|
Q: I am having difficulties with my current insulin pen and am therefore not taking my correct dosage of insulin for my diabetes. It is a pre-filled pen which is very difficult to use and does not give me enough insulin per dosage. The pen is a Humalin mix 30/70 and it is made by Lilly. My diabetes team have not been helpful with this issue, any advice please?
A: It is always difficult for people to approach their health care professionals with regards their treatment - particularly when they have already tried to discuss other options.
However it is essential that you return to see your Diabetes Specialist Nurse and discuss the problems that you are experiencing. It may be advisable for you to write down on paper what the issues are before you go back to see the nurse or doctor, this will allow you to feel more focused and hopefully get your message across to the diabetes team. If you wish to change the company make of insulin you are presently using, this needs to be done by a doctor or prescribing nurse.
Lilly has a Care Line for patients to contact if they are having problems - 01256 315000. There are products and devices made by another company, Novo Nordisk. They make the same type of insulin - as in strength - that is a 30/70 mix and it is available in pens - which you would need to add a cartridge to the pen. It is also available in an Innolet device. This is a little bit like a small egg timer - with a needle attached. The insulin comes already loaded in the device.
Many people with arthritis and other hand dexterity problems have found it invaluable. The insulin dose is easily dialed on the front of the Innolet and it has a large button on the top which is pressed down to inject the insulin.
It may also be worth taking your batch of pre loaded pens back to the pharmacist who dispensed them just in case there is a product problem. The pharmacist will be able to check that they are functioning correctly. If there is a product problem they can deal with the company directly. It is also part of their new pharmacy contract to be able to support andgive advice to patients with regards to their medication, this is just another option for you to try.
By Sadie Cox, DSN/Education Consultant, Partners for Health Ltd
Information correct as of August 2006
|