First needleless device for insulin administration now available in Canada

InsuJet, the first needle-free insulin injection system in Canada, is now marketed by Sol-Millennium Medical. The new medical device is indicated for the subcutaneous jet injection of insulin in adults and children (≥ 6 years of age) with diabetes. The device should only be used on the recommendation of a diabetes care specialist and can be used in patients with a higher body mass index. Using InsuJet, jet-injected insulin penetrates the skin through a small orifice in the nozzle, creating a thin, high pressure stream. Insulin is deposited (in < 0.3 seconds) into the subcutaneous tissue. InsuJet is not recommended for patients who are severely visually impaired, physically unable to operate the system, unable to understand or memorize the operating instructions or have a skin type (e.g., psoriasis patients) that might impair successful use of the device. Patients who bruise or bleed easily (e.g., those using antithrombotic drugs) may use the device with caution; however, if prolonged or severe bruising or bleeding occurs, they should stop using InsuJet.InsuJet can be used to inject 4–50 units (0.04–0.5mL) of insulin per administration. If a relatively large amount of insulin is required, the dose can be split (e.g., two doses of 25 units each instead of 50 units at once). Using the appropriate InsuJet adaptors, InsuJet can be loaded with insulin supplied in a 3 mL cartridge, 10 mL vial or disposable insulin pen.InsuJet can be administered into any sites that are normally used for insulin administration (abdomen, front or outer portion of the thigh, upper outer portion of the buttock). Children six to 12 years of age should be injected by a caregiver. Adolescents (age 12–18) can be trained to self-inject. The most common adverse effects of InsuJet use are bleeding, bruising, occurrence of a raised white bump, uncomfortable administration, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. A tiny pinprick bleed is common and can simply be wiped off; however, if bleeding is prolonged or severe, patients should stop using InsuJet. A comfort ring (sold as an accessory) can be used to reduce bruising by reducing the pressure of the nozzle on the skin. Development of a raised white bump might indicate that the administration did not sufficiently penetrate into the skin; check and practice injection technique. Uncomfortable administration may occur if insulin is administered close to a nerve ending or if cold insulin is administered. Infection occurs very rarely. To help prevent infection, the injection site should be cleaned with an alcohol swab before injection and consumable accessories (e.g., nozzles, adaptors) replaced in a timely manner. The InsuJet device should be stored in the carry case provided, in dry conditions between 5°C–40°C. Expiration dates on the outer packaging of the InsuJet device and its consumable accessories should be checked before use. The same device should never be used for more than 5,000 injections or past the labelled expiration date or indicated lifetime.InsuJet and its accessories are available through pharmacy wholesalers. Each InsuJet package contains the following items: InsuJet Injector V5, carry case, instruction for use booklet, warranty card and colour labels. Accessories that are available separately include InsuJet nozzles, InsuJet 3 mL and 10 mL adaptors, and the InsuJet comfort ring. The InsuJet device is indicated for single patient use only. It is suitable for use with U100 (100 IU/mL) insulins, including rapid-acting insulin analogs, regular human insulin, NPH insulin, long-acting insulins (glargine, detemir, degludec) and premixtures (e.g., 30/70). Insulin is not provided with the system. Patients using more than one type of insulin, should use a separate InsuJet device for each type of insulin because a small insulin residue will remain inside the nozzle after each injection. Labels with different colours are included in the package to help identify the separate devices and their carry cases. Patients should be advised to always have a back-up method available to administer insulin, in case the InsuJet device is lost or broken. InsuJet may be particularly appropriate for patients with needle-phobia. Its use also reduces the risk of needlestick injuries and inadvertent intramuscular injection compared to conventional subcutaneous insulin injections.References:Sol-Millennium Medical. InsuJet needle-free insulin injection system. Instructions for use. (accessed November 26, 2024).Sol-Millennium Medical. InsuJet clinical summary. (accessed November 26, 2024).

First needleless device for insulin administration now available in Canada

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