Cheaper needles not as accurate???

November 26, 2014 23:32

snow123 DAFNE Graduate
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust 13 posts

Just wondered if anyone else has had their usual needles replaced by an alternative by their GP which is more cost effective. It has happened to me and I am finding a couple of problems with them.Firstly they seem more flimsy to put onto the disposable pens. When you do an air shot a additional drop continues to form afterwards on the needle. After injecting sometimes there is some leakage on the skin as if the seal isn't as good. This makes accurate dosage more difficult and it didn't happen with the older alternative needles. I spoke to the pharmacist and other diabetics who also reported similar problems.Please let me know if others have had the same problems and how they overcame it
Thanks

November 27, 2014 20:05

Peter DUAG Committee Member
University College London Hospitals (UCLH) 109 posts

I had my repeat prescription changed to an alternative needle as you describe, but haven't had to use them as I switched to a pump before running out of the "old" needles.

November 28, 2014 19:54

CurlyWurly DAFNE Graduate
NHS Lanarkshire 15 posts

I used to use the BD microfine+ 5mm and then my surgery changed them for a 'cheaper' option (Omnican) without my consultation. My pharmacist said I could change them back if I wanted but I thought I'd give it a go and she gave me the option of 4mm or 6mm - I went for the 4mm. Initially I was a bit annoyed with the new needles as (a) the peel off paper seemed a bit flimsy and (b) there was no inner cap to cover the needle.

However - this has absolutely ensured that I only ever use my needles once as I can't leave it on the pen and this has had a massive benefit to my injections (less pain, no bruising) and having the shorter needle has (in my opinion) boosted my insulin absorption and I'm seeing improved results.

Cheaper, yes, and that's probably as compromise on quality but so far it's working for me.

November 26, 2014 23:32 snow123 DAFNE Graduate County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust 13 posts	Just wondered if anyone else has had their usual needles replaced by an alternative by their GP which is more cost effective. It has happened to me and I am finding a couple of problems with them.Firstly they seem more flimsy to put onto the disposable pens. When you do an air shot a additional drop continues to form afterwards on the needle. After injecting sometimes there is some leakage on the skin as if the seal isn't as good. This makes accurate dosage more difficult and it didn't happen with the older alternative needles. I spoke to the pharmacist and other diabetics who also reported similar problems.Please let me know if others have had the same problems and how they overcame it Thanks
November 27, 2014 20:05 Peter DUAG Committee Member University College London Hospitals (UCLH) 109 posts	I had my repeat prescription changed to an alternative needle as you describe, but haven't had to use them as I switched to a pump before running out of the "old" needles.
November 28, 2014 19:54 CurlyWurly DAFNE Graduate NHS Lanarkshire 15 posts	I used to use the BD microfine+ 5mm and then my surgery changed them for a 'cheaper' option (Omnican) without my consultation. My pharmacist said I could change them back if I wanted but I thought I'd give it a go and she gave me the option of 4mm or 6mm - I went for the 4mm. Initially I was a bit annoyed with the new needles as (a) the peel off paper seemed a bit flimsy and (b) there was no inner cap to cover the needle. However - this has absolutely ensured that I only ever use my needles once as I can't leave it on the pen and this has had a massive benefit to my injections (less pain, no bruising) and having the shorter needle has (in my opinion) boosted my insulin absorption and I'm seeing improved results. Cheaper, yes, and that's probably as compromise on quality but so far it's working for me.