First time use vs regular use
Before you start
Wash your hands thoroughly. Read the Instructions for Use that came with your medication pen and follow your healthcare provider’s directions for dose, injection site, and storage.
At a glance
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First time use
Prime a new pen once before the first injection. A new pen may need several turns, sometimes up to 20 units, before a drop appears. As soon as the pen is primed, turn the dial back to 0.
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Regular use
After the pen has been primed, you do not need to repeat the first time priming step for every injection. Attach a new needle, dial your prescribed units, inject, and dispose of the needle safely.
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Quick visual overview
The priming image is for first-time use of a new pen. After the pen has been primed, skip the first-time priming block and use the regular-use steps.
FIRST TIME USE
Prime a new pen before the first injection
Use this block only when starting a new pen, or if you have never primed this pen before.
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How to prime the pen for first use
1. Attach a new needle. Remove the pen cap. Push the capped needle straight onto the pen and twist until secure. Pull off the larger outer needle cap and keep it nearby. Pull off the smaller inner needle cap and discard it. 2. Hold the pen upright. Point the needle up and tap gently so air bubbles move toward the top. 3. Prime until a drop appears. Turn the dose selector according to your pen instructions. A new pen may need several turns, and sometimes up to 20 units, before liquid appears at the needle tip. 4. Stop immediately once primed. The moment a drop appears, the pen is primed. Do not press the top/injection button again for priming. Turn the selector back to 0. 5. Continue with regular use. After priming, change the needle as directed, dial the prescribed units, and inject using the regular-use steps. |
REGULAR USE
Every injection after the pen has been primed
Use this block after first-time priming is complete. If this pen has never been primed, go to the First-Time Use block first.
Priming reminder
You do not need to repeat the first-time priming step every time once this pen has already been primed.
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STEP 1
Attach a new needle
- Wash your hands and remove the pen cap.
- Use a new needle for every injection.
- Push the capped needle straight onto the pen and twist until it feels secure. Keep it aligned and do not overtighten.
- Pull off the larger outer needle cap and keep it nearby. Pull off the smaller inner cap and discard it.
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STEP 2
Dial the prescribed units
- Turn the dose selector to the dose prescribed for you.
- If you dial past the correct dose, turn back carefully and confirm the number before injecting.
- After first-time priming is complete, you should be able to attach the needle and dial to the prescribed units without repeating the first-time priming process.
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STEP 3
Clean the injection site
- Choose the recommended injection site for your medication.
- Wipe the skin with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely before you inject.
- Rotate injection sites as directed for your medication.
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STEP 4
Inject under the skin
- Insert the needle under the skin as directed.
- Press the injection button all the way down.
- Keep the button pressed until the dose counter returns to 0, then hold the needle in place for a few seconds to help ensure the full dose is delivered.
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STEP 5
Shield the needle
- Using the saved outer cap, carefully cover the needle without touching it.
- Keep your fingers away from the needle tip and avoid recapping at an angle.
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STEP 6
Remove and dispose of the needle
- Unscrew or remove the capped needle and place it immediately into an approved sharps container.
- Put the pen cap back on and store the pen exactly as directed for your product.
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Injection-site reminder
- Use only the injection sites recommended for your medication.
- Common areas may include the stomach, thigh, or upper arm, but follow your product instructions and clinician’s guidance.
- Rotate injection sites regularly as directed.
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