New B-D Pen

New B-D Pen

THE NEW B-D PEN

Users of the Novolin System pen injection
devices, or the Owen Mumford Autopens, now have a third choice. Becton Dickinson
and Company now offers the B-D Pen. Designed to use the new Eli Lilly Humulin
Cartridge System insulins, and B-D Ultra-Fine disposable pen needles, the B-D
Pen is also compatible with insulins and disposable needles manufactured by
Novo Nordisk.

Such a pen, while incapable of delivering a mixed

insulin dose (except the 70/30 factory pre-mix) offers

increased portability and convenience. Each cartridge holds

1.5 ml of R, N, 70/30, or (eventually) Humalog (Lispro)

insulin, and delivers a dose of one to 30 units, measured in

1-unit increments. A "wheel" at the top of the pen allows

visual, audio, and tactile-click confirmation of dose

setting.

Although some blind diabetics successfully use insulin

pens, Becton-Dickinson and Company states: "The B-D Pen is

not recommended for the blind or visually impaired without

the assistance of a sighted individual trained in the proper

use of the device." Reloading the pen with a fresh insulin

cartridge, and re-zeroing the pen, could be difficult

without sight.

Already available at many pharmacies, the B-D pen

should cost about $40. For further information contact:

Becton Dickinson Consumer Products, Becton Dickinson and

Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-1883; telephone:

1-800-237-4554.