How to use aluetta

TRAINING VIDEO: Preparing for an injection with aluetta

If you are new to aluetta or would like to refresh your training, watch the video to learn more.

Step-by-step instructions on how to get started with aluetta

For your convenience, we have a step-by-step guide on how to get started with aluetta.

There are easy-to-follow pictures to help you at each step.

Download Instructions for Use

For your convenience, you can download a PDF version of the Instructions for Use booklet that was also given to you in the aluetta box.

Download
Image of aluetta injection pen instruction booklet
1.1

a. Gather a needle and the aluetta pen injector carton. Take out a new cartridge (Figure 1.1a).

Figure 1.1a
Image of aluetta pen injector carton and new cartridge

b. When using the aluetta pen injector for the first time, write the date you first use it and the expiration date on the label on the back of the storage box or the instructions booklet (Figure 1.1b).

Important: Your aluetta pen injector should be replaced 3 years after you use it for the first time, and no later than the “Use by” date you can find on the storage box label. You can get a new aluetta pen injector by contacting your healthcare professional. Follow your local guidelines to dispose of your aluetta pen injector.
Figure 1.1b
Image of aluetta pen injector holder and hand with a pen labelling the outside of the box
1.2

If stored in the refrigerator, open the storage box and wait five minutes for the medicine to warm up.

Caution: Do not use a microwave or other heating element to warm up the aluetta pen injector or cartridge.
Figure 1.2
Image of aluetta pen injector in the holder, a cartridge, and a clock indicating 5 minutes
1.3

Prepare a clean, flat surface, such as a table or countertop, in a well-lit area.

1.4

You will also need: alcohol pads and a sharps container. See Step 10.3, “Disposing of your used needles and empty cartridges,” for disposal instructions.

Figure 1.4
Image of alcohol pads and a yellow sharps container
2.1

Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them well.

Figure 2.1
Image of handwashing
2.2

Remove the aluetta pen injector from the storage box.

Note: All pen injectors allow dosing in increments of 0.1 mg across a range from 0.0 to 5.5 mg.
Figure 2.2
Image of aluetta pen removed from the storage box
2.3

Confirm the label of the cartridge.

Figure 2.3
Image of zoom in of label of the cartridge
2.4

The aluetta pen injector and cartridge are available in 3 presentations: 6 mg, 12 mg, and 20 mg.

Caution: Always make sure the growth hormone amount (in milligrams) on the cartridge label matches the number printed on the aluetta pen injector, and that this is the combination your healthcare professional prescribed to you.
Figure 2.4
Image of three different pens of 6 milligram or blue, 12 milligram or red, and 20 milligram or yellow with corresponding numbered and coloured cartridges
3.1

Confirm the cartridge is not damaged or cracked.

Figure 3.1 & 3.2
Image of hand holding a cartridge with an eye to look at cartridge and label
3.2

Confirm that the medicine:

  • is clear
  • is colourless
  • does not contain particles
3.3

Confirm the expiration date on the cartridge has not passed.

Warning:

  • Do not use the cartridge if it is damaged, or if the medicine is discoloured or cloudy.
  • Do not use the cartridge if the expiration date on the cartridge has passed.

Doing so could cause an illness. Call your healthcare professional for questions.

Figure 3.3
Image of hand holding a cartridge with zoom into the cartridge label and expiration date

When to insert a new cartridge:

  • the first time you use the aluetta pen injector
  • the cartridge is empty
  • the cartridge has expired
4.1

Pull the cap off the aluetta pen injector.

Figure 4.1
Image of hands pulling open the cap off the aluetta pen injector
4.2

Twist and remove cartridge holder from pen injector body.

Figure 4.2
Image of hands twisting to remove the cartridge holder from aluetta pen injector
4.3

If the cartridge holder contains an empty or expired cartridge, remove and throw it away in a sharps disposal container.

Figure 4.3
Image of a hand holding an empty or expired cartridge and disposing into the sharps container
4.4

For information on proper sharps disposal instructions, see Step 10.3, “Disposing of your used needles and empty cartridges.”

If the plunger is extended, hold the plunger return ring and rotate the pen injector body until you cannot turn it anymore. Make sure the plunger touches the dose sleeve.

Caution: Do not force or push plunger.
Figure 4.4
Image of a hand holding plunger return ring and rotate the pen injector body until it cannot turn anymore and plunger touches the dose sleeve
4.5

Hold cartridge holder and push a new cartridge in with metal cap first.

Figure 4.5
Image of a one hand holding a cartridge holder and other hand pushing a new cartridge into the holder with metal cap first
4.6

Line up pen injector body with cartridge holder and twist cartridge holder back onto pen injector body until you cannot twist it anymore.
The number (6, 12, or 20) printed on cartridge holder and pen injector body should line up.

Figure 4.6
Image of lining up the pen injector body with the cartridge holder and twisting the cartridge holder onto the pen injector body until unable to twist; number printed on cartridge holder and pen injector body should align

Note: Your healthcare professional should show you the injection sites to use.

5.1

Select a different injection site each time you inject to reduce redness, irritation, or other skin problems.

Figure 5.1
Image of child/youth with blue patches to show common injection sites of abdomen, thigh, outer upper arm, and buttocks
5.2

Prepare your injection site by wiping it with an alcohol pad; allow your skin to dry.

Figure 5.2
Image of hand wiping injection site on the body with an alcohol pad

Note: Applies to Pencylcap, Ultra-FineTM, and AutoShield DUOTM needles.

6.1

Check the peel paper on the needle to make sure it is not broken and the expiry date has not passed.

Warning:

Do not use needle if peel paper is broken or the expiry date has passed. Doing so may cause an infection. Discard in your sharps container and get a new needle.

6.2

Peel off the peel paper from a new needle and discard paper in trash.

Figure 6.2
Image of hand peeling off paper from a new needle
6.3

Hold needle straight and twist it onto the cartridge holder until you cannot twist it anymore.

Warning:

Do not remove the outer needle cover until ready to prime or inject.

Figure 6.3
Image of left hand inserting and twisting the needle onto the cartridge holder that is held in the right hand
Important: Only prime the aluetta pen injector when starting a new cartridge to remove air.
7.1

Turn the dose selection knob to 0.2 mg; the dose window will show “0.2.”

Figure 7.1
Image of hand holding an aluetta pen injector and turning the dose selection knob to 0.2 mg in the dose window
7.2

If you use the Pencylcap or Ultra-FineTM needles:

  • Pull off outer needle cover and place it in the well of the storage box. You might need this again for removing the needle after the injection.
  • Carefully pull off needle shield and discard it.

OR

If you use the AutoShield DUOTM Safety needle:
Pull off outer needle cover and discard in the trash.

Figure 7.2
Image of hand pulling off the outer needle cover and placing in the well of the storage box; in the next frame, a hand is pulling off the fine needle shield and disposing it into the garbage; an alternate image is shown for AutoShield DUO safety needle where the outer needle cover is pulled off and discarded into the trash
7.3

With the needle pointing up, gently tap the cartridge with your finger so that any air bubbles rise to the top.

Figure 7.3
Image of injector pen with needle pointing upward and a finger gently tapping the cartridge to let air bubbles rise to the top
7.4

Continue holding the aluetta pen injector with needle pointing up. Push the dose injection button until it stops. A tiny drop(s) of liquid will appear at the tip of the needle.

Warning: Do not wipe the drop(s) from the needle after priming.

Important: If you do not see drop(s) of medication come out of the needle tip, repeat the priming steps up to 5 times.

If the problem continues after trying 5 times, remove the cartridge and call your healthcare professional.

Figure 7.4
Image of injector pen with needle pointing upward and hand pushing the dose injection button until it stops with tiny drop or drops of liquid appearing at the tip of the needle

Note: Always set your dose according to your prescription. Call your healthcare professional if you are unsure of the prescribed dose.

8.1

Turn the dose selection knob until your intended dose is visible in the dose window.

Important: If you cannot turn the dose selection knob to your prescribed dose, the cartridge does not contain enough medicine. You will need to use two cartridges. See Step 8.2, “Using multiple cartridges to complete your prescribed dose,” for instructions.
Figure 8.1
Image of injector pen with dosing window and hands turning the knob to the intended dose. In this case, the window is showing 1.5 mg
8.2

Using multiple cartridges to complete your prescribed dose:
If the dose selection knob does not turn to your prescribed dose, the cartridge does not have enough medication left. A new cartridge is required to deliver your full dose.

Follow Step 9, “Inject your dose,” to inject the first part of your prescribed dose and empty the cartridge. Use the dose amount of your first injection to calculate the remaining dose.

8.3

Proceed to Step 11, “How to store your aluetta pen injector,” to clean the cartridge holder.

8.4

When ready for the second injection, wash your hands again and take out a new cartridge.

8.5

Follow the instructions starting with Step 3, “Inspect your cartridge,” to replace the empty cartridge with a new cartridge, and perform the priming as in Step 7, “Prime your aluetta pen injector.”

8.6

Calculate your remaining dose by subtracting the dose already injected from the prescribed dose – see sample calculation on the right.

Image of sample calculation to calculate the remaining dose by subtracting the amount already injected in first injection from the prescribed dose
8.7

To dial your dose, turn the dose knob until your intended dose is visible in the dose window.

8.8

Rotate injection site as instructed in Step 5.

8.9

Proceed from Step 9, “Inject your dose,” to inject the remaining dose.

Caution: To avoid accidentally bending your needle, insert straight (90° angle) into the injection site.
9.1

Hold the aluetta pen injector at a 90° angle to the injection site.

Face the dose window towards you and then push the needle into your skin.

Figure 9.1
Image of hand injecting the body at a 90-degree angle with the focus at 90 degrees
9.2

Use your thumb to press the injection button all the way in and hold it down while slowly counting to 10.

Figure 9.2
Image of hand injecting the body at a 90 degree angle with the thumb pressing the injection button all the way down
9.3
Important: Before removing the aluetta pen injector from the skin, make sure the number “0.0” appears in the dose window to ensure you injected the full dose.
Figure 9.3
Image of hand injecting the body at a 90-degree angle with the thumb pressing the injection button all the way down and a zoom into the dose window with the numbers 0.0 milligram
9.4

If the number “0.0” does not appear, press the injection button again and continue pressing until the number “0.0” appears.

9.5

Remove the needle from your skin and then release the injection button.

If you use the DUOTM Safety needle:
After injection, the protective sleeve locks automatically and you should see the red locking indicator.

Figure 9.5
Image of hand holding the pen injector at a 90-degree angle with the thumb pressing the injection button all the way down with an arrow pulling away from body
Warning: You must remove the needle from the aluetta pen injector and throw it away after each injection to avoid risk of infection.
10.1

If you use the Pencylcap or Ultra-FineTM needles:
To help you recap the needle, push the aluetta pen injector into the outer needle cover in the well of the storage box until you cannot push it anymore.

Warning: Do not recap the Pencylcap or Ultra-FineTM needles with the needle shield as it can lead to needle stick injuries.
Figure 10.1
Image of hand holding the pen with needle down toward the outer needle cover that is already sitting in the well of the storage box
10.2

For the Pencylcap, Ultra-FineTM, and AutoShield DUOTM Safety needles:
Hold the needle at the sides and twist it off to remove it from the aluetta pen injector.

Warning: Do not place your fingers on either end of the needle as it can lead to a needle stick injury.
Figure 10.2
Image of left hand twisting off the needle to remove from the aluetta pen injector
10.3

Disposing of your used needles and empty cartridges:

  • Put your used needles and empty cartridges in a sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not throw away (dispose of) cartridges or needles in your household trash unless your community guidelines permit this.
  • If you do not have a sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:
    • made of a heavy-duty plastic,
    • can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
    • upright and stable during use,
    • leak-resistant, and
    • properly labelled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.
  • When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be local laws about how you should throw away used needles and syringes.
  • Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.

Figure 10.3
Image of hand disposing of the needles and empty cartridges
10.4

After removing the needle, recap the aluetta pen injector.

Figure 10.4
Image of left hand recapping the aluetta pen injector that is in the right hand
11.1

You can wipe the outside of the aluetta pen injector with a clean, damp cloth whenever needed.

Figure 11.1
Image of hands wiping the outside of the aluetta pen with a clean damp cloth whenever needed
11.2

You can also soak the empty cartridge holder in warm water for a few minutes, and then allow it to dry fully before reassembling the pen.

Caution:

  • Do not immerse aluetta pen injector in water.
  • Do not use any cleaning solutions, chemicals, or alcohol wipes.
11.3

Place the aluetta pen injector containing the cartridge in the storage box, and store it according to the Package Insert until next use.

Figure 11.3
Image of aluetta pen to be inserted back into the storage box

How to track my aluetta injections

Download injection log

“I find it helpful to track my injection dates and different injection sites. I show this to my nurse and doctor at my appointments.”

Download the aluetta 24-week injection log today.

weekly injection log thumbnail DOWNLOAD INJECTION LOG
Tween girl sitting on a bed using an injection pen

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you need more help tracking your injections.

Frequently asked questions

Please visit How to use aluetta to access a training video, step-by-step instructions, and an instruction booklet.

If you want more support, contact the Momentum Support Program. Momentum Nurses and Specialized Agents are available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Phone: 1-877-724-9361.
Email: patientservices@emdserono.com.

Please contact the Momentum Support Program. Momentum Nurses and Specialized Agents are available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Phone: 1-877-724-9361.
Email: patientservices@emdserono.com.

When this happens, this is called a partial injection. This means your cartridge does not have enough medicine for a full injection.

When this happens, you can make two partial injections.

To do this, wash your hands and attach a new needle. Next, turn the dose knob until you can’t turn it anymore.

Write down the number that you see displayed in the dose window. Then, do your first partial injection. After completing the injection, remove the needle by putting it in your sharps container, and throw away the empty cartridge.

To prepare for your second partial injection, choose a different part of your body to inject. Insert a new cartridge and attach a new needle. Remember that when you insert a new cartridge you will need to remove the air bubbles. Once you have finished removing the air bubbles from the new cartridge, calculate the dose of your second partial injection. To do that, subtract the number you wrote down from the number of your prescribed directed dose. The number you get is the remaining dose of your second partial injection.

If you are still having trouble, please contact the Momentum Support Program. Momentum Nurses and Specialized Agents are available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Phone: 1-877-724-9361.
Email: patientservices@emdserono.com.

Go to Free Supplies to order the items you need.

As part of the Momentum Support Program, our Nurses and Specialized Agents can help you with insurance, reimbursement, and financial assistance. Learn more.

easypod is a growth hormone autoinjector that can also track your growth hormone injections. Learn more at easypod.ca.