cost effective. I myself, like them. It is much easier to teach the pt. how to use them.

[Journey_On, BSN, RN]

Question regarding novolog flexpens and air shots (might sound dumb...):

I was told in orientation to give 2 units of an air shot before dialing the pen to the correct amount of units to administer to the patient. After you do the air shot with one needle, do you have to change the needle (before giving the required units to the patient)?

(In case anyone was wondering or to clarify, I do know that the needle has to be changed every time you give an actual injection. Just wondering if you have to change them after each air shot.)

[*ac*]

Question regarding novolog flexpens and air shots (might sound dumb...):

I was told in orientation to give 2 units of an air shot before dialing the pen to the correct amount of units to administer to the patient. After you do the air shot with one needle, do you have to change the needle (before giving the required units to the patient)?

(In case anyone was wondering or to clarify, I do know that the needle has to be changed every time you give an actual injection. Just wondering if you have to change them after each air shot.)

NO, no, no. The whole point of the air shot is to prime the needle. If you do not see insulin shoot out of the air shot, you need to repeat until you do. When the cartridge is new, it could take several times.