NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo
Eversense
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.
This sensor lasts the longest - 365 days. It has to be placed under the skin by a healthcare provider. It has two parts, the implantable sensor and a transmitter that sends data to a mobile device.
MARD: 8.5-9.1%
*Recently FDA approved for use with insulin pumps.
Components
Receiver
Smart pen and sensor readings displays dosage information directly on smart mobile device.
Controller
Smart pen records daily injections and sends them to the compatible app by tapping the device with a compatible smartphone.
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.
Receiver
Real-time glucose measurements sent to a compatible mobile-device or smart watch. No need for a separate receiver. Available for both iOS and Android devices.
Transmitter
Transmitter sits outside of the body and is held on by an adhesive. Sends data every 5 minutes to a connected mobile device.
Sensor
Professionally inserted by a physician during a medical visit. Minor procedure.
Device Details
Overview
Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.
Very small implantable sensor but large transmitter must be worn on top of the skin.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Sometimes covered. NovoPens are covered by some commercial insurance companies; typically, users pay $21 out-of-pocket copays for the eight-month device. Prices range from $0- $78. For those without any insurance coverage, a single pen price is $78.
$$$$
Sometimes covered. Insertion and removal require a Health Care Provider. Insertion costs $100-$300, and removal costs $100-$400. Sensor and transmitter cost $800-$1400.
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
CGM data can upload automatically to the web-based Eversense data management system (EDMS) from the Eversense mobile app.
Data View Options
Yes
Dose-related data can be viewed on the NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo apps.
Yes
Eversense mobile app receives and displays data in easy-to-read charts and graphs that can be shared with family and friends through the Eversense NOW app.
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.
365 Days
Sensor lasts 365 days, but a physician must implant it. Transmitter must be charged daily.
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed
YES 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.
Water-resistant transmitter when submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes and must be within 25 feet of the connected smart device.
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.
On-body vibration alerts when blood glucose levels are higher or lower than the set range. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry pens and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body.
Longest-lasting sensor fits comfortably under the skin. Minor procedure is required. Least likely to have compression lows.
Easy Insulin Dosing
NovoPen 6: The maximum dose is 60 units, and doses increase in 1-unit increments. NovoPen Echo Plus: The maximum dose is 30 units, and doses increase in 0.5-unit increments
Predictive alerts make insulin dosing easier by tracking high and low trends.
Easy to Use
Simple design. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on.
Minor procedure. Requires insertion by a physician during a medical visit.
Fewer Fingersticks
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
2 daily finger-sticks are needed to calibrate the sensor.
Privacy
Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone.
Somewhat discreet. Tiny sensor is implanted under the skin, so the user can be discreet when needed. Ability to see sugar on watch or phone. Sensor not movable on body and requires regular meter use.