What is an Insulin Pen?

An insulin pen, so called because it looks likes like a writing pen, is a carrier for Insulin and it is used to set the dosage and to inject the insulin. Pens are either disposable or refillable and both the disposable pens and cartridges for refill contain 3mls of insulin (100 units per ml).

The pen consists of a dial at the end for selecting the required dose. A needle is placed on the top of the pen and there is an injection button at the other end of the pen which is pushed to administer the required dose.

All pens require a disposable needle which screws onto the top of the pen. All pens come with instruction for use but everyone should also get instruction from an appropriately trained health care professional prior to commencing insulin.