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Omnipod Dash

Used for Diabetes Type 2, Diabetes Type 1

Omnipod DASH is a wearable insulin delivery device that helps control blood sugar levels in people of all ages who need insulin, including those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It comes with a wearable Pod that delivers insulin under your skin, and a handheld device called the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) that you use to control your insulin dose. Omnipod DASH can provide up to 3 days of continuous insulin delivery, but it can't automatically adjust your insulin dose based on your blood glucose readings like the Omnipod 5.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on December 8, 2022

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What is Omnipod DASH?

What is Omnipod DASH used for?

Continuous insulin infusion in people of all ages requiring insulin

How Omnipod DASH works

Are you looking for information on Omnipod 5 (insulin delivery device) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsOmnipod DASH

Drug ClassInsulin delivery system

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$716.31(save 18.16%)

GoodRx discount

$586.25

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Pharmacist tips for Omnipod DASH

How to set up your omnipod DASH:

It's important to complete training on how to use omnipod DASH properly and safely. You can find training here.

To set up your omnipod DASH PDM, make sure the battery is charged. Then, hold down the power button on the PDM to wake it up. You'll enter the settings provided to you by your healthcare provider. The omnipod DASH PDM will walk you through step-by-step directions on how to do this.

After completing the omnipod DASH PDM setup, tap "Set up new Pod" on the PDM. Watch these videos on how to set up a new Pod.

Before handling the Pod, wash your hands to prevent an infection.

Once the Pod has been filled with insulin, it must be paired to the PDM within 2 hours. Once paired, the Pod must be applied to your skin within 60 minutes.

How to start using your omnipod DASH:

Choose a site on your body where you'd normally inject insulin (e.g., stomach or back of the arm) and wash it with soap and water. Dry the area with a clean towel. Next, wipe the site with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry. See the FAQ section above for all possible application sites.

Remove the omnipod DASH Pod's needle cap and white paper backing covering the adhesive pad.

Apply the omnipod DASH Pod onto your skin (horizontal or diagonal on your stomach, hip, lower back, or buttocks, or up and down or at a slight angle on your upper arm or thigh). Press down firmly to secure the Pod to your skin.

Then, tap "Start" on the omnipod DASH PDM. If you placed the Pod in an area that don't have much fat, you'll need to squeeze the skin around the Pod first. Stop squeezing your skin when the PDM asks if the cannula (a thin tube that goes under the skin) is properly inserted.

The omnipod DASH Pod is now activated and will start delivering your background insulin according to what you programmed on the PDM. You'll be able to give yourself additional (bolus) doses of insulin to bring down high blood glucose levels and cover your meals. Ask your healthcare provider how to calculate and give your bolus doses with the omnipod DASH.

Frequently asked questions about Omnipod DASH

Where can I put the omnipod DASH Pod on my body?

You can place the Pod where you'd normally inject your insulin. In both children and adults, it can be placed on the stomach, front or side of the thighs, back of the arms, or the buttocks. For adults only, the Pod can also be placed in the lower back. Avoid placing the Pod on areas of damaged or irritated skin, or within 1-inch of your belly button. Watch this video for more information on how to place the Pod.

How often do I need to replace my omnipod DASH Pod?

You can use each omnipod DASH Pod for up to 72 hours (3 days). Each Pod contains enough insulin for 72 hours of continuous delivery. Before it runs out, you'll hear an alarm letting you know that it's time to change your Pod soon. After you deactivate and remove the old Pod, make sure to place the new Pod in a different location. Doing so can prevent irritation and allow your skin to heal. Your provider might have you change your Pod more often, so make sure to ask how frequently you should change it.

Can I shower with omnipod DASH?

Yes. The omnipod DASH Pod is waterproof up to 25 feet of water up to for 60 minutes. However, it's not recommended to expose the Pod to extreme temperatures, such as a hot tub or sauna. This could damage the insulin inside of the Pod. Keep in mind that the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) isn't waterproof, so water could damage the PDM.

Does the omnipod DASH measure my blood sugar for me?

No. The omnipod DASH can't monitor your blood sugar levels. You can measure you blood sugar levels with a separately with a glucometer, then manually enter your blood sugar readings on the PDM to help calculate your insulin doses. The Contour Next One glucometer is the only meter that can pair through bluetooth to transmit your readings directly to the PDM. Discuss a plan with your provider about how often you should be testing your blood sugar.

Can children use omnipod DASH?

Yes, the omnipod DASH can be used by people of all ages who needs insulin. Ask your provider if omnipod DASH is right for your child.

How does omnipod DASH compare to the Omnipod 5?

Both omnipod DASH and Omnipod 5 are tubeless insulin delivery devices that come with a Pod and a handheld device that you can use to track and control your insulin delivery. They both allow 3 days of continuous insulin delivery. But there are some differences between them: (1) First, the omnipod DASH is approved for use in people of all ages who needs insulin, but the Omnipod 5 can only be used in people 2 years and older with type 1 diabetes. (2) Second, the Omnipod 5 can be paired with the Dexcom G6 continuous blood glucose monitor to automatically adjust your insulin dose based on your blood sug readings, but the omnipod DASH don't have this function. (3) Lastly, the Omnipod 5 can be used with an app on a smart device or the handheld device. However, the omnipod DASH must be used with the PDM to control the settings, but you could download an app that shows you the same readings that you'd see on your PDM. For more information about the differences between [EDITOR|DRUG_DISPLAY_NAME]] and Omnipod 5, talk with your provider.

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Omnipod DASH dosage forms

The average cost for 10 devices of 200iu of Omnipod DASH is $586.25 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 18.16% off the average retail price of $716.31.