Every time I take a dose I notice air bubbles in the cartridge. I tap them to the top and dial in one or two units to try and get them out, but when I tip the pen upside down the bubbles are still there. Even if I do manage to get the bubbles out they are back by my next meal.
Are these bubbles harmful?
Any suggestions or tricks?
Thanks,
Mike
Me too! I’m on Lantus, using the SoloStar pen, and I have the same problem. I’ve emailed the company, and haven’t received an answer yet. I swear I almost bruise my fingernails, trying to get those pesky air bubbles out of the top. I’ve been told by my doctor, that that’s okay; don’t worry about the small bubbles. It’s the BIG ones you have to worry about. I’ve taken several doses with tiny bubbles, and I’m still here! If I get word from the company, I’ll share it with you; okay? Chaplain ET.
The bubbles are harmful because when we inject the bubbles compress and reduce the dosage of insulin we receive. If we wait long enough before pulling the needle pressure will equalize and the full does will be delivered, but in my experience this is too tedious a wait (but them, I’m impatient.)
You can see the problem if the insulin drips out of the needle when it is removed. If it does that is insulin that should be inside you!
Ok, so the problem is that we don’t get the dose we expect. It should be the case that removing the needle after every injection prevents air getting inside, but I don’t do this, so it’s my fault, which is why I’m seriously considering changing to a pump.
Of course I don’t know if removing the needle helps. I imagine that the seal on the cartridge should be sufficient to prevent ingress of air, but the cartridge is expanding and contracting just the same with temperature and I don’t know how good the seal is after the first puncture. So that raises an interesting question - do people who religiously remove the needle after every injection see bubbles?
Those bubbles are small and will not be injected as long as you inject with the pen in the horizontal position. I’ve been using the kwik-pen since they came out and have never had a problem. I just ignore the little bubbles…
I get the same issue. I’m always releasing insulin into the air to try and rid those pesky bubbles!! And as soon as I turn the pen sideways- Another bubble appears. UGH!!! Now- I am not the type to only use one needle per shot- so maybe its my fault- but im afraid that having to do 6 shots a day my supplies would be depleted if i had to do that just for the pesky bubbles. I don’t have insurance so i try to use one needle on my pens per day. If anyone finds a trick or hint for bubbles… Let me know~!!! 
I have air bubbles too and worried about them at first. But, when you turn the pen upside down to inject the bubble goes away from the needle. Since I noticed that I don't worry about them anymore. Even when I use the last bit of insulin I've never injected an air bubble.