7 Most Popular Insulin Pens: Pros and Cons, Features, Usage
Posted by Prescription Hope - See Editorial Guidelines (Last Updated On: Wed Aug 02 2023)
With numerous insulin pens now available on the market it’s a challenge to know which one is right for you. Often we reach for what is the most widely used. But what are the most popular insulin pens?
Often, your doctor or healthcare provider will guide you on the various options available along with their recommendations. But it’s also advisable for you to understand what pens are available.
However, allow us here to take you through the most popular insulin pens.
We’ll provide an overview of their pros and cons, and their uses. So you can come to an informed decision alongside your doctor.
Let’s dive into the most popular insulin pens, starting with a quick list…
7 Most popular insulin pens
In no particular order, here’s the essential list of the most popular insulin pens available today.
- Lantus SoloStar
- Levemir FlexPen
- Basaglar KwikPen
- Toujeo SoloStar
- NovoLog FlexPen
- Tresiba FlexTouch
- Humalog KwikPen
If you’ve already been prescribed a particular insulin pen, then one of the next questions might be regarding costs.
You may be able to obtain your medications at the reduced rate of just $60.00 per medication per month.
To get started, simply fill out our simple enrolment form and our friendly staff at Prescription Hope will help you make use of the manufacturer’s Patient Assistance Program.
Let’s examine the features and benefits, and the pros and cons of each insulin pen on the list.
Lantus Solostar
The Lantus Solostar is the first insulin pen released by Sanofi and outlined at Lantus.com. It has been around for more than 10 years.
It uses a dial-a-dose technology for dosage adjustment, making it easier to use and less prone to errors. Its main features include:
Pros:
- Easy-to-use dial-a-dose technology
- Prefilled cartridges are convenient and hygienic
- Long duration of action (up to 24 hours)
Cons:
- Can be difficult to tell when the dose is complete
Usage:
Used for basal insulin delivery with a single daily injection.
Learn more about Lantus Solostar here.
Levemir FlexPen
The Levemir FlexPen from Novo Nordisk is a popular insulin pen for basal dosing. It is used specifically for albumin-bound insulin, which has a slightly different action profile from regular human insulin. Its main features include:
Pros:
- Easy-to-use dial-a-dose technology
- Can be used for up to 42 days once opened
- Long duration of action (up to 24 hours)
Cons:
- Needles need to be changed after every injection
- Can be difficult to tell when the dose is complete
Usage:
Used for basal insulin delivery with a single daily injection, as well as part of a mixed regimen with other types of insulin.
You can find out more about all the types of insulin here.
Basaglar KwikPen
The Basaglar KwikPen is an innovative insulin product from Eli Lilly, which uses the same active ingredient as Lantus but often at a reduced cost. Its main features include:
Pros:
- Easy-to-use dial-a-dose technology
- Prefilled cartridges are convenient and hygienic
- Long duration of action (up to 24 hours)
Cons:
- Needles need to be changed after every injection
- Can be difficult to tell when the dose is complete
Usage:
Used for basal insulin delivery with a single daily injection. Can also be used alongside a mixture of other types of insulin as part of a regimen.
Toujeo SoloStar
The Toujeo SoloStar is a relatively recent addition from Sanofi. It uses an advanced version of the dial-a-dose technology used in Lantus, making it easier to use and less prone to errors. Its main features include:
Pros:
- Advanced easy-to-use dial-a-dose technology
- Prefilled cartridges are convenient and hygienic
- Long duration of action (up to 30 hours)
Cons:
- Needles need to be changed after every injection
- Can be difficult to tell when the dose is complete
Usage:
Used for basal insulin delivery with a single daily injection. Can also be used as part of a mixed regimen with other types of insulin.
NovoLog FlexPen
The NovoLog FlexPen from Novo Nordisk is a popular insulin pen for basal and bolus dosing. It is used specifically for fast-acting insulin, which has a quicker action profile than regular human insulin. Its main features include:
Pros:
- Easy-to-use dial-a-dose technology
- Can be used for up to 42 days once opened
- Fast action time (takes effect in 15 minutes)
Cons:
- Needles need to be changed after every injection
- Can be difficult to tell when the dose is complete
Usage:
Suitable for delivery of both basal and bolus insulin of multiple injections per day. Can also be used as part of a mixed insulin regimen.
Tresiba FlexTouch
The Tresiba FlexTouch is a relatively recent addition from Novo Nordisk. It uses an advanced version of the dial-a-dose technology used in Levemir, making it easier to use and less prone to errors. Its main features include:
Pros:
- Advanced easy-to-use dial-a-dose technology
- Can be used for up to 42 days once opened
- Long duration of action (up to 42 hours)
Cons:
- Needles need to be changed after every injection
- Can be difficult to tell when the dose is complete
Usage:
Used for both basal and bolus insulin delivery with multiple injections per day. Can also be used as part of a mixed regimen with other types of insulin.
Humalog KwikPen
The Humalog KwikPen from Eli Lilly is a popular insulin pen for basal and bolus dosing. It is used specifically for fast-acting insulin, which has a quicker action profile than regular human insulin. Its main features include:
Pros:
- Easy-to-use dial-a-dose technology
- Prefilled cartridges are convenient and hygienic
- Fast action time (takes effect in 15 minutes)
Cons:
- Needles need to be changed after every injection
- Can be difficult to tell when the dose is complete
Usage:
Used for both basal and bolus insulin delivery with multiple injections per day. Can also be used as part of a mixed regimen with other types of insulin.
Other insulin delivery options
There are also a variety of other insulin delivery options, including syringes and pumps, so be sure to speak to your doctor or healthcare team about all available options. With the right device and dosing regimen, you can ensure that your blood glucose stays in optimal range.
7 most popular insulin pens – Rounding up
So there are the seven major insulin pens that are some of the most popular insulin pens on the market today, each offering different levels of convenience and effectiveness depending on your individual needs.
Also, it’s important to consult with your doctor before starting any treatment plan so that you can choose an option that best suits your lifestyle and health goals.
With the right knowledge and care, living with diabetes can be made much easier.
Ultimately, the choice of insulin pen comes down to personal preference, along with the advice of your doctor or health care team. Be sure to discuss all your options before making a decision.
Furthermore, all popular insulin pens offer reliable results, so it is important to choose one that works best for you and your lifestyle.
7 most popular insulin pens – Next step
At Prescription Hope, we can help you potentially obtain your insulin medication for as little as $60.00 per medication per month. Simply fill out our enrollment form for easy access, or contact us directly.
We work with over 180 U.S.-based pharmaceutical manufacturers’ patient assistance programs to obtain FDA-approved medications for a set price of $60.00 per month for each medication through our medication access service.
We understand that managing your diabetes can be expensive, but with Prescription Hope, you may not need to worry about the cost of your insulin medications anymore.
To find out how we can help you, contact us today! We look forward to helping you get the treatment you need at an affordable price.
