novopen
device OmniDash5 copy

Summary

NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo Plus provides the smart addition of a personal injection log. Both pens are compatible with Novo Nordisk insulins in Penfill 3 ml cartridges and work with NovoFine single-use disposable needles. You can transfer your insulin dosing information from your smart pen to your device using the app. 

The first FDA-approved tubeless, waterproof pump that can be controlled entirely from a compatible Android smartphone. The system combines the Omnipod patch pump with the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to automatically adjust insulin delivery in response to glucose trends. It's easy to use and allows bolus dosing directly from a compatible smartphone.

Components

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Sensor

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every 5 minutes. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Controller

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Controller

Smart pen records daily injections and sends them to the compatible app by tapping the device with a compatible smartphone.

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Receiver

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Receiver

Smart pen and sensor readings displays dosage information directly on smart mobile device.

Omnipod 5 : Pump

Omnipod 5 : Pump

Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.

Omnipod 5 : Sensor

Omnipod 5 : Sensor

Automatic applicator inserts sensor just under the surface of the skin and can be applied to many places on the body.

Omnipod 5 : Controller

Omnipod 5 : Controller

The Controller or a compatible smartphone allows the user to control the Pod using the Omnipod 5 App. Compatible smartphone can be used to view and administer boluses via the Omnipod 5 app.

Device Details

Overview

Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.

This system includes a wearable, tubeless insulin Pod controlled by the Omnipod App on a compatible smartphone or a smartphone-like Insulet-provided Controller.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Sometimes covered. NovoPens are covered by some commercial insurance companies; typically, users pay $21 out-of-pocket copays for the eight-month device. Prices range from $0- $78. For those without any insurance coverage, a single pen price is $78.

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies for Pump and Sensor provided by Pharmacy and/or DME suppliers. Projected price range; $5-$1260 to start and 0-$200/month.

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Hold the dose memory of the pen straight against the Near Field Communication (NFC) spot on your device. Wait while your injection details are automatically transferred to a compatible app on your device. Compatible with multiple data monitoring platforms, including Glooko, MySugr, and Dose Check

Yes
Insulet Provided Glooko® is a data management platform that provides clear, actionable insights. Wireless data uploads directly into Glooko® to support both in-person and remote patient care.

Data View Options

Yes
Dose-related data can be viewed on the NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo apps. 

Yes
Dexcom sensors permit remote monitoring. Wireless data uploads directly into Glooko® to support both in-person and remote patient care

Duration and Storage

28-day pen (Compatible with 10-day or 14-day sensor)
Sensor lasts for 10-14 days depending on the brand, insulin pen lasts for up to 28 days. Pen has 800-injection dose memory and a five-year battery life. Sensor works between 50ºF - 113ºF and pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. 

 

3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Under normal circumstances, your body temperature keeps the Pod within a range of 73°F and 98.6°F

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed

NO text to speech
YES vibration alerts
SOME dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.

Activity. Target glucose is set to 150 mg/dl. Automated insulin delivery is decreased ~50%. The maximum insulin delivery is deceased. Activity mode can be run for 1-24 hours. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The Controller is not waterproof and must be charged daily.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Limited customizability. System integrates the Dexcom G6/G7 or Libre CGM for high or low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels throughout the day. 

Automated Mode uses insulin delivery history and sensor glucose value and trend to automatically increase, decrease, and pause insulin delivery based on current and predicted glucose values using a customizable glucose target.

Comfort

Many components. Have to carry pens and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body.

Low profile & no tubing. Low profile sensor and Omnipod has no tubing but may require more adhesive on the body than other pumps.

Easy Insulin Dosing

NovoPen 6The maximum dose is 60 units, and doses increase in 1-unit increments. NovoPen Echo PlusThe maximum dose is 30 units, and doses increase in 0.5-unit increments

Automatically adjusts dosing. Sensor trends feed into Pods' customizable dose adjustments and there are no interruptions in insulin delivery. You can set a target between 110 mg/dL – 150 mg/dL in 10 mg/dL increments. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments. Extended bolus unavailable when using automated insulin delivery mode. 

Easy to Use

Simple design. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on. 

Smartphone Integration. Pod has fewer components to deal with than other pumps and can be fully controlled using a compatible smartphone. 

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only. 

Factory-calibrated sensor. Fingersticks needed for backup only.

Privacy

Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone. 

Discreet. Sensor allows for checking blood glucose on phone/smartwatch. Most discreet pump option with no visible controller required if using an Android smartphone.