How to Perform Subcutaneous Insulin Injections With a Flexi Pen

The Novo Nordisk FlexPen® is a pre-filled insulin pen designed to make insulin injections easy and discreet. The disposable pen comes with Levemir®, Novolog® or Novolog® Mix 70/30 insulins.
The pen is easy and comfortable to use. Because you will be injecting under the skin, in areas with few nerve endings, there should be little or no pain involved. The FlexPen® has been proven to be more comfortable to use than most other pens or syringes. (See Resources for more information)

Things You'll Need

• Novo Nordisk FlexPen® pre-filled with insulin prescribed by your physician

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Instructions

Using Your FlexPen®

• 1

  Get training in how to use the pen and insulin from your physician or diabetes educator.

• 2

  Study your FlexPen® and read the package insert carefully.

• 3

  Wash your hands and pull off the pen cap.

• 4

  Remove tab from the bottom of a needle assembly. Screw the needle onto the FlexPen® and remove the needle protector cap.

• 5

  Prepare an air shot by dialing two units. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up, tap the insulin reservoir gently, and press the push button all the way in. A drop of insulin should appear at the tip of the needle. You may have to repeat this step up to six times with a new pen. If insulin does not appear by the sixth try, do not use the FlexPen® and contact the manufacturer. You will find the manufacturer's number on the package insert.

Giving the Injection

• 6

  Make sure your dose selector is set to zero. Dial the dose by turning the dose selector to the desired dosage. Be careful not to push the button while dialing the dose.

• 7

  Inject the insulin into your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your physician. Make sure your rotate your injection sites with each injection. Push the needle quickly into your skin then fully push the button to dispense the insulin. Do not remove the needle until the insulin is fully injected

• 8

  After the injection, remove the needle from the pen and dispose of it in an approved sharps container.

• 9

  Cap your pen and put it away. You can keep your pen in the refrigerator although this is not necessary. Depending on which insulin you are using, your insulin will last without refrigeration from two to five weeks. You will find specifics for your insulin in the package insert.