Handling a device your doctor prescribed: pen and vial walkthroughs
If your doctor has already prescribed something that comes in a pen or a vial, these two calm walkthroughs cover how to handle the device. They don't relate to any particular treatment, and whether a treatment suits you is always your doctor's decision. Women's Sexual Health Doctor Match is an enquiry service, not a clinic, and doesn't prescribe or supply medicines.
Using an injection pen your doctor prescribed: a calm walkthrough
If your doctor has prescribed something that comes in a click-dial pen, the general handling steps are: clean hands, check the pen and its expiry date, a new needle each time, a flow check if your instructions include one, the dial set exactly as prescribed, an injection area your doctor or pharmacist recommended, and sharps disposal. This walkthrough from Women's Sexual Health Doctor Match is about handling the device only, not about any particular treatment.
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
Does this video mean a particular treatment is right for me?
No. It only shows how to handle a click-dial pen device. Whether any treatment suits you is a decision for you and your doctor.
I feel nervous about doing this myself. Is that normal?
Many people feel unsure at first. You can ask your prescribing doctor or pharmacist to walk you through it again, in person or by telehealth, before you try.
How do I know I have the right pen?
Check the label matches what was prescribed for you and that it's within its expiry date. If anything doesn't match, don't use it and ask your pharmacist.
Who do I contact if I feel unwell afterwards?
Contact your prescribing doctor or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 000.
How do you mix a vial your doctor prescribed? Calm step-by-step
Mixing a vial your doctor prescribed comes down to a clean setup, swabbing the rubber tops, measuring exactly the mixing liquid your pharmacist specified, letting it run gently down the side of the vial, and swirling (not shaking) until it's dissolved. This Women's Sexual Health Doctor Match walkthrough covers the device steps only; it doesn't suggest that any treatment is right for you.
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
Is this video about a specific medicine?
No. It shows general vial-mixing technique only and doesn't refer to any particular medicine or treatment. Follow your own pharmacist's instructions and the product leaflet.
What supplies will I need?
Your pharmacist will tell you. Usually that's the medicine vial, the mixing liquid, a syringe, alcohol swabs and a sharps container.
Can I ask someone to check my technique privately?
Yes. Your prescribing doctor or pharmacist can go through the steps with you, including by telehealth.
What should I do if something looks wrong?
If the liquid doesn't look the way your pharmacist described, don't use it. Contact your pharmacist or prescribing doctor.