Insulin pen problem?

Type 1 and LADA New to Type 1 Diabetes
1

Hi,

I was injecting Apidra before lunch as usual.

When I removed the pen I saw blood coming out of injection site and icoming inside of the pen.

Cand I still use this pen or I should throw it?

How does this happen? Shouldn't the pen be injecting only and wont allow anything to be go inside

Thanks

2

When I was on MDI, this would sometimes happen. It’s because the injection hit a blood vesicle an the pressure of the blood backs into the pen while you’re holding it for the couple of seconds to make sure you get the full dose. I can’t really say, that you suppose to or or not suppose to keep using the insulin; but I did, and I’m still alive and well.

If you ever had an IV, this is similar to when the blood backs into the IV infusion set and tubing.

3

Thanks
Given your comment I will use it for a couple of days because I just oppened it but I will throw it earlier than I would normally out of precaution.
Thanks so much

4

You could call your pharmacist to be sure. They know all about these things.

5

I personally would not use it. I use a pen currently and if this happened to me I would toss it. I would think it would be a possible medium for bacteria to enter and contaminate the insulin. Just my opinion, though.

6

I’ve not had it happen as yet on any of the pens I use (Lantus and humalog) but if it did happen I’d likely call the pharmacy and ask about it and go on from there.