Can't get .5 on the 1mg pen?

Lift_Clean

Lift_Clean

Member
So, my doc switched me to the 1mg green pen from the .25/.5 red one -- I was doing .75 (9 clicks on the red). I totally spaced and missed my shot for almost two weeks. ChatGPT (I know, I know) suggested going back to .5 to be safe. But it also said this pen can't do half doses accurately, that it's only for 1mg. Is that real? It said the other pen was different. I can't get ahold of my dr right now, and tbh it's hard to communicate even when I can. I really don't want to wait even longer to dose. Can I just dial it halfway for .5? I can take a pic if that helps.
 
I think it's doable! Dial it to 1mg, but don't push the button. Then, dial it back down. Counting the clicks. That way you can measure .5, .25, whatever you need. You will need to get some extra needles from the pharmacy or your physician to use the leftovers. But you should be ok for now!
 
Just a heads up, it's only officially approved and dispensed at 1mg, that's why that's all that's marked. But like others mentioned, counting clicks is the way to go. My physician actually prescribed me the 1mg pen when I was on .5mg because the pharmacy had trouble getting the lower dose pens. It gave me a buffer in case there were future shortages.
 
No need to count clicks. Simply dial until you reach the tiny dash. It's the only one on my pen, and that gives me the correct dose every time.
 
Wes_80 said:
Just sharing my experience - when my dose was supposed to double, I only increased it a bit. I was already seeing results and didn't want to feel sick. Maybe go a little slower if you're nervous, @Lift_Clean?
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Good advice. Remember that doubling the units doesn't always mean doubling the dose (mg). It depends on the concentration of the medication in the pen. It's best to confirm the actual mg you're injecting.
 
Also, what if you happen to find an older pen in the fridge from a previous dosage? Is it okay to use an expired pen?
 
Terry55 said:
Also, what if you happen to find an older pen in the fridge from a previous dosage? Is it okay to use an expired pen?
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I accidentally used a pen that was a lower dose than I was currently prescribed. So I supplemented with ANOTHER pen that expired in August of last year... I was nervous, but it seemed to work fine. The pharmacist told me they're usually good for a few months after the expiration date, unofficially, of course.
 
If the liquid looks clear and it's been refrigerated, an expired pen is probably okay. But that's not medical advice, just my opinion. If you are concerned, dispose of the old pens. Also, finish the older pens before moving to a higher dosage.
 
Happened to me once. Nicked a vessel and blood contaminated the vial so I had to toss it. Switched back to syringes after that. Probably user error on my end but either way I'm sticking with syringes for now.
 
Get yourself a legit pen if you haven't already. Knockoffs are garbage - I tested one with a syringe and it was totally off on the dose. Go with a trusted source and verify it actually works before relying on it.
 
switched to 27g drawing needles and 30g easy touch for injection—way less pain since the needle's fresh. downside is more dead space and the extra step, but I found a sweet spot by pressing the needle against skin first to find where it doesn't sting.
 
My nausea is worst in the morning-I call it my morning sickness for laughs. Some mornings I can't even rinse my mouth without getting queasy. That said, it's rare and sporadic. I'll be completely fine for weeks or months, then suddenly wake up feeling awful.
 
used 29g and 27g needles tons of times even after drawing through rubber stoppers for subq — no issues, barely any discomfort. but I'm bulletproof. your mileage may vary.
 
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