Prefilled pens offer convenience compared to using a syringe, and may be for those who don’t choose to wear an insulin pump device.

Plastic, prefilled insulin pens are an option that makes diabetes management and daily insulin injections easier to manage.

These do not eliminate the need to use a needle for injecting insulin, but this method may make measuring and dosing insulin less complicated.

Many different types of insulin pens exist for long-acting and mealtime insulin forms. You may find these differ slightly based on the insulin you’re using.

Generally, insulin pens deliver anywhere from .5 to 80 units of insulin at a time.

They can deliver insulin in increments of half a unit, one unit, or two units. The maximum dose and the incremental amount vary among pens, and the total number of insulin units in the cartridges also varies.

Many of the most common insulin pens are disposable. They contain a prefilled cartridge that can be used for a certain number of days, and when the cartridge is empty, the entire pen is thrown away.

Some reusable pens are also available, allowing you to replace the insulin cartridge when it’s empty.

The needles on insulin pens are known as pen needles, and they come in different lengths and thicknesses based on your preferences.

Your healthcare team can help you understand what insulin pens may be best for you, depending on the type of insulin you take and what your insurance may cover.

Similar to glass vials of insulin, insulin pens do not require constant refrigeration once they’ve been opened. Insulin pens only require refrigeration before their first use.

After its initial use, simply keep your insulin pen out of direct sunlight and at room temperature.

Insulin inside the pens typically stays good for 7 to 28 days after the initial use, depending on the type of insulin.

However, if the expiration date printed on the pen or cartridge has passed, you should not use the insulin.

Storing insulin pens in hot temperatures

You can find products on Optum Now to help safely store your insulin pens in higher and humid temperatures.

Each time you use your pen:

  • Check the expiration date and type of insulin (if you have more than one type of pen).
  • Check to make sure that your insulin is not clumpy and that your fast-acting insulin is clear and colorless.
  • If you’re using an insulin mix, roll the pen in your hands for 10 seconds, and then gently tilt the pen if it is an insulin mix.
  • Attach the pen needle to the tip, using a new needle each time.
  • Prime the pen with a unit before dosing insulin, to help clear any air bubbles trapped inside the pen needle.
  • Dial up the correct dose, double-checking the amount before you inject.
  • Remove the pen needle cap and choose a clean site to inject. Unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise, hold the needle at a 90-degree angle to inject.
  • Push the button to inject the insulin and wait 5 to 10 seconds to be sure all of the insulin has been absorbed.
  • Remove the pen needle and dispose of it properly.

If you accidentally dial in too high a dose, insulin pens allow you to fix the mistake quickly and easily.

Some pens expel the excess insulin through the needle so that it will not enter your skin, while others allow you to reset your pen to zero units and start over.

Pros

  • Convenience: Using insulin pens may be a more convenient option than using a vial and syringe, allowing you to inject versus using a separate needle
  • Portability: It is simple and easy to carry around, meaning that loading the medication to deliver is all in one device rather than carrying a vial and syringe.
  • Easier dosing: Drawing up an insulin dose can be easier with a pen, and most insulin pens have a clicking mechanism to help you know how much insulin you’ve dialed up.
  • Distinguishing insulin types: Insulin pens may have different colors and looks based on the type of insulin you take
  • Smart tracking: Many modern pens have apps that can be used to track insulin dosing and times you take the medication, as well as send reminders when the pen may be ready to be replaced.

Cons

  • Access and affordability: Insulin pens may be more expensive than traditional syringes and glass vials. Insurance plans vary and may not always cover them at the same level. Be sure to talk with your doctor and insurance company about the cost of different diabetes management options.
  • Inconvenience: Insulin pens require you to regularly inject insulin throughout the day. This can mean you are at work or away from home at times. This may be less convenient for some compared to wearing an insulin pump device that provides insulin throughout the day.
  • Manual use: Prefilled pens may require additional training to understand how they work. This can mean correctly attaching the pen needle cap onto the tip to inject the insulin. You also need to carefully pay attention to the dosing dial and how to press the button to inject the insulin into your body.

When choosing an insulin pen, consider cost and convenience, as well as your insulin dosing needs. You should always consult with your doctor before purchasing a pen.

While reusable pens are more expensive at first, the replacement cartridges they use are typically cheaper than disposable pens, which means they will be about the same price over time.

You should also consider how much insulin you need each day. Some insulin pens can dose insulin in half-unit increments while others use whole units. Additionally, different pens can deliver different maximum doses.

When choosing a pen, you should also consider the needle length and thickness. Needle thickness is measured using a gauge, and the higher the gauge, the thinner the needle.

While thicker needles might be more painful to inject, they will deliver insulin more quickly than thinner needles.

Yes. TSA rules specifically state that diabetes-related supplies, including liquids, are allowed onboard once they have been screened by X-ray or hand inspection. You should declare your insulin pen and other diabetes equipment and separate them from other items when going through TSA screening.

Always pack your medications in a separate, clear, sealable bag and never place insulin in a checked bag, as changes in pressure and temperature can affect it.

Insulin is injected subcutaneously, underneath the fat layer under the skin. People who take insulin daily should rotate injection sites to avoid lipodystrophy, a condition in which fat breaks down or builds up and interferes with insulin absorption.

You can use your insulin pen to inject yourself in your abdomen, thigh, or arm.

There may be several possible risks tied to insulin pen use. These may include:

  • If you fail to check the condition or expiration date of your insulin, the insulin may not work correctly. Expired insulin does not work as well as insulin that has not expired. Insulin inside the pens typically stays good for 7 to 28 days after the initial use, depending on the type of insulin.
  • Don’t use insulin if it contains particles. These particles may plug the needle and prevent you from delivering a full dose.
  • Air bubbles can appear in the insulin pen, meaning they can be injected into the body and cause the insulin to not work effectively.
  • Dialing in too high a dose or not double-checking the dosage may result in the delivery of too much or too little insulin. If this occurs, monitor your glucose levels closely after the injection.
  • Infection can develop at injection sites. Rotating sites is important so that you are giving your body and skin a chance to heal.
  • You should never share your insulin pen with others, as this can also lead to infections.
  • Too much insulin may cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low, and too little insulin may cause your blood sugar to increase to dangerously high levels.

Insulin pens are a popular and convenient blood sugar management tool for people with diabetes. They make it simple to measure and deliver insulin and are portable and convenient for travel.

If you’re interested in using an insulin pen, talk with your doctor to determine if it is a good method for you. Once you open it, always follow all manufacturer instructions and store it in a cool, dry place.