How to Use a Self Injection Pen

2026-04-04injections, health, wellness

Before you start

Wash your hands thoroughly.

Quick visual overview

Overview

Overview

Step 1

STEP 1

Prepare the pen

Remove the pen cap. Do not use the needle if the packaging is already open, damaged, or contaminated.

Step 2

STEP 2

Attach a new needle

Push the capped needle straight onto the pen and twist until it feels secure. Keep the needle aligned with the pen while attaching it, and do not overtighten. Always use a new needle for every injection.

Step 3

STEP 3

Remove the outer needle cap

Pull off the larger outer needle cap and keep it nearby. On many pens, this cap is used again after the injection to help remove the needle more safely.

Step 4

STEP 4

Clean the injection site

Choose the recommended injection site for your medication, then wipe the skin with an alcohol swab. Let the skin dry completely before you inject.

Step 5

STEP 5

Remove the inner needle cap

Pull off the small inner needle cap and discard it. Avoid touching or bending the exposed needle. A small drop at the needle tip can be normal.

Step 6

STEP 6

Prime the pen / check the flow

Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and activate the pen as directed until a drop appears.

Step 7

STEP 7

Dial the prescribed dose

Turn the dose selector to select dose. If you dial past the correct dose, turn back carefully and confirm the number before injecting.

Step 8

STEP 8

Inject under the skin

Insert the needle under the skin and 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 ensure complete administration.

Step 9

STEP 9

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.

Step 10

STEP 10

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.

Injection sites

Injection sites

Inject sites only into fat: stomach, thigh, or arm. Rotate injection site weekly.

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