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.