Insulin Pen Injection
Green Box
Tools in this box
Insulin Pen
Device to inject insulin.
Pen Needles
Attach to insulin pen with each use.
Video: Learn How to Inject Insulin with a Pen
*Note: Your devices may differ from the ones that appear in the video
Step by Step: Learn How to Inject Insulin
Click HERE to download a copy of your paper instructions to follow along.
1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water
2. Check the insulin type and expiration date
Check for right insulin type, right dose, and right time. Make sure the insulin pen is not expired.
There are many different kinds of insulin, and each insulin stays in your body for a different length of time.
Some pens look alike so always check the medication name.
Once opened, insulin expiration dates vary, check the guide that came with each pen.
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.
11. Clean site with alcohol pad
Wait 10 seconds until the alcohol 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 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 needle
15. Twist off and remove pen needle from 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 needle in the sharps container
17. Replace the pen cap on the pen and put back in the green box
Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you can store your insulin pen at room temperature.
