Learn about our convenient insulin pens, download step-by-step guides, and watch our injection tutorials.
Questions About Using HumaPen® LUXURA™ HD
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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 do I have to hold the injection button down for five seconds after the injection?
- What should I do with used needles?
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.
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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 installed, the screw will move out when the injection button is pushed.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What should I do if I have an air bubble in the cartridge?
Priming your Pen will remove air. Point the Pen with the needle 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.
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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 professional which needle is best for you.
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.
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Why do I have to hold the injection button down for five seconds after the injection?
After the injection button is fully depressed, it takes a few seconds to completely expel the insulin dose, primarily due to the elasticity of the rubber plunger. As with all Lilly insulin pens, five seconds is recommended as the appropriate time needed to ensure full dose delivery.
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What should I do with used needles?
Most states require that you store used needles in a hard container. An empty liquid detergent bottle or sharps containers are good examples. You can buy sharps containers at most pharmacies. Check with your local health department to confirm the rules where you live.
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Humalog is available by prescription only. See Humalog Patient Information for important facts about this product.
HumaPen LUXURA HD is available by prescription only.
Important Safety Information
Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 are for use in patients with diabetes to control high blood sugar. Humalog should be used with a longer-acting insulin, except when used in combination with sulfonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Humalog insulins are contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients sensitive to Humalog or one of its excipients. The safety and effectiveness of Humalog in patients less than 3 years of age have not been established. Safety and effectiveness of Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established. There are no clinical studies of the use of Humalog insulins in pregnancy or nursing mothers.
Potential side effects associated with the use of all insulins include low blood sugar, weight gain, low blood potassium, changes in fat tissue at the site of injection, and allergic reactions, both general and local. Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 should not be mixed with another insulin. Starting or changing insulin therapy should be done cautiously and only under medical supervision.
Humalog insulins are available by prescription only. See the Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 Patient Product Information for important facts about these products.
Humalog is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 are trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company.
Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 are for use in patients with diabetes to control high blood sugar. Humalog should be used with a longer-acting insulin, except when used in combination with sulfonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Humalog insulins are contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients sensitive to Humalog or one of its excipients. The safety and effectiveness of Humalog in patients less than 3 years of age have not been established. Safety and effectiveness of Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established. There are no clinical studies of the use of Humalog insulins in pregnancy or nursing mothers.
Potential side effects associated with the use of all insulins include low blood sugar, weight gain, low blood potassium, changes in fat tissue at the site of injection, and allergic reactions, both general and local. Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 should not be mixed with another insulin. Starting or changing insulin therapy should be done cautiously and only under medical supervision.
Humalog insulins are available by prescription only. See the Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 Patient Product Information for important facts about these products.
Humalog is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 are trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company.
