| Describe what NeedleAid™ is and how it works. |
NeedleAid™ consists of 2 parts: an outer plastic sleeve with a bell-shaped end and an inner sleeve within which the insulin pen or syringe sits. The person places the outer bell on the injection site with one hand. The other hand is used to grasp the pen or syringe and push downward to insert the needle, usually without feeling it. The plunger is then depressed to inject the medication. When the downward pressure is released, a spring returns the pen or syringe to its original position, withdrawing the needle without scratching the skin.
See images portraying the steps involved with using NeedleAid. | |
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| What are the advantages of NeedleAid™ to the User? |
| NeedleAid™ works with most common insulin pens and syringes and allows the user to inject himself to the correct depth and angle. It also withdraws the needle by means of a return spring. | |
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| Are there any similar products on the market? |
| No, this is a unique product fully patented in both Canada and the United States. There are other products to protect those handling needles, but not for actually assisting with the injection using both syringes and pens. | |
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| With what other medications, other than insulin, is NeedleAid™ used? |
| NeedleAid™ may also be used to administer Heparin. It is also now being used to help inject HUMIRA, a medication for rheumatoid arthritis. NeedleAid™ Ltd. is also investigating the possibility of pairing the device with the pen used to inject Forteo, a medication for osteo arthritis. Another model of NeedleAid™ is also available to assist in the injection of methotrexate. | |
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| Who can benefit from NeedleAid™? |
| NeedleAid™ was originally developed to assist someone who was visually impaired to give his own insulin. The device is also invaluable to anyone with a fear of needles, anyone starting on insulin, a person injecting arthritis medication, someone in a home care situation required to give injections. | |
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| What has been the response of those who have used NeedleAid™? |
| The response from those who have used NeedleAid™ has been very favourable. A woman who could not bear to look at a needle now gives herself injections five times a day. A blind gentleman successfully gives his own injections independently. A woman who is shakey injects without scratching. A woman starting on insulin gives her insulin with greater confidence. These are just a few of the people for whom NeedleAid™ has made a difference. | |
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| Are there addtional benefits to using NeedleAid™? |
| Yes, some insulin users have found that using NeedleAid™ reduces the pain of injection. Modern small-guage needles already reduce the discomfort and using the NeedleAid™ as well, reduces the discomfort even more. | |
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| Is NeedleAid™ appropriate for use with children or pets? |
NeedleAid™ is certainly helpful in both situations. For children, the most fearful part of an injection is seeing the needle. NeedleAid™ hides the needle from view and in most cases masks the sensation of the needle prick. The device can also be covered with a sticker of a favourite cartoon character to further distract the child.
The NeedleAid™ has also been used on pets with great success. One woman claimed that using the NeedleAid™ was the only way that she could give her dog his insulin.
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| Who are others we can contact about NeedleAid™? |
| If you would like to talk to people who are currently using NeedleAid™ or a health care professional, please email info@needleaid.com or call 1-800-810-8581. | |
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