The Basaglar KwikPen is a type of dosage of insulin used to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus in pediatric patients and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult patients. Just as its name suggests, it comes as a pen with a needle to inject your specific dose. The Basaglar KwikPen also includes a small dial at the end to adjust your dose.
Please note: specific usage instructions may vary depending on your individual dosage and any side effects you experience, among other factors.
The FDA states you should never share a Basaglar KwikPen, even if the needle has been changed.
How to Use the Basaglar KwikPen
Before starting treatment with a Basaglar KwikPen, your physician will inform you about best practices, as well as exactly how to use it. You should always ask your physician about the best way to use a Basaglar KwikPen before starting treatment to avoid any adverse reactions and to practice safe dosing.
The following instructions and guidelines are based off of what the FDA recommends when using a Basaglar KwikPen and serve as basic instructions for use with the medication:
Pre-Dosing Precautions
- Double check the insulin label to ensure the medicine is the correct dose and medication prescribed to you
- Double check the insulin for any discoloration or any visible particles. The solution should only be used if it appears clear with no particles
- Never mix the Basaglar solution with any other substances
- Never dilute the Basaglar solution
- Always wash your hands before and after dosing
Important Dosing Information
Please note that dosage may differ for everyone. Consult with your doctor about the best dose of Basaglar for you. The following dosing information comes from the FDA label.
- Remove cap in a straight direction; do not twist off
- Administer Basaglar to the following body areas in rotation with each dose: abdominal area, thigh, and deltoid. Rotating administration sites works to prevent lipodystrophy (an uneven fat distribution in the body).
- Administer at the same time each day.
- Use a new needle for each dose.
- Inform your doctor of any changes to physical activity or diet, as these factors may affect your dosage.
Basic Step-by-Step Instructions
Please note the following steps on how to use the Basaglar KwikPen are not in-depth. Your prescribing physician will be able to best instruct you on how to use the KwikPen in the safest way possible.
- Remove the cap and place a new needle in the pen until it is tightly secure.
- Remove the outer shield on the needle and set aside. Remove the inner needle shield and dispose.
- Prime your pen by selecting the “2” dosage on the dial.
- Point the needle upwards and tap the canister to remove any air bubbles.
- Push the dose knob in until you see “0,” and you should see insulin after slowly counting to five.
- Select your dose at the dose knob.
- Inject your dose based on the specific instructions your doctor gave you.
- After you insert the needle into your skin, push the dose knob until it stops. Slowly county to five. The knob should read “0,” indicating you received your full dose.
- Carefully remove the needle and cover it with the outer shield you set aside.
- Remove the needle with the shield on and dispose of the needle.
- Replace the pen cap.
How many units of Basaglar should I take?
- The FDA states: Inject between 1 and 60 units per dose, based on your prescribing physician’s instructions
- Starting dose recommendation, according to the FDA, for patients with type 1 diabetes: ~one-third of patient’s daily insulin requirements
- Starting dose recommendation, according to the FDA, for patients with type 2 diabetes: 0.2 units/kg or up to 10 units/day
Please note: your dose may change depending on any side effects you experience, as well as any changes you make to your daily activity output and your diet.
How long does a Basaglar pen last?
The answer to this question will depend on the dose your doctor prescribes.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
