Questions About Using HumaPen® LUXURA HD™
Why doesn't the screw move out when there is no cartridge in the Pen? 
What should I do if I can't attach the cartridge holder to the Pen body?
Why is it important to prime before every injection?
Why can it take several attempts to prime when a new cartridge is inserted?
What should I do if I have an air bubble in the cartridge?
Why is it difficult to push the injection button when I try to inject?
Why doesn't the dose knob go to zero when I inject my dose?
Why doesn't the screw move out when there is no cartridge in the Pen?
The screw may not move out when you push the injection button unless there is a cartridge in the Pen. This feature of the Pen allows you to easily push the screw into the Pen body when replacing a cartridge. Once a cartridge is inserted, the screw will move out when the injection button is pushed.
What should I do if I can't attach the cartridge holder to the Pen body?
Check that the insulin cartridge is fully inserted into the cartridge holder. Then carefully line up the cartridge holder with the Pen body and screw together until secure.
Why is it important to prime before every injection?
If you do NOT prime, you may get too much or too little insulin. Priming helps to ensure that the Pen and needle are working properly. Once the Pen is properly primed, a stream of insulin will flow from the needle. You may need to prime several times before you see a stream of insulin.
Why can it take several attempts to prime when a new cartridge is inserted?
There may be a gap between the screw and the cartridge plunger. Repeating the priming steps will move the screw out to touch the cartridge plunger. Once the end of the screw pushes the cartridge plunger out, insulin will flow from the needle.
Why should I prime to a stream, and why isn't the Pen ready for use if I see a drop of insulin on the needle tip?
Priming moves the screw into contact with the cartridge plunger and gets the air out of the cartridge. When you are priming your Pen:
- You may see a drop of insulin on the tip of the needle when you first attach it. This only shows that the needle is attached and not clogged. You must still prime the Pen.
- You may also see no flow at all. This may be because the screw is moving forward to close a gap between the screw and the cartridge plunger.
- If there is air in the cartridge, the insulin may sputter or drip until all the air is removed.
- Insulin will flow as a stream only when the Pen is properly primed.
- If the injection button is hard to push, the needle may be clogged. Attach a new needle. Repeat the priming steps until a stream of insulin is seen.
If you are still unable to see a stream of insulin out of the needle, do NOT use the Pen. Contact Lilly at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or your healthcare provider for assistance or to obtain a replacement.
What should I do if I have an air bubble in the cartridge?
Priming your Pen will remove air. Point the Pen up, and tap the cartridge gently with your finger so any air bubbles can collect near the top. Repeat the priming steps until a stream of insulin is seen. A small air bubble may remain in the cartridge after completion of the priming steps. If you have properly primed the Pen, this small air bubble will not affect your insulin dose.
Why is it difficult to push the injection button when I try to inject?
- Your needle may be clogged. Try attaching a new needle, and then prime the Pen.
- Pushing the injection button down quickly may make the button harder to push. Pushing the button more slowly may make it easier.
- Using a larger diameter needle will make it easier to push the injection button during injection. Ask your healthcare provider which needle is best for you.
If none of the above steps resolves the problem, your Pen may need to be replaced.
Your injection button may also become harder to push if the inside of your Pen gets dirty with insulin, food, drink or other materials. Following the Care and Storage instructions in your User Manual should prevent this.
Why doesn't the dose knob go to zero when I inject my dose?
This can happen if the Humalog insulin cartridge does not have enough insulin left in it for your entire dose.
The number in the dose window is the amount you did NOT receive. To get the rest of your dose, remove the needle,
change the insulin cartridge, attach a new needle and prime the Pen. Then complete your dose by dialing the amount that you did NOT receive and inject only this amount.
How much insulin does the Pen hold?
The Pen can only be used with Humalog 3 mL (100 U/mL) cartridges, which are filled with enough insulin to ensure the delivery of 300 units.
How and where should I store the Pen?
- Remove the needle after every use. Do not store the Pen with the needle attached.
- Keep the Pen away from moisture, dust, extreme hot or cold temperatures, and direct sunlight.
- Do not store the Pen in a refrigerator.
- Refer to the Humalog insulin cartridge Patient Information for complete insulin storage instructions.
HumaPen LUXURA HD is available by prescription only.
