The Gonal F pen is a common medication used in fertility treatments to induce ovulation. Using the pen is not difficult; however, it can be scary the first time. Get detailed, step-by-step instructions on using the pen to make the process much easier.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 minutes
Here's How:
- Assemble everything you will need.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Swab the rubber stopper on the outside of the pen with an alcohol pad. Allow to air dry.
- Remove the outer paper wrapper on the needle. Screw the needle onto the pen using a clockwise motion.
- Remove the outer needle shield.
- Dial the dose prescribed by your doctor by using the dial at the top of the pen to line up the dose with the arrow indicator.
- Pull on the dial in an outward motion until you hear the clicks and cannot pull the dial anymore.
- Swab the area you will be injecting with a second alcohol pad -- the lower abdomen about an inch below the belly button or the front of the thigh about halfway down is preferable.
- Inject the needle and push the injection button (dial) at the top of the pen until it cannot be pushed in anymore.
- Remove the needle from the skin.
- Using the pen, scoop up the outer needle shield and carefully cover the needle. Unscrew the needle and immediately dispose in a sharps container or dispose of safely.
Tips:
- Keep a pen and paper with the pen. Record the dose each day that you use the pen and subtract from the total number of units on the pen to keep track of what's left.
- Inject the pen in a quick, dart-like motion to minimize the discomfort of injection.
- Store the pen in the refrigerator if you will be using it again.
What You Need:
- Gonal F Pen (300IU, 450IU, 600IU or 900IU)
- BD Micro Fine Needles
- Alcohol pads
- Bandaid if necessary
- Sharps container
- Medication journal
- Dose prescribed by your doctor
