Questions About Using Humalog® KwikPen™
Why should I use a new needle for each injection? 
How much insulin is in the Pen?
What should I do if I am not sure how much insulin remains in my cartridge?
Why should I prime my Pen before each dose?
What should I do if I cannot completely push in the Dose Knob when priming the Pen?
What should I do if I see an air bubble in the cartridge?
Why is it difficult to push the Dose Knob when I try to inject?
What should I do if my Pen is jammed?
Why is insulin leaking from the needle after I finished injecting my dose?
What should I do if I dial a wrong dose (too high or too low)?
What should I do if my full dose cannot be dialed?
Why can I not dial the dose to use the small amount of insulin that remains in my cartridge?
Why should I use a new needle for each injection?
This will help ensure sterility. If needles are reused, you may get the wrong amount of insulin, a clogged needle, or a jammed Pen.
How much insulin is in the Pen?
Each Pen contains a 3 mL (100 U/mL) cartridge, which is filled with enough insulin to ensure the delivery of 300 units.
What should I do if I am not sure how much insulin remains in my cartridge?
Hold the Pen with the needle end pointing down. The scale on the clear Cartridge Holder shows an estimate of the number of units remaining. These numbers should NOT be used for measuring an insulin dose.
Why should I prime my Pen before each dose?
- Ensures that the Pen is ready to dose.
- Confirms that a stream of insulin comes out of the tip of the needle when you push the Dose Knob in.
- Removes air that may collect in the needle or insulin cartridge during normal use.
What should I do if I cannot completely push in the Dose Knob when priming the Pen?
- Attach a new needle.
- Prime the Pen.
What should I do if I see an air bubble in the cartridge?
You need to prime the Pen. Remember, do not store the Pen with the needle attached as this may cause air bubbles to collect in the insulin cartridge. A small air bubble will not affect your dose and you can continue to take your dose as usual.
Why is it difficult to push the Dose Knob when I try to inject?
- Your needle may be clogged. Try attaching a new needle. When you do this you may see insulin come out of the needle. Then prime the Pen.
- Pressing the Dose Knob quickly may make the Dose Knob harder to push. Pressing the Dose Knob more slowly may make it easier.
- Using a larger diameter needle will make it easier to push the Dose Knob during your injection. See your healthcare provider to determine which needle size is best for you.
- If the Dose Knob continues to be difficult to push after following the steps above, try the steps below under "What should I do if my Pen is jammed?".
What should I do if my Pen is jammed?
Your Pen may be jammed if it is difficult to inject a dose or dial a dose. To clear the jam:
- Attach a new needle. When you do this you may see insulin come out of the needle.
- Prime the Pen.
- Dial your dose and inject.
- If the Dose Knob is still difficult to push, contact the Lilly Answers Center at 1-800-Lilly-Rx (1-800-545-5979).
Why is insulin leaking from the needle after I finished injecting my dose?
You may have removed the needle from your skin too quickly.
- Make sure you see a 0 in the Dose Window to confirm you received the complete dose.
- For the next dose, push and hold the Dose Knob in and count to 5 slowly before removing the needle.
What should I do if my dose is dialed and the Dose Knob is accidentally pushed in without a needle attached?
- Dial back to zero.
- Attach a new needle. When you do this you may see insulin come out of the needle.
- Prime the Pen.
- Dial your dose and inject.
What should I do if I dial a wrong dose (too high or too low)?
Turn the Dose Knob backward or forward to correct the dose before injecting.
What should I do if I see insulin leaking from the Pen needle while dialing the dose or correcting the dose?
Do not inject the dose because you may not get your complete dose. Dial the Pen down to zero and prime the Pen again. Dial your dose and inject.
What should I do if my full dose cannot be dialed?
The Pen will not allow you to dial a dose greater than the number of insulin units remaining in the cartridge. For example, if you need 31 units and only 25 units remain in the cartridge you will not be able to dial past 25. Do not attempt to dial past this point. You may either:
- Inject the partial dose and then inject the remaining dose using a new Pen.
or - Inject the full dose with a new Pen.
Why can I not dial the dose to use the small amount of insulin that remains in my cartridge?
The Pen is designed to deliver at least 300 units of insulin. The Pen design prevents the cartridge from being completely emptied because the small amount of insulin that remains in the cartridge cannot be delivered.
How and where should I store my Pen?
- Pens that have not been used should be stored in a refrigerator but not in a freezer. Do not use a Pen if it has been frozen.
- Do not store the Pen with the needle attached. If the needle remains attached, insulin may leak from the Pen, insulin may dry inside the needle causing the needle to clog, or air bubbles may form inside the cartridge.
- The Pen you are currently using should be kept at room temperature and away from heat and light.
- Keep the Pen out of the reach of children.
- Dispose of used needles in a puncture-resistant container or as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Dispose of used Pens as instructed by your healthcare provider and without the needle attached.
Humalog KwikPen should be discarded 28 days after first use. Humalog Mix75/25 KwikPen and Humalog Mix50/50 KwikPen should be discarded 10 days after first use. Be sure to also check the expiration date printed on the Pen's label. The date must allow enough time for you to use all the insulin in the Pen.
