Insulin PEN syringes

[dieselbaby]

Anyone ever use one of these things? Would it even work?

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Insulin_pen.JPG

I want to get one because you can buy the needles separately and attach them. They make the 31 gauge short tip needles (5/16") for it, as well as the 31 gauge ULTRA short tip (3/16", the smallest needles in the world for injection) and it would help cut down on my equipment. I wouldn't have to carry any syringes around anymore, just my "pen". I am not so sure how these things work, can someone clue me in?

[roxi*stardust]

Basically those insulin pens are not what you think. There is no barrel and no way to draw up and hold a liquid. Basically they are made for IM injection, maybe evn SubQ. You load them with a pre-filled cartridge that already has the insulin in it. Some pens allow the user to replace the cartridge while other are disposable. The actual pen mechanism delivers insulin with a dial type mechanism.
http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/pens.htm
http://www.bddiabetes.com/US/main.aspx?cat=1&id=254

Basically they took the idea or Carpuject and applied it to insulin. Not familar with Carpuject?
http://www.hospira.com/Products/CarpujectsyringeSystem.aspx

[ryan]

This looks interesting, however, I would suspect that they are designed for IM injection, like Roxi said.
I don't know about you, but I hate iming my DOC :| I've got plenty a vein left for shootin'.

Kind of on topic -- has anyone ever heard of microneedles?

http://www.world-science.net/othernews/080207_needle.htm

I have been reading about them for years but I've never seen one used..I wonder if they are still being researched..

That would be the ultimate in junkiedom if we could find a way to use microneedle patches with heroin...just think -- no more abcesses or track marks! I guess it would still be subq though and not IV...either way, I think I would go for it.