CDC issues reminder about not sharing insulin pens
Patients with type 1 diabetes can save money on medical costs by purchasing insulin pens and other treatment supplies through a Canadian internet pharmacy.
Patients with type 1 diabetes can save money on medical costs by purchasing insulin pens and other treatment supplies through a Canadian internet pharmacy. Although these devices may be convenient, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a reminder to clinicians that they are to be used by only one person and not shared, as reported by HealthDay.
Insulin pens allow individuals to inject themselves with the hormone in either the inpatient or outpatient setting. Sharing the devices can potentially expose diabetics to blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, according to the news source.
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning against this practice in 2009, reports of improper reuse among patients have continued, prompting the CDC to release its clinical reminder.
According to the CDC, insulin pens are for single-patient use and not to be shared, even when the pen's needle is changed. Labeling a pen with the patient's name could help prevent improper or accidental sharing.
Medical staff need to review policies and educational materials regarding safe use of insulin pens. Patients who are potentially exposed to reused pens need to be notified and offered blood-borne pathogen testing immediately, the CDC said.
Between 2002 and 2005, about 15,600 patients younger than 20 years of age were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
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