Brand name medicines appear in green; generic medicines appear in red.

PEN injectors: Technology has some risks.

Many injectable medicines are now available in devices that look like pens. Pen injectors offer consumers a reliable way to give themselves injectable medicines. In some pen styles, the cap is removed and a small needle is attached. The pens are already filled with medicine. Measuring the right dose can be as easy as turning a dial on the pen. Pen injectors are sophisticated syringes that are designed for multiple injections of medicines until their medicine cartridges are empty. Some pen devices are called "auto-injectors" because they automatically insert a needle on the end before the injection. Auto-injectors are used most often for emergency medicines like those used to treat severe allergic responses or migraine headaches. Other pen devices are "self-injection devices," which require the user to insert the needles. These pen devices are used most often to inject hormones, like insulin, human growth hormone, and fertility drugs. They are also used for medicines to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Pen injectors can be used in the home, in hospitals, and in other healthcare settings. As their use increases, they are becoming safer and easier to use. However, as with any medicine or new technology, errors have happened. Below we offer a glimpse of problems that have been reported with pen devices.