Talk:Injector pen

Difference from syringe?
Can you add a few well sourced words about the difference between an injector pen and a syringe? Is it just marketing, or is there an actual definition of what makes one tube full of injectable drugs with a plunger on one end and a hollow needle on the other a pen and another a syringe? --GRuban (talk) 19:01, 21 August 2020 (UTC)


 * User:GRuban - the reusability is the primary difference - although some medicines are available in single use "pens" which are basically syringes that look like pens. I'm not sure it's very well defined - just like how a "single use pen" is basically a syringe, "pen" usually refers more to the style of the device when a manufacturer decides to call it that. There are notable differences though - doses are selected by a turning dial (covered in the article already), the plunger is rigid and a button as opposed to the plunger on a syringe which is usually much more flimsy and lengthy (not covered but I can possibly try to find something about this), the pen is designed to be "self-contained" aside from the needle (i.e. the vial, dose selection, and everything is contained in the device), etc. It's definitely not just marketing - as is covered multiple times in the article already, pen devices have shown great improvements in adherence and ease of administration - especially for elderly, low dexterity, etc. -bɜ:ʳkənhɪmez (User/say hi!) 19:15, 21 August 2020 (UTC)
 * I can try and look sometime this weekend about splitting this information into a "benefits" section or similar - I didn't do that originally because I was trying really hard to follow WP:MEDDMOS sections and also didn't want it to be too advertisement-ey - but if you think it's better to have a section dedicated to benefits over syringes or differences in general (what title) I'm happy to work on that. -bɜ:ʳkənhɪmez (User/say hi!) 19:21, 21 August 2020 (UTC)
 * Not looking for "benefits", just a definition. As it, we have : "An injector pen consists of a chamber or cartridge of medication, a tip to attach a needle, and a piston or plunger to inject the dose." That fits the definition of a syringe as well. Reusability doesn't really differentiate, since both pens and syringes may be disposable or reusable. --GRuban (talk) 03:11, 24 August 2020 (UTC)
 * User:GRuban - I've added a section dedicated to the differences which explains the reasons that a pen may be preferred. While technically a pen is, at its core, a "better syringe", the definition is based on concrete differences in that a pen requires less dexterity to use, is more portable, and is generally reusable. While I get your point about the reusability of some syringes, very few syringes/needles are reused in modern times in developed nations due to the advent of affordable sterile needle-syringe combos that cannot have the needle replaced after each use - so I still think that's a benefit. I will be working on the history section (waiting on a couple book sources to be scanned and sent to me to see if they'll help with any useful information), as well as on the lead soon then probably will try for a GAR after discussion with someone else - but I do appreciate the feedback and will work on continuing to clarify this point. From what I've been able to find, there is not one definition of a "pen" versus a syringe - but there are common features that pens will have most/all of that syringes do not - which is the "de facto" definition. -bɜ:ʳkənhɪmez (User/say hi!) 03:28, 24 August 2020 (UTC)
 * A photo of a (separate/replaceable) cartridge might help. WhatamIdoing (talk) 18:41, 14 September 2020 (UTC)

How about any of these, or maybe the last two side-by-side? -bɜ:ʳkənhɪmez (User/say hi!) 22:37, 14 September 2020 (UTC)


 * I like the disassembled one. Doing the last two together might be clearest. WhatamIdoing (talk) 22:53, 14 September 2020 (UTC)
 * Thanks, done. -bɜ:ʳkənhɪmez (User/say hi!) 23:38, 14 September 2020 (UTC)


 * I actually like the first one for the "comparison with syringe" section. It clearly shows that the syringe is just simpler and lighter-weight. The disassembled picture is great too, but not for the "comparison with syringe" section. Anyway, you've answered the question quite well, thank you. --GRuban (talk) 10:55, 15 September 2020 (UTC)
 * Good idea. I've added that one, too. WhatamIdoing (talk) 01:22, 16 September 2020 (UTC)

20 diffreiparts to this pin 69.232.58.234 (talk) 00:21, 11 June 2023 (UTC)