Wednesday, March 27, 2024

How To Dispose Of Diabetic Pen Needles

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Minimizing Risk From Sharps

Glucology Travel Essentials: Plus Case Organizer and Pen Needle Containers

Here are ten handy tips for proper sharps disposal:

  • Purchase a sharps container, one that is suitable for your needs. This will keep all of your sharps safely hidden from others and may prevent a serious injury. Sharps containers come in a range of sizes, one of which may be right for you.
  • If you use syringes or pen needles, always replace the cap on the syringe before you place it in the sharps container, just to be extra safe.
  • Invest in a needle clipper. A needle clipper allows you to cut off syringe and pen needles and will hold them inside a reservoir until such time that you can properly dispose of them.
  • Always handle sharps carefully. Use retrieval tongs or a small pair of pliers, if possible.
  • When walking, point the needle downwards, away from your body to minimize risk.
  • Always secure your sharps container so that it cannot be accessed easily by others, especially children.
  • When your sharps container has reached its fill line, it needs to be disposed of. Take it in to your local pharmacy. Most pharmacies provide this service free of charge, but its never a bad idea to speak with a pharmacy team member before you begin. If your pharmacy does not have a sharps collection program, you may have to take it to a household hazardous waste collection depot. Check with your local waste management organization for locations in your area.
  • Do not overfill your sharps container. Filling beyond the fill line increases the risk of accidental injury caused by a needle-stick.
  • Removing And Disposing Of The Needle

    The first step is to remove the needle from the pen and the best way to do this is by using a needle clipper. This device automatically cuts off the needle, making your insulin pen unusable.

    The device can hold up to 1500 clipped needles.

    You can easily purchase needle clippers from pharmacies and medical supply stores. However, make sure to check that your insulin pen is compatible with the needle clipper before you buy it.

    Once the needle clipper is full, it can be disposed of as per the local sharps disposal regulations of your area.

    If you are not using a needle clipper, you can also remove the needle manually but first place the needle cap over it so that you dont have to come in direct contact with the needle.

    This prevents any accidental needle sticks, cuts, or punctures. Once removed, you cannot throw away the needle in your household trash or public garbage collectors.

    Instead, you will need to throw it in a sharps disposal container. These containers are made of strong plastic that cannot be punctured by needles or other sharps.

    You can get these from any pharmacy or medical store and even online. They come in a variety of sizes including small travel sizes as well. Once they are full you can follow the local guidelines to dispose them of properly.

    An easy alternative to a sharps disposal container is your household detergent or bleach plastic bottle that can be emptied and used for this purpose.

    Want To Donate Your Unused Diabetes Supplies

    Eliza Skoler

    If youve got unused diabetes supplies that you no longer need, dont throw them away! Here are several easy ways that you can donate your supplies to others.

    If youve recently switched to a new diabetes medication or device, you may have leftover diabetes supplies that you wont need. It might feel like such a waste to throw away things like insulin vials, needles, and test strips, especially when there are many people in the world who cannot afford the diabetes devices and medication that they need to live healthy lives. The good news is that there are several ways to donate your supplies so that people who do need these items can receive them.

    Its important to know that your supplies should be unused and unopened most donations will not be accepted if the supplies are no longer sealed, or if they have already expired.

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    Correct Disposal Of Medical Sharps

    The acceptable options for disposing of household sharps are:

    • Take your sharps to a registered sharps collection station.
    • Contact your doctor, clinic or local hospital. Many healthcare facilities accept sharps but are not required to register and therefore may not appear on the list of registered sharps collection stations.
    • For small quantities , you may transport the sharps to an infectious waste treatment facility. If you do transport sharps, use a proper container and put the container in the trunk or another enclosed part of your vehicle.
    • Use a “mail-back” sharps program, which can be found by searching the internet. The company should provide containers and packaging which meet U.S. postal regulations.
    • Reduce the amount of sharps you have to dispose of by clipping the needles of the syringe. The needle-less syringe can go in the household trash.

    How To Dispose Of Expired Insulin

    How to remove the needle from the insulin pen

    Life with diabetes can be rather tricky. You will need to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels, keep an eye on your foods carb count, and follow a strict diet.

    Another essential part of living with diabetes is insulin injections. Since your body is no longer able to produce the hormone in sufficient amounts, it requires some external help to maintain your blood sugar level.

    Along with insulin injections comes another vital aspect, proper disposal. Like any other medication, you will need to be careful of how to dispose of expired insulin.

    Moreover, youll have to ensure the sharps are stored and disposed of safely. Here is everything you should know.

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    What Is Tresiba 100 U/ml 200 U/ml

    • Prescription Tresiba® is a long-acting insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children who are 1 year of age and older with diabetes
    • Tresiba® is not for people with diabetic ketoacidosis
    • It is not known if Tresiba® is safe and effective in children under 1 year of age
    • Tresiba® is available in 2 concentrations: 200 units/mL and 100 units/mL

    Option : Contact Local Diabetes Advocacy Organizations

    Diabetes education centers or local branches of advocacy organizations may collect diabetes supplies themselves or be able to refer you to other donation sites.

    • Guardian3 sensors

    • Glucose test strips

    Read the specifics for donating and find mailing instructions here. If you or someone you know need help paying for diabetes supplies, you can apply for assistance through CR3 Diabetes.

    SafeNetRx collects medical supplies and redistributes them to people in need living in Iowa. The organization currently only accepts sealed and unexpired lancets, syringes, needles, and glucose test trips. To donate or learn more, click here.

    Thank you for taking the time to donate your old diabetes supplies to those who need it. At diaTribe we are grateful each day for the strength and generosity of the diabetes community. Given the immense need, were hopeful that someday soon there may be easier and more effective ways to also donate unused diabetes medications.

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    Where Do I Dispose Of Diabetic Syringes Or Other Medical Waste

    Do not dispose of household medical sharps or other waste in syringe disposal boxes intended for community disposal. For households where syringes are used, place syringes in a sharps container and take them to a hazardous waste center:

    Enroll in the Metro syringe disposal program for $5 and get a free sharps container each time you return one. A $5 hazardous waste fee for up to 35 gallons is also required. Group homes, residential care facilities and other commercial or business customers should contact a medical waste management company, their garbage hauler or Metros recycling hotline for disposal options. If you have questions about medical waste disposal, contact Metro at 503-234-3000.

    I Want To Help Where Can I Find Out About Organizing A Neighborhood Cleanup

    2 2 Quart Sharps Container

    Contact the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability at 503-823-7202 for city-organized cleanup dates and locations. Neighborhood Coalitions also schedule cleanup events:

    Many neighborhoods and community groups are organizing clean up events. Talk to your local city government or neighborhood association about organizing an event close to home. Portland residents can find information about your neighborhood association from the City of Portland Office of Community & Civic Life at 503-823-4519.

    Volunteer on a cleanup or find out about how to organize your own neighborhood clean up with SOLVE or Hands On Greater Portland.

    Tell us how you feel about Multnomah County’s syringe drop boxes.

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    How Do I Use A Sharps Bin

    You should store your sharps bin in a safe place inside your home and keep all sharps out of reach of children at all times.

    To ensure the bin is not dangerous to others, you should not remove the lid once it contains waste.

    Once you have placed a sharp object into your sharps bin, you should not try and take it out again as you may receive an injury. Sharps should be placed into the bin one at a time, and in one piece. They should not be bent, broken or dismantled before being put in.

    The list of items you can place in your sharps bin include:

    • Lancet needles/syringes

    A Quick Brief On Diabetes

    Diabetes is a serious disease affecting a significant proportion of the total American population. It has become relatively common in the United States as of 2018, 34.2 million Americans live with diabetes–thats 10.5% of the population. Of the 34.2 million adults with diabetes, 26.8 million were diagnosed, and 7.3 million were undiagnosed. Nearly 1.6 million Americans have type 1 diabetes, including about 187,000 children and adolescents.

    One of the primary means of diabetes management is usually self-monitoring and self-administration: regular monitoring of ones blood sugar, paired with oral diabetes medications and/or insulin injections, if necessary. Navigating this new and important responsibility with accurate information is very important for those who may be newly diagnosed with diabetes.

    If this is a condition you or a loved one are facing, it is imperative to take treatment and associated sharps disposal seriously. An important part of this responsibility includes the safe and proper disposal of supplies when youre done using them. Diabetes can be a lifelong condition, and mastering self-management is essential to maintaining a high quality of life and independence.

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    How Long Can Insulin Be Stored At Room Temperature

    When left unopened and kept properly, these products retain their efficacy until the expiry date printed on the packaging. Insulin products included in vials or cartridges given by manufacturers may be stored unrefrigerated for up to 28 days at a temperature between 59F and 86F and continue to operate.

    How To Dispose Of Needles Lancets And Blood Strips Properly

    Mini Pocket Sharps Bin question

    Some people with diabetes use supplies such as needles, lancets and blood strips which become medical waste. Learn the importance of disposing of them safely and properly. Find out the right type of containers to use for getting rid of sharps. Discover ways to dispose of medical waste in accordance with the law.

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    Disposal Of Sharps By Health Care Facilities

    The information on this page is intended for use by consumers, including patients, family members, and home health caregivers to address disposal of used needles and other sharps used at home, at work, and when traveling. This page is not for health care facilities.

    For information on sharps disposal at health care facilities or disposal of regulated medical waste by health care personnel outside of health care facilities, see Sharps Disposal Containers in Health Care Facilities.

    The FDA recommends a two-step process for properly disposing of used needles and other sharps.

    Managing Household Medical Sharps

    It is illegal to put needles and other sharp medical items in the trash, recycling or medication collection drop boxes.

    Medical sharps, such as needles, syringes and lancets, pose an injury risk for anyone who comes in contact with these items. Large numbers of sharps are used at home, work and on the road. If sharps are put in the trash or recycling or flushed down the toilet, they can injure sanitation workers or cause equipment problems. Therefore, it is important to properly package and dispose of all sharps. Learn how to properly dispose of used medical sharps below.

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    Who Should Not Take Tresiba

    Do not take Tresiba® if you:

    • are having an episode of low blood sugar
    • are allergic to Tresiba® or any of the ingredients in Tresiba®

    Before taking Tresiba®, tell your health care provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are:

    • pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
    • taking new prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements

    Talk to your health care provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it.

    What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Tresiba

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    Tresiba® may cause serious side effects that can be life-threatening, including:

    • Low blood sugar . Signs and symptoms that may indicate low blood sugar include anxiety, irritability, mood changes, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and headache
    • Low potassium in your blood
    • Heart failure in some people if taken with thiazolidinediones . This can happen even if you have never had heart failure or heart problems. If you already have heart failure, it may get worse while you take TZDs with Tresiba®. Tell your health care provider if you have any new or worse symptoms of heart failure including shortness of breath, tiredness, swelling of your ankles or feet, and sudden weight gain

    Your insulin dose may need to change because of change in level of physical activity or exercise, increased stress, change in diet, weight gain or loss, or illness.

    Common side effects may include reactions at the injection site, itching, rash, serious allergic reactions , skin thickening or pits at the injection site , weight gain, and swelling of your hands and feet.

    Get emergency medical help if you have trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion.

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    Needles Used For Illegal Drugs

    Reusing a needle to inject illegal drugs carries a high risk of catching a serious blood-borne infection. To avoid the risk of an infection, needles should never be reused or shared.

    Many areas in England have needle and syringe programmes that provide free supplies of clean needles and advice on disposing of used needles safely.

    Contact your local pharmacy or drug treatment service to find out if there’s a programme in your area.

    Clinics And Hospital Collection Sites

    • Some clinics and hospitals have collection programs for needles, lancets, and syringes used by their patients at home. If your healthcare provider has a collection program, learn about and follow their instructions for sharps storage and disposal.
    • Do not bring used needles and syringes to your clinic or hospital if they are unable to accept them.

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    Other Factors To Consider Besides The Expiration Date

    While the expiry date is the best determinant of whether your insulin is still safe for use or not, there are some other factors you should keep in mind as well.

    Expiration dates only apply to insulin bottles or vials that havent been opened or unsealed. Moreover, they need to be stored under the right conditions in your refrigerator for the expiration date to be viable.

    If the insulin is left at room temperature for too long, or the bottle has been opened for some time now, it will no longer work effectively. These inappropriate storage conditions result in the hormone losing its strength or even becoming completely unable to regulate your blood sugar levels.

    It would help if you made it a practice to dispose of any insulin bottles opened beyond the recommended time of use. Also, be sure to get rid of any vials left out of the refrigerator for an extended time.

    A smart practice to take on is labeling your insulin vials with the date you first opened them. This will help you keep track and determine by when to use the insulin safely.

    Be sure to go over the original packets instructions and discuss with your diabetes specialist to confirm safe use. They are best informed on how long you can use the insulin after opening or keeping it at room temperature.

    These rules are particularly important for people who use prefilled insulin pens or insulin cartridges. So, pay heed to the fine print and be mindful of the dates.

    What Qualifies As Radioactive Waste

    How to Dispose of Insulin Needles

    Nuclear waste is generated as a byproduct of nuclear reactors, fuel processing factories, hospitals, and research institutes. Additionally, radioactive waste is produced during the decommissioning and decommissioning of nuclear reactors and other nuclear installations. There are two basic categories of waste: high-level waste and low-level garbage.

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    Other Medical Waste Disposal

    Put soiled bandages, disposable sheets, medical gloves, and other contaminated non-sharp materials into a black or brown plastic bag. Securely tie or tape up the top of the bag. Place the bag in the center of your garbage when you throw it out. These guideline are available in an English brochure.

    Connect with DOH

    Dexcom: No Recycling Program

    One of the questions we hear most often on the recycling front relates to the popular Dexcom G6 CGM. When it was first approved and launched in 2018, the companys leadership said they were mulling a recycling or takeback program specifically for the new Dexcom G6 single-button plastic inserter thats quite a bit larger than the previous version. Its considered mixed waste, having both non-recyclable metal and plastic parts inside.

    On the companys FAQ page, the question Is Dexcom creating a recycling program for the sensor applicator? is met with a clear answer: No.

    At this time, we can only recommend that the user dispose of the used applicator following local guidelines for blood contacting components, the page states.

    Dexcoms senior public relations manager James McIntosh tells DiabetesMine that there was no decision on a potential takeback program for the Dexcom G6. But the upcoming Dexcom G7 model expected in 2022 will have a new fully-disposable form factor with a smaller sensor and transmitter, as well as a new auto-inserter.

    That means itll reduce the volume of plastic and packaging by more than 25 percent compared to the Dexcom G6, he explains, adding: In the long-term, Dexcom is committed to being good stewards of the environment while providing the best possible products for our customers.

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