This video is a guide to using your insulin pen. This video will show you how
to: use the different types of insulin pens, choose a good injection
site, prepare for an injection and choose the right pen needle, and do the
injection. There are several different types of insulin pens. Some insulin pens
are disposable, with the insulin already in the pen. There is a plunger in the pen.
Once it is at the end of the pen, you will need to use a new pen. Once the pen
is empty you can throw the whole pen in your recycling bin.
Non-disposable insulin pens: some insulin pens are non disposable. They have a reusable pen
which holds an insulin cartridge that is inserted into the pen. To open and
replace the insulin cartridge, some of the non disposable pens twist with the
two parts of the pen moving in opposite directions. Other pens unscrew.
The insulin cartridge is put into the pen with a smaller end going in first.
Non-disposable pens also have a plunger. Once the plunger is at the end of the
insulin cartridge, you must replace the cartridge in the pen. Caring for your
insulin pen and cartridge: Once you start using a disposable insulin pen or a pen
with the insulin cartridge: keep them at room temperature.
Insulin is only good for 28 days at room temperature. If you have not used all the
insulin at the end of the 28 days, throw the remainder away and use a new pen or
cartridge. Insulin pens or cartridges that you are not using should be kept in
the refrigerator until you need them or until they expire. Check the box they
come in for the expiry date.
All insulin pen or cartridges hold a minimum of 300 units of insulin, allowing
for multiple doses. The pen dials up units of insulin. The way to dial up the
dose is by twisting the knob at the end of the pen. For the Novo non-disposable
pens you need to pull out the end before dialing. Choosing a good injection site:
for adults the abdomen is the best place to do the injection because the insulin
is absorbed the same each time. Other possible sites are the thighs and
buttocks. The arm is not recommended because it is very easy to inject in the
muscle. To inject in the abdomen, do not inject within 2 centimeters or 1 inch of
your belly button. There are a lot of blood vessels in this area. Do not inject
within 2 centimeters or one inch of any bones, like your hip or ribs. Do not
inject into scar tissue from injuries or surgeries. Do not inject where there are
bumps or lumps from lipohypertrophy. Lipohypertrophy is damaged tissue that
happens when insulin has been injected into the same area many times. Scar
tissue occurs under the skin with decreased
blood flow to the area. Decrease blood flow means that if you inject in this
area the insulin will not be absorbed. It will not work as good as it should.
Avoid these areas for at least 3 months. To prevent lipohypertrophy, do not inject
in the same area. Keep moving your injection sites over by
one finger width. Keep rotating to different areas. If you move to a new
injection area be careful of low blood sugars as your insulin may now absorb
faster and work better. Preparing for injection: To prepare for
an injection, you will need your insulin pen and a pen needle. Choose the right
needle the pen needle should be four to six millimeter needle. You will find the
size of the needle on the tear off tab on the pen needle. Use a new needle each
time you inject. Next, wash your hands before preparing for or doing the
injection to reduce your chance of getting an infection. Pull the cap off
the pen and check to make sure there is enough insulin. Check the insulin in the
pen. The insulin in the pen or cartridge may be cloudy or clear. If it is a cloudy
insulin there are two types of insulin in the pen. The insulin must be mixed so
that you get the right amount of insulin. To mix insulin, roll the pen between your
palms ten times, then tip the pen ten times. This should be done before every
injection. Pull the tab off the pen needle and attach it to the pen by
twisting the needle clockwise until it is tight. Remove the two caps from the
needle. Dial up two units. Push the bottom of the pen to release the air from the
needle. Look for a drop of the insulin on the end of the needle. If there is no
insulin, dial up another two units and push the bottom again. Repeat these steps
until you see insulin at the end of the needle. Dial up the dose of insulin you
will inject.
Doing the injection: first, put the needle in your skin
straight in, not at an angle. If you are very thin, you might need to pinch your
skin and lift it up to prevent the injection from going into the muscle.
Inject the insulin by pushing the button at the bottom of the pen all the way in.
Check to make sure the dial goes to zero. Count to 10 while leaving the needle in
place so that you will get all of the insulin you will know if you didn't
leave the needle in long enough if your skin is wet, or you smell insulin. Remove
the needle from your skin recap the needle using the larger outer cap. Turn
it to the left to remove the needle.
Throw the needle in a sharps container or glass container with a lid. Never put
the needle into your regular garbage. Do not store the pen with the needle
attached, as air can be pulled into the pen if the room temperature changes.
This video has shown you: the different types of insulin pens, how to choose a good
injection site, how to prepare for an injection, and choose the right pen
needle, and how to give yourself an injection. If you have any questions on how to use
your insulin pen, talk to your health care provider go to the company website,
or look at the instruction manual for your insulin pen.