The purchase of insulin syringes at pharmacies is governed state and local regulations, as well as policies of the pharmacy. Several states have decriminalized possession of syringes (see resources), and no prescription or proof of diabetes is needed in these jurisdictions.
More common are state and local laws which seek to prevent syringes from being purchased by drug users. Many chain pharmacies also have policies to deny syringe purchases to customers they are unsure of.
A prescription from your health care provider eliminates any of this uncertainly.
Syringes are available in several sizes and dosage options.
Instructions
1. Determine the insulin type you have been prescribed. Insulin is most commonly available in U100, meaning it has 100 units of insulin per milliliter. However insulin is also available in U500 and U40, although these are uncommon. U40 is often used for pets.
Insulin syringes must match your insulin type to assure the proper dose. U100 syringes are usually denoted by an orange cap.
2. Determine your typical insulin dose, and match the syringe size to it. U100 syringes are available in 25, 30, 50 and 100 unit capacity. Select the smallest syringe which will allow you to take your insulin dose in a single injection. Lower capacity syringes will allow you to measure smaller doses more accurately.
3. Determine the appropriate needle length. The most common needle is 1/2 inch (12.7mm), and this is the correct needle for most patients.
Insulin is typically injected into the abdomen, and exceedingly thin patients may use shorter needles to avoid injecting insulin into the muscles rather than body fat.
4. Choose a needle thickness. The most common insulin syringe needles are 30 gauge, but they are also available in 28, 29, and 31 gauge. The higher number is a smaller diameter needle.
Thinner needles are not always less painful, and it is somewhat of an individual preference dependent upon your skin and injection technique. It is easy to bend 31 gauge needles during injection, which can cause discomfort.
Tips Warnings
Make sure your insulin type (U100, U40, U500) matches the syringe markings. Using the incorrect needle could result in an overdose of insulin, which could bring serious health consequences, including coma and death.
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