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Abasaglar ® (basal insulin glargine)
This information is intended for UK registered healthcare professionals only in response to your search for information. For current information for all Lilly products, including Summaries of Product Characteristics, Patient Information Leaflets and Instructions for Use, please visit: www.medicines.org.uk
Abasaglar® (insulin glargine): Air bubbles in the KwikPen
Air bubbles can form in the pen if it is stored with a needle attached. KwikPen should be primed before each injection. Small air bubbles may be difficult to remove, but they will not harm the user or affect the dose.
How to store the in-use KwikPen?
In-use pens may be stored for a maximum of 28 days up to 30°C and away from direct heat or direct light. Pens in use must not be stored in the refrigerator.
The pen cap must be put back on the pen after each injection in order to protect from light.1
The pen should not be stored with the needle attached to prevent leaking, blocking the needle, and air from entering the pen.2
Priming the KwikPen
Abasaglar KwikPen should be primed before each injection. Priming the pen means removing the air from the needle and cartridge that may collect during normal use and ensures that the pen is working correctly. If the pen is not primed before each injection, the user may get too much or too little insulin.2
To prime the KwikPen the user should:2
- Turn the dose knob to select 2 units.
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing up. Tap the cartridge holder gently to collect air bubbles at the top.
- Continue holding the pen with needle pointing up. Push the dose knob in until it stops, and “0” is seen in the dose window. Hold the dose knob in and count to 5 slowly.
The user should see insulin at the tip of the needle. If no insulin is seen, the user should repeat the priming steps, but not more than 4 times. If still no insulin is seen, the user should change the needle and repeat the priming steps.
Small air bubbles are normal and will not affect the dose.2
References
1Abasaglar [summary of product characteristics]. Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., The Netherlands.
2Abasaglar [instructions for use]. Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., The Netherlands .
Date of Last Review: 08 November 2023