Pen Devices For Insulin Administration

What is an insulin pen?

An insulin pen is a device used to inject insulin. It is made up of a cartridge of insulin and a disposable needle. There are reusable and disposable pens. There are many types of insulin that can be injected with a pen. You may need a different pen for each type of insulin you use.

What are the advantages of an insulin pen?

• You do not need to carry insulin vials and syringes.
  
  
• The insulin pen takes little preparation time, few or no extra supplies, and can be used anywhere.
  
  
• The insulin pen is easy to use, and may help ensure that you get the correct amount of insulin.
  
  
• The needle on the insulin pen is smaller and thinner than a syringe needle. It is more comfortable for some people.
  
  
• You can choose either a reusable or disposable pen.

What are the disadvantages of an insulin pen?

Air may enter the insulin cartridge if the disposable needle is left on the pen. This extra air can cause you to inject the wrong amount of insulin.

How do I use an insulin pen?

• Wash your hands: Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand solution.
  
  
• Check the label and appearance of the insulin:
  
  
  • Check the label on the insulin cartridge or pen. Make sure you are injecting the right type of insulin. Check the expiration date. Use a new insulin cartridge or disposable pen if the expiration date has passed.
    
    
  • Check the appearance of the insulin to make sure it is clear, colorless, and free of particles or clumps. Use a new insulin cartridge or disposable pen if the insulin does not look right.
    
    
  • Follow the pen manufacturer's instructions for inserting an insulin cartridge into a reusable pen.
  
  
• Mix cloudy insulin: All insulin types except rapid, short-acting, and glargine (very long-acting) are cloudy and must be mixed before injection. To mix cloudy insulin, follow these steps:
  
  
  • Roll the pen in the palms of your hands 10 times.
    
    
  • There is a small bead in the cartridge that mixes the insulin. Tilt the pen back and forth at a 180 degree angle 10 times to make sure the insulin is mixed well.
    
    
  • After rolling and tilting the pen, the insulin should be evenly mixed. If the insulin does not appear to be evenly mixed, roll the pen again 10 times and tilt the pen back and forth 10 times.
    
    
  • Do not use the insulin if there are clumps in it after mixing.
  
  
• Attach the disposable needle to the pen:
  
  
  • Remove the pen cap and clean the rubber seal on the insulin cartridge with a sterile alcohol swab.
    
    
  • Attach the disposable needle to the pen. Remove the outer needle cap and save it to use after your injection. Remove the inner needle cap and throw it away. Use a new needle every time you inject insulin.
  
  
• Prime the pen before each injection: This releases a small amount of insulin into the pen to help get rid of air bubbles that may be in the pen. Air bubbles can affect the flow of insulin from a pen and cause you to inject the wrong amount of insulin.
  
  
  • With the needle pointing up, tap the insulin cartridge to force any air bubbles to the top.
    
    
  • Dial 2 units of insulin on the dose selector. Point the needle up and firmly press the plunger until a drop of insulin appears at the needle tip.
    
    
  • Repeat this step if a droplet does not appear. You may need to use a different needle or pen if you have to repeat this step several times.
  
  
• Dial the correct dose:
  
  
  • Make sure there is enough insulin in the pen for your full dose. Insert another cartridge into your reusable pen or use another disposable pen if there is not enough insulin.
    
    
  • Make sure the dose selector is set at 0 in the dose display area. Dial your insulin dose. For most insulin pens, you will hear a click for each unit of insulin that you have dialed. Check the insulin display area to make sure you have dialed the right dose.
  
  
• Inject the insulin:
  
  
  • Choose the injection site. Insulin is usually injected into the abdomen, thighs, and arms. Ask where to inject your insulin and how to rotate the injection sites.
    
    
  • Clean the injection site with a sterile alcohol swab or soap and water. Let your skin dry before you inject the insulin.
    
    
  • Lightly pinch a fold of skin at the injection site. Hold the insulin pen at a 90 degree angle and insert the needle all the way into the skin. Children and thin people may need to inject the needle at a 45 degree angle.
    
    
  • Let go of the pinched fold of skin and inject the insulin by pushing the button on the insulin pen all the way in. Keep the button pressed and count to 5 before you remove the needle from the skin. For glargine insulin, leave the needle in your skin for 10 seconds before you remove it. Gently apply pressure on the injection site but do not rub it.
  
  
• Place the outer cap on the needle and remove the disposable needle from the pen: Throw the needle away in a hard container.

How do I store an insulin pen?

• Store the insulin cartridges or disposable pens that you are not using in the refrigerator: Insulin cartridges or disposable pens that have been kept in the refrigerator are good until the expiration date. Do not store insulin cartridges or disposable pens in the freezer.
  
  
• Keep the insulin pens that you are using at room temperature: Keep the insulin pen away from direct heat and light. The amount of time that you can use an insulin pen that has been at room temperature varies. Ask how long you may use your insulin after opening and keeping it at room temperature. Keep insulin pens out of the reach of children. Do not store pens with the disposable needle attached.

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver if:

• You think you gave yourself too little or too much insulin.
  
  
• Your blood sugar levels are often too high or too low.
  
  
• You are having problems using your insulin pen.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Learn more about Pen Devices For Insulin Administration