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Using Medicine
Insulin - Preparing
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Step by Step Instructions
- Gather all necessary supplies: the insulin vial, syringe and alcohol pads.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Check the insulin vial to be sure it is the correct insulin and strength.
- Clear insulin such as Regular, Novolog, Lispro and Lantus do not need to be agitated. All other types of insulin are cloudy and need to be agitated before a dose of insulin is drawn.
- To agitate insulin, roll the insulin vial between the palms of your hands. Do not shake the insulin vial.
- Inspect the insulin for any abnormalities in color, particulate matter, consistency, and thickness. If any abnormalities are seen, do not inject the insulin; throw it away and obtain a new vial.
- If the vial is new, pop the colored cap off.
- Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol pad before each use.
- Remove the needle and plunger caps and pull back on the syringe plunger to draw air into the syringe. Draw in an amount of air equal to your dose of insulin. To measure the amount correctly, pull back on the plunger to the point where the top of the black rubber portion of the plunger meets the measurement line on the syringe.
- Insert the needle straight into the rubber stopper of the insulin vial and push the air into the vial. This is done to avoid creating a vacuum within the vial when you withdraw your insulin dose and will make it easier to withdraw the dose.
- Invert the vial and syringe and slowly withdraw the appropriate number of insulin units from the vial.
- Remove any air bubbles in the syringe by gently tapping the syringe with your finger and carefully pushing any large air bubbles back into the insulin vial.
- Double check that you withdrew the proper dose from the insulin vial and that no large air bubbles are present; then withdraw the syringe form the vial.
- Carefully cover the needle with its cap or lay the syringe down so that the needle does not touch anything. The dose of insulin is now ready to be injected.
Additional Tips for Preparing Insulin Doses
- Always check your insulin vials to insure that you have the right type of insulin, that it is normal in appearance, and that it is not expired (expiration date is typically printed directly on the vial).
- Know your correct insulin dose before you get ready to draw it into the syringe.
- Never change insulin brands, types, or concentrations (U-100 versus U-500) without first talking with your doctor.
- Keep extra vials of insulin in your refrigerator. Make sure you don't run out!
- Never let your insulin freeze.
- Keep the vial of insulin that you are currently using in the refrigerator when possible. However, most insulins can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days.
- If insulin is not kept in the refrigerator, store it away from heat and light (below 860F).
- Do not shake your insulin hard and do not let it get tossed around. If insulin is handled roughly, it may be more likely to clump.
- If you need to travel, protect insulin from getting too hot or cold. Do not leave it in a parked car, especially if it is very warm or very cold outside.
Last Updated: December 2006
This content was created by members of the DrugDigest team of experts and is solely under DrugDigest's editorial control.
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Insulin - Preparing 