Users report mixed results with various automatic and manual pens. Some find them convenient and accurate after testing, while others encounter cartridge issues or prefer cheaper alternatives. Several switched back to standard needles after problems with loading or dosing consistency.
What this discussion establishesWhether pens are worth the cost and uncertainty compared to cheap, familiar needles
Still openWhich specific models deliver the most reliable dosing for smaller volumes
Nothing here is advice.
I'm considering getting some pens since I'll be starting daily compounds. What's your experience with them? Any particular model you would suggest or other advice?
A few medical-grade options stand out and each has its own advantages and drawbacks. Searching the model names will turn up plenty of details.
There are existing threads that discuss the benefits and how they work. Search is the most useful tool when looking for more information.
I have an automatic dosing model that is straightforward and I like it quite a bit. I also have a manual version that requires more effort to push, so I'm not as fond of it.
I got one about a month ago but haven't started using it regularly yet. A few tests gave decent results though not exact, within a couple units. I'm still undecided because I don't fully trust it.
A recent poll showed the leading options were a few different models. I prefer two of them in particular.
I got several of one brand. They worked fine at first but when I needed replacement cartridges the bottoms popped out during venting and I lost product. I went back to regular injections after that.
I bought several of one type thinking they were fancy and they work well enough, but I actually like the cheaper colorful ones better.
It sounds like the venting needle wasn't working properly. The tops on these cartridges are very small and it's not always clear where to place the needle.
I have that model and don't use it daily but found it very accurate when I tested it multiple times with water. There is still some uncertainty about getting the full dose, especially with smaller amounts.
You might be right about the venting. I should have tested with water first. Everything worked until one cartridge failed and then the next ones did the same.
As someone else noted, this is a venting issue when filling the cartridge rather than a problem with the pen itself.
This happened to me too. Now I add one milliliter at a time and remove the air before adding the next milliliter, which works fine.
Basic versions work well if you want something inexpensive. Higher-end models are harder to beat if cost is not an issue.
I began with basic models and moved up to a different one. I'm satisfied with the upgrade.
Thanks, I appreciate it.
I'm open to taking them.
I left them all behind.
I use nine of one model and keep two of another ready. No problems so far with the main ones. I just got two more to try and using pens has made injections much simpler.
I tried a pen injection for the first time this morning and now I wonder why I didn't start sooner. Still had to work out the best way to grip it for a steady push on the plunger and ended up poking my own finger while trying to drop the covered needle into the sharps bin the wrong way round. There's a bit of a learning curve but I'm getting the hang of it.
One version I have goes up to 80 units and works fine. Another is pretty much the same but the dosing feels less precise. Then I tried a different model that costs a bit more and I prefer it. It's spring loaded and gives accurate doses. The earlier ones can be stiff to press when the dose is higher.
I've been using pens for over 16 months now. I keep four of one model and assign each to a different compound for daily use only. I avoid them for the longer acting ones because the vials last several weeks. These pens have worked without any issues. I had to get used to the moisture that forms on them after taking them out of the case. It helps to get comfortable with ordinary syringes for a while first. A larger bulk syringe lets me skip venting the vial.
Passing off the grey version as the branded product for your dad seems wrong on top of the legal risks. I don't know the rules where you are or how old he is, but this looks like a bad direction to go in.
That's better than what I first assumed. It would help if your dad could persuade your mom to agree.
I have a set of those pens. They look almost the same as another brand but feel a bit more solid in the hand.
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