Device technique videos: injection pen and vial mixing
These two short videos show general technique for two common injection devices: a click-dial pen and a vial you mix yourself. They're for people whose doctor has already prescribed one of these devices. Your prescribing doctor, your pharmacist and the product leaflet always come first. Weight Doctor Match is an enquiry service, not a clinic, and doesn't prescribe or supply medicines.
How do you use a click-dial injection pen? Step-by-step (AU)
To use a click-dial injection pen, wash your hands, check it's the pen prescribed for you, attach a new needle, do a flow check if your instructions include one, turn the dial to the dose your doctor prescribed, inject into an area your doctor or pharmacist recommended, then put the needle in a sharps container. This short Weight Doctor Match video walks through each step for people whose doctor has already prescribed a pen device.
Only for a device your doctor has already prescribed for you. General device-technique information, not medical advice.
Transcript
Patient education only. Use your medicine exactly as your prescribing doctor and pharmacist have told you. This video doesn't replace their instructions.
Before you start, wash your hands. Check the pen is the one prescribed for you and that it's within its expiry date.
Take a new needle, peel off the tab, and screw it straight onto the pen. Pull off the outer cap and keep it. Then remove the inner cap.
If your instructions say to do a flow check, do it now, exactly as your pharmacist showed you.
Turn the dial to the dose your doctor prescribed. Never change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.
Choose an injection area your doctor or pharmacist recommended, such as the tummy or the thigh, and change spots each time. Push the needle straight in, press the button all the way, and hold for the count in your instructions before you remove it.
Put the outer cap back on, unscrew the needle, and drop it into a sharps container. Store your pen as your instructions say.
Not sure about any step, or feeling unwell after an injection? Contact your prescribing doctor or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 000.
Common questions
Do I need a prescription to use this kind of pen?
Yes. Only use a pen device that a doctor has prescribed for you and a pharmacist has dispensed. This video is general device technique, not a reason to start any treatment.
What is a flow check, and do I always need one?
Some pens ask you to do a short check before each injection to make sure the needle is working. Whether you need one, and how to do it, depends on your device, so follow your pharmacist's instructions and the product leaflet.
Where on my body should I inject?
Use the area your doctor or pharmacist recommended, and change spots each time. Ask them if you're unsure which areas suit you.
How do I get rid of used needles?
Put used needles straight into a sharps container, never the household bin. Your pharmacist can tell you where to get a container and how to dispose of a full one where you live.
Does this video replace training from my pharmacist?
No. It's a refresher on general steps. Your prescribing doctor, your pharmacist and the product leaflet are the instructions to follow.
How to mix (reconstitute) a vial medicine: step-by-step (AU)
To reconstitute a vial, set up on a clean surface, swab both rubber tops, draw up the exact amount of mixing liquid your pharmacist told you to use, run it slowly down the inside wall of the medicine vial, then swirl gently without shaking and check it looks the way your pharmacist described. This Weight Doctor Match video shows the general steps for people whose doctor has already prescribed a vial medicine.
Only for a device your doctor has already prescribed for you. General device-technique information, not medical advice.
Transcript
Patient education only. Use your medicine exactly as your prescribing doctor and pharmacist have told you. This video doesn't replace their instructions.
Wash your hands and set up on a clean, dry surface. Your pharmacist will tell you what you need. Usually that's your medicine vial, the mixing liquid, a syringe, alcohol swabs and a sharps container.
Flip off the vial caps and wipe each rubber top with a fresh alcohol swab. Let them dry.
Draw up the exact amount of mixing liquid your pharmacist told you to use.
Push the needle into the medicine vial and let the liquid run slowly down the inside wall. Don't squirt it straight onto the powder.
Gently swirl or roll the vial until it's dissolved. Don't shake it. Check the liquid looks the way your pharmacist described. If it doesn't, don't use it.
Write the date you mixed it on the label. Store it as instructed, usually in the fridge, and throw it out by the date your pharmacist gave you.
Put used needles straight into your sharps container. Questions? Contact your prescribing doctor or pharmacist.
Common questions
What does reconstituting a vial mean?
It means mixing a powdered medicine with a liquid so it can be used. Only do it for a medicine your doctor has prescribed, using the supplies and amounts your pharmacist gave you.
Why shouldn't I shake the vial?
The general instruction is to swirl or roll gently. Follow the product leaflet and your pharmacist, because the right method can differ between products.
What if the mixed liquid doesn't look right?
Don't use it. Contact your pharmacist or prescribing doctor and describe what you see.
How long can I keep it after mixing?
That depends on the product. Write the mixing date on the label, store it as instructed, and throw it out by the date your pharmacist gave you.
Who can show me the steps in person?
Ask your pharmacist or prescribing doctor for a demonstration. This video doesn't replace their instructions.
General device-technique information only. Follow the instructions from your prescribing doctor and pharmacist and the product leaflet. This isn't medical advice: talk to your doctor about your own care. In an emergency, call 000.