Insulin Pen Injection
Video: Learn How to Inject Insulin with a Pen
Your devices may differ from the ones that appear in the video.
Step by Step: Learn How to Inject Insulin With a Pen
1. Wash your hands with plain soap and warm water
2. Check the insulin type and expiration date
Know the right insulin type, right dose, and right time(s) to inject. Make sure the insulin pen is not expired.
There are many types of insulin. Each type works in your body for a different amount of time. Some types are taken with meals. Others are taken at set times each day.
3. Remove the pen cap
4. Wipe the tip of the pen with an alcohol wipe
Alcohol wipes are in the Yellow Box.
5. Check the pen needle length
Look at the wrapper of the pen needle. If the number on the right is 6mm or higher, you will need to pinch skin for step 12.
6. Attach the pen needle to tip of the pen.
Twist pen needle until snug, not tight.
7. Remove both pen needle caps
Save the outer pen cap to dispose of the pen needle later.
8. Perform a safety check to remove air bubbles
(a) Turn dose dial to 2. Make sure cap is off and you see the needle.
(b) Hold pen with the needle up.
(c) Push button to release insulin until dose dial returns to 0.
(d) You are ready to go if you see at least one drop of insulin come out. If not, tighten or change needle and then repeat steps a, b, and c.
9. Turn dose dial to your insulin dose
Each pen is a little different.
10. Choose site to inject insulin
You can inject in your belly, thigh, or back of your arm.
Pick a new site each time.
11. Clean site with alcohol wipe
Wait 10 seconds until the skin is dry.
Alcohol wipes are in the Yellow Box.
12. Prep to inject
If pen needle is 4-5mm long, inject without pinching.
If pen needle is 6mm or longer, pinch skin.
13. Inject Insulin
(a) Hold pen straight and push needle into skin.
(b) Push button until dose dial goes down to 0.
(c) Hold firmly in skin and count to 10. Remove the pen needle.
You can try this with the practice skin in the Yellow Kit. You may see a few drops of insulin on the practice skin after you inject.
14. Replace the outer needle cap over the needle
15. Twist off and remove the pen needle from the pen
A new needle is put on every time.
Do not reuse pen needle.
Do not leave pen needle on pen after use.
16. Place the needle in the sharps container
The sharps container is in the Yellow Box.
17. Replace the pen cap on the used pen and put the pen in a safe place
Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you can store your insulin pen at room temperature.
