Using an insulin pen

An insulin pen is the size and shape of a writing pen and is used to give insulin shots. Inside the pen is a cartridge filled with insulin. A dial on the outside of the pen allows you to set your dose.

Following proper usage, storage, and disposal measures will help increase the safety and benefits of using insulin.

How to prepare and inject insulin using an insulin pen

You’ll need:

• An insulin pen
• A new, clean needle
• An alcohol swab
  

Before each shot

1. If you have an NPH (cloudy insulin) or 70/30 (mixed insulin) pen, you need to stir up the contents of the pen in 2 directions:
   • Lay the pen in your palm and roll it back and forth with your other hand 10 times.
   • Then, holding the pen straight up and down, turn it upside down. Rotate the pen like that 10 times.
     
     
2. Remove air from the needle by turning the dose knob to 2 units.
   
   
3. Holding your pen with the needle pointing up, tap the cartridge holder gently to move air bubbles to the top.
   
   
4. Push the dose knob all the way in.
   
   
5. Watch for a stream or drop of insulin to come out of the needle. If it doesn’t, repeat steps 2, 3, and 4.
   
   

How to prepare your injection

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
   
   
2. Follow the directions on the packaging for how to screw a new needle onto your pen.
   • You’ll need a new, clean needle every time you inject insulin.
     
     
3. Remove the outer cap from the needle. Keep it to use later.
   
   
4. Remove and throw out the inner cover from the needle.
   • The needle is now exposed, so be careful not to stick yourself.
     
     
5. Use the alcohol swab to clean the skin where you’ll give the shot. Let it dry.
   
   
6. Turn the dose knob to the number of units of insulin you need to inject.
   
   
7. Push the needle into your skin at a 90-degree angle (so the surface of your skin and the pen form a “T”).
   • If you’re thin, you may need to pinch your skin so you don’t inject insulin directly into your muscle.
     
     
8. Push in the dose knob until it stops. Keeping the needle in your skin, hold the dose knob for 10 seconds (or however long the manufacturer recommends).
   
   
9. Pull the needle out of your skin.
   • Do not rub the injection site.
     
     
10. Put only the outer cap back over the needle.
    
    
11. After covering the needle with the outer cap, unscrew the needle and throw it away in your “sharps” disposal bin.
    
    

How to store and dispose of insulin pens

• Do not store opened insulin cartridges or pens in the refrigerator. Store these items at room temperature (56 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
  
  
• Insulin cartridges and pens will only last a limited number of days after they’ve been opened. Discard them when that limit has been reached.
  • For the time limit on these items, check the information that came with your prescription or talk to your pharmacist.