With insulin pens, please note the following:
- Matching: The insulin pen and insulin refill should be matched for use. Which manufacturer’s insulin pen is used, the matching insulin refill produced by that manufacturer must be used.
- Check and verify: check the drug liquid in the refill, expiration date and install the refill and needle. Pre-mixed insulin must be well shaken.
- Exhaust: The air must be exhausted each time a new refill and needle are installed. The method is to hold the pen vertically up, turn the dose selection knob to “1” and then push it to the “0” position until a drop of insulin liquid is discharged.
- Sterilize and pay attention to the injection method: After selecting the injection site, sterilize it routinely, turn the dose knob to the required insulin volume scale, and push the needle vertically into the subcutaneous area with the insulin pen in the right hand. If the subcutaneous fat is thin, the needle should be inserted at an angle of 45°. When the dose knob is zeroed, the needle should stay under the skin for 10-15 seconds and then be withdrawn. After withdrawal, apply pressure with a dry cotton swab for 2 minutes.
- Put on the inner needle cap and then discard: After the injection, put on the inner needle cap, screw down the needle, discard the discarded needle and put back on the pen cap.
How to reduce pain?
- Insulin is brought to room temperature and then injected.
- Use a needle that is thin and sharp.
- Let the ethanol evaporate and dry before injecting.
- Pinching the skin by hand causes slight pain.
- Change the injection site.
- Change the injection site.
- Two fast and one slow injection methods are used. That is, fast in and out of the needle and slow when pushing the injection.