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Instructions For Insulin Vial Use

NEVER SHARE NEEDLES AND SYRINGES.

Correct Syringe Type

Doses of insulin are measured in units. U-100 insulin contains 100 units/mL (1 mL=1 cc). With Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) , it is important to use a syringe that is marked for U-100 insulin preparations. Failure to use the proper syringe can lead to a mistake in dosage, causing serious problems for you, such as a blood glucose level that is too low or too high.

Syringe Use

To help avoid contamination and possible infection, follow these instructions exactly. Disposable syringes and needles should be used only once and then discarded by placing the used needle in a puncture-resistant disposable container. Properly dispose of the puncture­resistant container as directed by your Health Care Professional.

Preparing the Dose

1. Wash your hands.
2. Carefully shake or rotate the bottle of insulin several times to completely mix the insulin.
3. Inspect the insulin. Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) suspension should look uniformly cloudy or milky. Do not use Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) if you notice anything unusual in its appearance.
4. If using a new Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) bottle, flip off the plastic protective cap, but do not remove the stopper. Wipe the top of the bottle with an alcohol swab.
5. If you are mixing insulins, refer to the “Mixing Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) and Regular Human Insulin” section below.
6. Draw an amount of air into the syringe that is equal to the Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) dose. Put the needle through rubber top of the Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) bottle and inject the air into the bottle.
7. Turn the Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) bottle and syringe upside down. Hold the bottle and syringe firmly in one hand and shake gently.
8. Making sure the tip of the needle is in the Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) suspension, withdraw the correct dose of Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) into the syringe.
9. Before removing the needle from the Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) bottle, check the syringe for air bubbles.
10. If bubbles are present, hold the syringe straight up and tap its side until the bubbles float to the top. Push the bubbles out with the plunger and then withdraw the correct dose.
11. Remove the needle from the bottle and lay the syringe down so that the needle does not touch anything.
12. If you do not need to mix your Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) with Regular human insulin, go to the “Injection Instructions” section below and follow the directions.

Mixing Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) and Regular Human Insulin (Humulin R)

1. Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) should be mixed with Humulin R only on the advice of your doctor.
2. Draw an amount of air into the syringe that is equal to the amount of Humulin N you are taking. Insert the needle into the Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) bottle and inject the air. Withdraw the needle.
3. Draw an amount of air into the syringe that is equal to the amount of Humulin R you are taking. Insert the needle into the Humulin R bottle and inject the air, but do not withdraw the needle.
4. Turn the Humulin R bottle and syringe upside down.
5. Making sure the tip of the needle is in the Humulin R solution, withdraw the correct dose of Humulin R into the syringe.
6. Before removing the needle from the Humulin R bottle, check the syringe for air bubbles. If bubbles are present, hold the syringe straight up and tap its side until the bubbles float to the top. Push the bubbles out with the plunger and then withdraw the correct dose.
7. Remove the syringe with the needle from the Humulin R bottle and insert it into the Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) bottle. Turn the Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) bottle and syringe upside down. Hold the bottle and syringe firmly in one hand and shake gently. Making sure the tip of the needle is in the Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) , withdraw the correct dose of Humulin N (insulin (human recombinant)) .
8. Remove the needle from the bottle and lay the syringe down so that the needle does not touch anything.
9. Follow the directions under “Injection Instructions” section below.

Follow your doctor's instructions on whether to mix your insulins ahead of time or just before giving your injection. It is important to be consistent in your method.

Syringes from different manufacturers may vary in the amount of space between the bottom line and the needle. Because of this, do not change:

• the sequence of mixing, or
• the model and brand of syringe or needle that your doctor has prescribed.

Injection Instructions

1. To avoid tissue damage, choose a site for each injection that is at least 1/2 inch from the previous injection site. The usual sites of injection are abdomen, thighs, and arms.
2. Cleanse the skin with alcohol where the injection is to be made.
3. With one hand, stabilize the skin by spreading it or pinching up a large area.
4. Insert the needle as instructed by your doctor.
5. Push the plunger in as far as it will go.
6. Pull the needle out and apply gentle pressure over the injection site for several seconds. Do not rub the area.
7. Place the used needle in a puncture-resistant disposable container and properly dispose of the puncture-resistant container as directed by your Health Care Professional.

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/2/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.