Before you start
- Let the pen reach room temperature (take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before use)
- Check the expiry date on the pen
- Inspect the liquid — it should be clear and colourless. Don't use if cloudy or contains particles.
- Wash your hands
Step-by-step injection
- Choose your injection site: Abdomen (avoid 5cm around belly button), front of thighs, or upper arms. Rotate sites each week.
- Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
- Remove the pen cap and attach a new needle (if applicable for your pen type).
- Set your dose by turning the dose counter to the prescribed amount.
- Pinch the skin at your chosen site.
- Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into the pinched skin.
- Press the dose button and hold for 6 seconds after the dose counter returns to 0.
- Remove the needle straight out. Don't rub the site.
- Dispose of the needle in a sharps container (available free from pharmacies).
Storage
- Before first use: Store in fridge (2–8°C). Do not freeze.
- After first use: Can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 28 days, or continue refrigerating.
- Keep the cap on when not in use to protect from light.
- Do not store with a needle attached.
Tips from experienced users
- Inject at the same time each week — set a phone reminder
- The abdomen is generally the least painful site
- Ice the area for 30 seconds before injecting if you're nervous about pain
- The actual injection takes seconds — it's much less intimidating than it looks