Notes:
Ensure medication is stored in the fridge as per pharmacy instructions
Attach a new needle before every injection
‘Prime’ the needle, i.e. purge the air from inside the pen/needle. To do this, twist the pen for two clicks, point the needle to the sky and push the dose selector (the end of the pen furthest from the needle) until it stops.
Dial up your required dose, as per the prescription label. If your prescription label says 'Inject ___ clicks', slowly twist the dial and listen to the audible clicks. The number in the dosage window of the pen should match the prescribed dose (e.g. ‘1’) if you have done this correctly.
Always inject into your abdomen at least 2cms away from the naval. If you are able to pinch and grasp approx 1 inch of belly fat then you can inject at 90 degrees to the skin. If not then you should inject a 45 degree angle to the skin.
Press down the button at top of the pen to inject medication over the course of around 5 seconds until the number in the dosage window has returned to ‘0’ before withdrawing the needle.
Important:
Ensure you alternate the injection site each time you inject to reduce risk of injection site irritation. Avoid injecting into bruised areas.
There is no need to draw back to check for blood return for a subcutaneous injection due to the short needle and location of the injection site.