18 Steps to Use an Insulin Pen

Insulin pens have recently become the device of choice for injecting insulin. With their simple design and practical advantages, they have replaced the old syringe and vial. This manual is designed to show patients, family members, and healthcare professionals how to use insulin pens.

1     Make sure the insulin does not contain any clotting or thread like structure.

2 Remove pen cap.

3 Sterilize rubber stopper with alcohol wipe.

4 Remove the protective tab from disposable needle tip.

5 Screw the needle tightly onto the insulin pen.

6 Pull off the big outer needle cap.

7 Pull off the inner needle cap and dispose of it. Be careful not to bend or damage the needle before use.

8 Perform the safety test: Press the injection button all the way in. Check if insulin comes out of the needle tip. You may have to perform the safety test several times before insulin is seen. If no insulin comes out, check for air bubbles and change the needle and try again.

9 Turn the dosage selector to select required units.

10 Hold the insulin pen with the needle pointing up

11 Tap the cartridge gently with your finger tips to make any air bubbles collect at the top of the cartridge.

12 Keep the needle pointing upwards and press the push button. The device is now primed and ready to use.

13 Turn the dosage selector to the number of units you need to inject.

14 Insert the needle into skin.

15 Inject the dose by pressing the push button all the way in until the 0 lines up with the dose arrow.

16 Keep the needle in the skin for at least 6 seconds, and keep the push button pressed all the way in until the needle has been pulled out of the skin.

17 Remove the pen needle by unscrewing the needle tip and disposing in a sharps container.

18 Put the pen cap on the insulin pen and store in recommended areas.

Video

Tips

•         Store opened insulin pens at room temperature.
•         Store unopened insulin pens in a refrigerator.

Warnings

·         Never reuse pen needle tips. Always use a new needle to prevent contamination and chance of infection.