Prefilling insulin syringes
If you cannot prepare an insulin dose but can give the injection, you may need someone to prepare your insulin dose for you. A family member, friend, or health professional can prefill insulin syringes for you. If you prefill syringes:
- Store prefilled syringes in the refrigerator with the needle pointing up to prevent insulin from blocking the needle opening. Syringes filled with one type of insulin (rather than mixed insulin) will keep for 30 days.
- Store different doses separately. For example, if your morning dose is different from your evening dose, have a different container for morning and evening injections.
- Before using a prefilled syringe, allow the syringe to warm for 5 to 10 minutes. Gently roll the syringe between your hands to warm the insulin. If the syringe contains a cloudy insulin, make sure all of the white powder is dissolved before giving the shot.
- Another option is to use an insulin pen. You do not have to take insulin into a syringe. You put a cartridge with insulin into the pen.
| Author: | Paul Lehnert | Last Updated: August 31, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacist | |
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