I don't think I like this PEP pen

[Dos-Dox]

I keep seeing the "bird" pen mentioned but honestly I'm not sure what that is.

It’s the “Chonghe Lin Insulin Injection Pen Chonghe Lin M30 Diabetes Home Automatic Injection Pen,” but everyone calls it the bird pen because it has a picture of a bird on the box.

I got one on AliExpress (more expensive with tariffs) and the 2nd from Goodlife Goodies. It looks like Goodlife is currently out of stock, but they have a lot of other pens. Daro Pep Accessories (on TG) is also a good resource. They do lots of drops and most of their pens sell out quickly.

I haven’t tried any higher end pens. Some folks don’t like the bird pen because it’s plastic. Just have to try a few and see what you like.

 

[randompersonrandom]

I went back to v1's after my six generic v2's, which I initially loved, started springing back a varying amount halfway through the plunge, the way it does if you unscrew it, reach in, and push the thing back to load a cart. I had the two v1's already, and just bought two more. Four is all I need. One for tirz, one for Survo until I hit goal and discontinue that one, one for Klow, and a fourth one in case I ever decide to do the mitochondrial protocol again, which I probably won't because MOTS-C does gross things to my injection site.

 

[c0c0_ly]

I haven't tried v2's, but I use v1's for my daily (or almost daily) injections. I really enjoy the convenience of it and I feel like the pen needles are a lot less painful to me... probably because I generally have a lot of needle anxiety and my brain doesn't have the same reaction to the visual of the pen needle vs a syringe.

I will say, when I inject with the pen I do it slower than with a syringe and leave the needle in for about 10 seconds after delivering the full dose. From what I understand, injecting too fast can cause inaccurate dosing or leakage from the needle after removing it. I have had a tiny drop leak out after injecting something, but nothing more than what comes out of the injection site if you remove a syringe too fast.

Also, I have arthritis in my tiny lady hands and on especially stiff days I do find gripping and pressing the pen with one hand to be a little difficult. But honestly I struggle just as much with a syringe especially at higher units (the plunger all the way out).

All of that being said... can definitely see how pens aren't it for some. If I wasn't a giant baby about needles and/or wasn't doing daily injections, I'd probably keep it old school.

 

[IshimaruKenta]

@ZippityDooDah believes pens are overrated ("stupid"):

Autoinjector pens are stupid

But most people who use pens are doing so for daily dosing of non-GLP peptides, which are relatively worthless in his view:

Peptides are not the answer

Well, there you go. The answer is buying more pens

I respectfully, strongly disagree with that assessment (his). Pens are far, far superior to syringes.

 

[Dos-Dox]

Also, I have arthritis in my tiny lady hands and on especially stiff days I do find gripping and pressing the pen with one hand to be a little difficult.

Sounds like an auto injector might be a useful investment for you. Bird pens are ~$35. I’ve seen ConviPens for $45. Definitely more than the V1/V2, but after you insert the needle, it’s much easier to hold and push the button (near the middle of the pen) with one hand.

 

[Camlbacker]

Can someone briefly explain to me the difference in function between the V1s and the V2s? I'm thinking about getting my feet wet with pens, but I would like to keep my initial investment fairly low until I'm sure I want to move in the PEN direction. Also, any opinions on PEN needles, brand, length, and gauge would be appreciated. I saw that one of the suppliers, don't remember which, was selling a pen needle sampler. It struck me as odd that there would be that much of a difference in user experience between pen needles of similar specifications, but as I sit here smarting from one of this AM's pins, I figure I should reconsider that point too. For reference, up until now I have been using Easy Touch 31g 5/16" Thank you in advance for everyone's insight!

 

[c0c0_ly]

Can someone briefly explain to me the difference in function between the V1s and the V2s? I'm thinking about getting my feet wet with pens, but I would like to keep my initial investment fairly low until I'm sure I want to move in the PEN direction. Also, any opinions on PEN needles, brand, length, and gauge would be appreciated. I saw that one of the suppliers, don't remember which, was selling a pen needle sampler. It struck me as odd that there would be that much of a difference in user experience between pen needles of similar specifications, but as I sit here smarting from one of this AM's pins, I figure I should reconsider that point too. For reference, up until now I have been using Easy Touch 31g 5/16" Thank you in advance for everyone's insight!

Main difference is v1 = you can see the needle and insert it like you would a regular syringe needle; v2 = the needle is hidden and you press it to your skin to insert. There's other subtle differences but I'll let someone else chime in there because I'm not a pen expert by any means.

As for needles, I've tried 5mm 31g, 4mm 31g, and 4mm 32g on my pens and don't notice much if any difference in feeling and I'm very sensitive to needles. For non-pen injections, I use 31g 6mm syringes (the ones you're using now = 8mm length) and those do feel like they have more bite. But as mentioned above, I think that's more of my own psychological reaction to needles that look like needles haha. Currently, I'm using Overt Universal 4mm 32g on my pens--picked up 4 boxes of 100 from Diabetic Pro for just under $40. No issues so far.

Personally I prefer the shortest needle possible as I don't have a lot of sub-q fat these days. I've heard that shorter needles aren't ideal if you're taking in a lot of units in one injection, but all my pen injections currently are less than 20 units so I haven't really dug into that.

 

[woundcarping]

Pens are far, far superior to syringes.

Care to explain?

I like the idea of a pen, but I don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a reliable model that stays reliably consistent.

 

[IshimaruKenta]

Main difference is v1 = you can see the needle and insert it like you would a regular syringe needle; v2 = the needle is hidden and you press it to your skin to insert. There's other subtle differences but I'll let someone else chime in there because I'm not a pen expert by any means.

As for needles, I've tried 5mm 31g, 4mm 31g, and 4mm 32g on my pens and don't notice much if any difference in feeling and I'm very sensitive to needles. For non-pen injections, I use 31g 6mm syringes (the ones you're using now = 8mm length) and those do feel like they have more bite. But as mentioned above, I think that's more of my own psychological reaction to needles that look like needles haha. Currently, I'm using Overt Universal 4mm 32g on my pens--picked up 4 boxes of 100 from Diabetic Pro for just under $40. No issues so far.

Personally I prefer the shortest needle possible as I don't have a lot of sub-q fat these days. I've heard that shorter needles aren't ideal if you're taking in a lot of units in one injection, but all my pen injections currently are less than 20 units so I haven't really dug into that.

The V2 only "hides" the needle if you put the cap on it. You still have to remove the cap to screw on the needle.

For needles I much prefer BD Ultrafine needles. Barely feel them go in (if at all), and comes right out. For some reason Easy Touch needles hurt going in and pull my skin up when pulling out. Hate those needles.

 

[AlexSilver]

Can someone briefly explain to me the difference in function between the V1s and the V2s? I'm thinking about getting my feet wet with pens, but I would like to keep my initial investment fairly low until I'm sure I want to move in the PEN direction. Also, any opinions on PEN needles, brand, length, and gauge would be appreciated. I saw that one of the suppliers, don't remember which, was selling a pen needle sampler. It struck me as odd that there would be that much of a difference in user experience between pen needles of similar specifications, but as I sit here smarting from one of this AM's pins, I figure I should reconsider that point too. For reference, up until now I have been using Easy Touch 31g 5/16" Thank you in advance for everyone's insight!

The minor other difference that hasn't been mentioned is that the V1's are slimmer. They also make a V3 where the cap is big enough to totally enclose the needle for travel. You put a fresh needle on and then cap it. Which I don't like leaving a needle on there but whatever floats your boat.

 

[IshimaruKenta]

Care to explain?

I like the idea of a pen, but I don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a reliable model that stays reliably consistent.

The biggest thing for me, besides ease of use, is that you never have to deal with a dull needle. You don't poke the needle into the vial, which dulls the needle. It's super sharp from the get go and slides right in with no force. Essentially you recon, then transfer to the pen cartridge. No need to grab from the vial every time. Just screw on a needle, set the unit amount and pin.

I personally do not like the V2 at all. It's cheaply made and just feels flimsy. If you want to DM me, I'll send you some info.

 

[Camlbacker]

The biggest thing for me, besides ease of use, is that you never have to deal with a dull needle. You don't poke the needle into the vial, which dulls the needle.

Ease of use (especially during travel), not bludgeoning myself with a dull needle, and waste (making a quart sized ziploc full of used syringes every month or so gives me pause) are probably the three biggest reasons I've been considering making the switch to pens. I don't really see any advantage of V2s over V1s for my purposes either; seeing the needle or not doesn't make one iota of a difference to me. I appreciate your input @IshimaruKenta and @c0c0_ly . I will also have to think a bit more about needle length, because I'm definitely doing some pins larger than 20 units.

 

[IshimaruKenta]

Ease of use (especially during travel), not bludgeoning myself with a dull needle, and waste (making a quart sized ziploc full of used syringes every month or so gives me pause) are probably the three biggest reasons I've been considering making the switch to pens. I don't really see any advantage of V2s over V1s for my purposes either; seeing the needle or not doesn't make one iota of a difference to me. I appreciate your input @IshimaruKenta and @c0c0_ly . I will also have to think a bit more about needle length, because I'm definitely doing some pins larger than 20 units.

Go 6mm as a middle ground. Should be just fine. If you want any additional information, feel free to DM me.

 

[Sasquatch]

Ishi,

All good arguments for pens. Also, some have aversion to needles. It's definitely an individual decision. Me, I got no problems with big pipes going into my arms. Ima regular blood donor. Could probably hook myself up. Syringes, to me, are simple, mainly. (I'm not supposed to get off on the pain, am i?) Actually, it bothers me more that I can't feel a 31ga. needle.

 

[IshimaruKenta]

Ishi,

All good arguments for pens. Also, some have aversion to needles. It's definitely an individual decision. Me, I got no problems with big pipes going into my arms. Ima regular blood donor. Could probably hook myself up. Syringes, to me, are simple, mainly. (I'm not supposed to get off on the pain, am i?) Actually, it bothers me more that I can't feel a 31ga. needle.

Agreed, not trying to tell people they're wrong if they like one way. I just feel it's way easier with pens. My opinion of course.

Maybe you should switch to a 25g needle.

 

[TirzCore]

I’m using Savvio pens for daily pins like HGH, Tesa/Ipa, and KLOW. I’ve never had a malfunction and they are extremely accurate. BD Micro-Fine Plus PentaPoint 31g 8mm pen needles go in like butter. There’s nothing like a fresh needle that hasn’t been dulled by a vial stopper.

 

[FlowerFairy]

I bought a V2 injection pen. First two months of research were with pharmacy provided injection pens. I liked the simplicity of it.

I've read a bunch of stuff here about the pens and decided that I would get one. Blame it on my need to have ALL the things when I start something new.

It came in yesterday along with vials and needle tips. Purple and shiny! This morning I took my tirz and transferred it to the vial and loaded the pen. Purged the air and got ready for my new easy way to just pin and go.

It's awkward to hold, the plunger is kinda hard to press and I can't get the visual confirmation that it injected that I'm used to with insulin syringes.

Will I use it? Yep, not gonna waste all the tirz I just loaded. Will I load it again? I'm not sure. It seems like overkill. Or maybe I bought the wrong pen?

If you use one tell me about it? I'm currently using sema and tirz (I know sema isn't popular right now but it's working and it's cheap). Why do you like it better than just using syringes?

You need a better pen. If you can find a Luxura, those have been the easiest manual injectors that I have found. I started w/V2s too, and some are VERY hard to inject with. I have (way too) many pens, and manuals, either the Luxura or Savvio are the best. Goodlife sells one called the Goodwife that comes in olive green, yellow, orange, and brown that also works very well. My least favorite is the V2 and I don’t have a V1. I used to like the All Star but it popped apart mud-pen, so I trashed it. Before that happened I liked it. Auto injectors are good for everything except thick stuff like glutathione or NAD+ - it gets to be too much and the injection goes extremely slowly. Regular peps are fine. If youhave questions, ask me.

I wanted to want pens, but all the hassles of defective pens or you’ve gotta push the plunger at the right speed or this or that… syringes serve me well for my 20ish injections each week. Three of those wouldn’t be well suited for a pen.

If you mean oils, the Luxura or Savvio can handle them just fine. And I’ve only had one defective pen out of the too many I own, so the odds are worth it to me. I love them because I love having a sharp needle for everything except thick injection.

I have to ask. You have how many pens?

Around 20 or 25. I haven’t counted.

I keep seeing the "bird" pen mentioned but honestly I'm not sure what that is.

You have a point about filtering right into the cart. Today I transferred a partial vial into a cart cause I was looking forward to using the pen.

The bird pen and Convipen are the same- bird is made in China, Convi is polish. They call it a bird pen because there is a bird on the box.

If you filter anyway the pen creates zero extra effort. I hate all the waste of the insulin syringes. So much plastic

This

Sounds like an auto injector might be a useful investment for you. Bird pens are ~$35. I’ve seen ConviPens for $45. Definitely more than the V1/V2, but after you insert the needle, it’s much easier to hold and push the button (near the middle of the pen) with one hand.

Where are you finding Convipens? I like them and would like a few more but they are not easy to find..

Care to explain?

I like the idea of a pen, but I don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a reliable model that stays reliably consistent.

It’s the sharp needle and the saved time for me.

The biggest thing for me, besides ease of use, is that you never have to deal with a dull needle. You don't poke the needle into the vial, which dulls the needle. It's super sharp from the get go and slides right in with no force. Essentially you recon, then transfer to the pen cartridge. No need to grab from the vial every time. Just screw on a needle, set the unit amount and pin.

This was what appealed to me in the beginning- no dull needles. Then the ease of reconning into a cartridge and not needing to grab 6 vials plus equipment sealed the deal.

 

[Labcat]

I just put mine in a Sharps container and send it back to them in the box they send, postage paid. Then I get a new one in 3 days and fill it up again. Rinse, repeat. If I was trashing them, I'd be more concerned.

Unfortunately bio hazard water is incinerated, not recycled, as far as i know. I just lug mine down to a local pharmacy and give it to them… half the time they say they haven’t gotten pickup for weeks and can’t add any more to their heap.

I love the convenience of my daily generic liraglutide pen and look forward to the simplicity of using pens for my other 5 daily peptides… so far…

 

[Chili777]

Unfortunately bio hazard water is incinerated, not recycled, as far as i know. I just lug mine down to a local pharmacy and give it to them… half the time they say they haven’t gotten pickup for weeks and can’t add any more to their heap.

I love the convenience of my daily generic liraglutide pen and look forward to the simplicity of using pens for my other 5 daily peptides… so far…

At least they don't end up in the landfill. Some people clip the needle and throw them out in the trash and those will. The only one I take that would really benefit from a pen is Reta. I'd also rather reconstitute a fresh vial than have the peptide sit in a pen for 30+ days. I'm starting Mots-C and that will degrade approaching 30 days, also. Just my preference.

 

[FlowerFairy]

At least they don't end up in the landfill. Some people clip the needle and throw them out in the trash and those will. The only one I take that would really benefit from a pen is Reta. I'd also rather reconstitute a fresh vial than have the peptide sit in a pen for 30+ days. I'm starting Mots-C and that will degrade approaching 30 days, also. Just my preference.

It sits in a vial just as long as in a pen. There is literally no difference except for dulling your needle because you puncture the vial first.