7 steps to using your Humalog Mix insulin Pen
1. Wash your hands with soap and water and make sure you have the right type of insulin. Do not use the Pen after its expiration date. Always use a new needle for each injection.
2. Remove the Pen cap and clean the rubber seal with an alcohol swab. For cloudy insulins only (Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50), gently roll and invert the Pen 10 times to make sure the insulin is evenly mixed. The insulin should look clear and colorless for Humalog or white and cloudy for Humalog Mix25 and Mix50. Do not use if it appears cloudy, colored, or has particles or clumps.
3. Select a new needle and attach it to the Pen.
4. Prime the Pen before each injection to remove air and ensure that it's working correctly. To prime, select 2 units on the dose knob, hold the Pen with the needle pointing up, tap the cartridge holder to collect air bubbles, and push the dose knob in until "0" is seen in the dose window. Hold the knob in and count to 5. Repeat priming if insulin is not seen at the tip of the needle (up to 4 times).
5. Choose the desired dose, up to 60 units per injection. If more than 60 units are needed, use a new needle and prime before each additional injection.
6. Choose the injection site, such as the stomach area, buttocks, upper legs, or upper arms. Rotate the injection site for each injection.
7. Inject the insulin as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not try to change the dose while injecting.
Note: you will not allow to dial pen for more units than what is left in the cartridge. If more units are needed, either inject the remaining units and use a new Pen, or use a new Pen for the full dose. It's normal to see a small amount of insulin left in the Pen that cannot be injected.
The bottom line
Using a Humalog Mix25 insulin pen. It is important of using a new needle for each injection, checking the expiration date of the insulin, and priming the pen before each use. We also recommend the rotating injection sites and not changing the dose while injecting. You do not to dial pen for more units than what is left in the cartridge, and it's normal to see a small amount of insulin left in the pen that cannot be injected.
