Full Version: Never change the Byetta needle?

From: notaguru [#1]
10 May 2009
To: ALL

After a year on Byetta, I no longer change the needle. There's no subjective difference (in penetrating ease, discomfort, etc.).

Am I the only one committing such heresy?

From: Sue (SUEFIRST50) [#2]
10 May 2009
To: notaguru [#1] 10 May 2009

Some people don't use new needles with each injection and perhaps it isn't really necessary to change it each time like we are instructed to do but personally I don't want to take any chances of getting an infection by reusing themso I change them each time. I know I could save money by reusing the needles but I'm the type who usually follows rules/instructions and that's just me. I don't understand what you mean by not changing the needle. Do you mean never or just not each time?
I'm sure others feel it is OK to keep using them and if that is what you are comfortable with it is up to you.

From: notaguru [#3]
10 May 2009
To: Sue (SUEFIRST50) [#2] 10 May 2009

There's not much history of infections from such things, even when shooting through clothing (which I do).

When I get a new pen I install a new needle - then use it till the pen is exhausted.

It's not cost, as I have perfect insurance, but convenience.

From: Suzan [#4]
10 May 2009
To: notaguru [#1] 10 May 2009

I, also, don't change needles every time. I do occassionally when it begins to hurt, or if using a new pen. I do this for reasons of ecology: 2(Byetta) + 4 (Humalog)+ 1(Lantus)
+ 5 (meter readings)=12 changes per day at a minumum (sometimes I am up to 14).

From: Jan (JANICE) [#5]
10 May 2009
To: ALL

Take a look at the pictures that come with the needles as to how they look after a few uses.

Why take a chance? I use a new one each time.

From: Geri in Co:Byetta(3-06) (GERI) [#6]
11 May 2009
To: Jan (JANICE) [#5] 11 May 2009

Last time I went to the endo I told him he didn't prescribe enough syringes to get through 90 days and two shots per day. He immediately said to use each syringe twice. I was a bit surprised so I'm now giving it a try. I don't like it but so far ok. I do use a single lancet for one whole day and I test alot during the day. But I didn't like the idea of sticking a used syringe into my insulin bottle. I'm going to talk to him again about it.

I've never used a byetta needle twice but I think I would since you do not put the needle into the pen. I'm going to try it today.

From: Jan (JANICE) [#7]
11 May 2009
To: ALL

I do not agree with this idea because you are sticking the needle into your skin, which may have bacteria on it and then it's on the needle and now you are putting it back in your skin?

Not something I want to do to myself but if others want to that's their deceison.

That being said, I do sometimes stick twice with the lancet needle if I don't get enough blood the first time but they are much shorter.

From: erbe38 [#8]
3 Jun 2009
To: notaguru [#1] unread

I change needle once every 2 days. I have been on therapy for one year and I have never had any problem. I am careful to replace the rubber cap on the needle point as soon as I have taken the injection.

From: Jennifer (NEUROSURGERYNP) [#9]
31 Jul 2009
To: notaguru [#3] unread

Inject through clothing? Interesting. Would think that the needle would get dulled especially when using for an entire pen. Clothing is inherently dirty and would be worried about infection.

From: Geri in Co:Byetta(3-06) (GERI) [#10]
31 Jul 2009
To: Jennifer (NEUROSURGERYNP) [#9] 31 Jul 2009

Dr. Bill does it all the time. I've never done it because I like to see where the needle is going but it is a common practice for injecting when on the road.

From: Jennifer (NEUROSURGERYNP) [#11]
31 Jul 2009
To: Geri in Co:Byetta(3-06) (GERI) [#10] 31 Jul 2009

I am no germophobe, but this could gross me out! LOL.

From: Pat_in_Chicago [#12]
1 Aug 2009
To: Jennifer (NEUROSURGERYNP) [#9] unread

Early on in my use of insulin, I did inject a few times through clothing when out.
I also used to go into restrooms to shoot up my insulin.
I no longer care to spare others the sight of injecting insulin, so I now do it anywhere, usually in my arm. Restrooms are just too dirty!

I do change needles and lancets with each use, not sure if it is really safe to re-use, so I wouldn't be comfortable doing it.

From: Sue (SUEFIRST50) [#13]
1 Aug 2009
To: Pat_in_Chicago [#12] 1 Aug 2009

Sometimes we can do all the right things like changing needles and lancets each time we inject and still get infections or things others deem to be looking for trouble like injecting through clothing and reusing needles and lancets and nothing happens. I think we just have to be lucky in life but why look for trouble?I'd rather try to be careful and do what I think is right and hope it will be.

From: Mark_in_MO [#14]
1 Aug 2009
To: Sue (SUEFIRST50) [#13] 2 Aug 2009

I have injected a few times through clothing when I thought there was no time/location to do it the normal way. Unfortunately one time I injected through the clothing I hit a bleeder and spent the rest of the evening with a large blood stain spot on my pants. Now I just raise my shirt enough to get to my abdomen regardless of where I am - and like you, I do NOT use restrooms as they are way too dirty and unsanitary.

From: Webe (WENDY) [#15]
10 Sep 2009
To: ALL

Wow, here I thought I was the only one commiting that heresy! I reuse the needles. But more than 2 or 3 times causes pain and bruising so I change after using them that many times.

From: Mandy (MANDY_TX) [#17]
18 Feb 14:45
To: ALL

Hi,
In 2004, a study was published in Diabetes Rsearch and Clinical Practice to see what difference it might make if you reused an insulin pen needle. You can find a summary of the results at:

They found it didn't make much difference in pain, unpleasantness if a needle was reused up to 4 times. Under the electron microscope, they could tell the difference between a new needle and a used one, but there was no difference between a needle reused once and reused mutiple times.
The same journal published an article about needle reuse and infection. They found no sign of bacterial contamination after 33,000 injections with needles reused from 1-12 times. (The injection site was always cleaned first)

So, it seems some reasonable reuse is OK.

From: Mandy (MANDY_TX) [#19]
18 Feb 14:48
To: ALL

I see the links I included didn't show up.

http://www.diabetesresearchclinicalpractice.com/article/S0168-8227(04)00176-7/abstract

Full Version: Never change the Byetta needle?

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