Genotropin: Instructions for How to Use
Genotropin is one of the most popular brands of HGH injections in part due to its ease of operation. This guide will provide complete Genotropin instructions. How to use the Genotropin Pens, MiniQuick, and Mixer will all be detailed in the three sections below. Whichever version of Genotropin you find to be the optimum choice for your needs, you will have the information needed on one, easy to follow page that can be printed for future use.
One of the best features offered by Pfizer is the two chamber cartridge system containing the mixing solution and Genotropin. How to use these cartridges is explained in the specialized sections below. Each of the options utilizes the two-chamber system, rather than a vial and separate bottle of bacteriostatic fluid. The biggest differences between these options are as follows:
- Genotropin Pen 5 and 12: Simple to use injector pens
- Genotropin MiniQuick: disposable, single-use syringes
- Genotropin Mixer: Mixing unit that prepares cartridges for use with disposable syringes
Genotropin Pen 5 and 12 Instructions for Use
The Genotropin Pen 5 and 12 are similar units with the main difference being the size. The 5 mg Genotropin cartridge can only be used in the Pen 5 system, and the 12 mg cartridge can only be inserted into the Pen 12 unit. The Genotropin instructions for how to use these injector units can be found below:
- Gather the following supplies:
- Genotropin Pen 5 or 12 as prescribed
- Corresponding two-chamber Genotropin cartridge
- New, disposable needle – 29, 30, or 31 gauge
- Alcohol swab
- Sharps container for needle disposal
- Wash hands with water and soap before proceeding
- Attach the needle by removing the front cap from the Genotropin Pen, unscrewing the metal front part and detaching it from the plastic body of the pen, removing the paper covering from the back of the new needle, and gently screwing the needle clockwise onto the metal front part of the pen unit
- Wipe the corresponding Genotropin cartridge tip with an alcohol swab and insert the cartridge into the metal front part of the pen with the tip towards the needle end – firmly push the cartridge into place
- To prepare the body of the pen, press the red release button that will release the black/white injection knob and turn the knob counterclockwise as far as it will go (the plunger rod should not be visible through the window – if it is, press the red button again until the rod is no longer visible)
- While holding the metal front part upright, gently screw the metal front part and the plastic body back together to mix the diluent in the rear chamber of the cartridge with the growth hormone powder in the front chamber – then gently tip the pen from side to side to dissolve the powder – DO NOT SHAKE
- Examine the solution for particles or discoloration – do not use if there is anything noticeable – call the toll-free number in the provided instructions that come with the medication
- Remove the outer needle cap and set aside for later use, discarding the inner needle cap
- Remove any trapped air from the prepared solution by turning the injection knob clockwise one click to line up the white mark on the knob with the black mark on the pen body, and, while holding the Genotropin Pen upright, gently tap the metal front part with a finger to move any air bubbles up to the top – then push the injection knob all the way in until a drop of liquid is released following the trapped air – repeat if necessary until a drop of liquid is seen
- Recap the needle and use an alcohol swab the clean the desired injection point on the body
- Press the red release button to reset the Genotropin Pen – the knob will pop out, and the dose display will show 0.0 – turn the know clockwise to dial the prescribed dose of Genotropin HGH
- Pinch the skin at the injection site firmly and push the pen needle into the skinfold at an angle of 90 degrees as far as it will go, then push the injection knob until it clicks, count to five seconds and then withdraw the pen
- Recover the needle, remove it from the pen and discard in the Sharps container
- Replace the front pen cap and place the Genotropin Pen into its protective case and store in the refrigerator until the next injection
Instructions for How to Use Genotropin MiniQuick
The Genotropin MiniQuick is a single use, disposable HGH injector that is available in 10 different doses. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months. Below are the Genotropin instructions for using the MiniQuick:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Prepare the needle by wiping the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab
- Peel the seal off of the back of the needle – do not remove the needle covers at this time
- Attach the needle to the Genotropin MiniQuick by pushing it straight down and turning it clockwise as far as possible
- Holding the MiniQuick upright with the needle pointing upwards turn the plunger as far to the right as it will go to mix the medication – tilting from side to side very gently to mix – DO NOT SHAKE
- Remove the outer needle cover and set aside for use after the injection, then remove the inner needle cover and dispose (if using the needle guard place it on the MiniQuick and gently snap in place before removing the inner needle cover)
- After wiping the injection site with an alcohol prep wipe, pinch a fold of skin and pushing the Genotropin MiniQuick straight down into the skin – push the plunger all the way and count 5 seconds before removing
- Recap the needle and dispose of the unit in the Sharps container
Genotropin Mixer Instructions for Use
The Genotropin Mixer is just what it implies – a device to mix the powdered HGH in one chamber of the cartridge with the solution in the other chamber. Here are the Genotropin instructions for the Mixer unit:
- After washing and drying hands, unscrew the dark green plunger rod from the Genotropin Mixer light green holder
- Remove an HGH Genotropin cartridge from the package and put in into the Mixer with the metal/rubber tip facing into the open end of the holder – the tip should stick out from the opening at the front of the holder
- Screw the plunger rod into the holder to mix the medication – look in the window of the Mixer to make sure the powder is completely dissolved, otherwise tip the mixer from side to side – DO NOT SHAKE – make certain there are no crystals of cloudiness in the solution
- Wipe the tip of the cartridge with an alcohol swab then remove the cap from the pressure-release needle – point the cartridge up and pierce the rubber tip with the needle to release the extra pressure in the cartridge – remove the needle, recap and dispose in the Sharps container
- Wipe the cartridge tip with an alcohol swab, take an insulin syringe and remove the needle guard then, pointing the cartridge tip downward, stick the syringe needle through the rubber tip and pull back on the syringe plunger rod to draw out the prescribed dosage – before removing tap the syringe to move any air bubbles to the top and then gently push the plunger to force out the air bubbles (pull back on the plunger again if more HGH needs to be added to the syringe
- Repeat steps 7 and 8 as above for the MiniQuick
If you have any questions at all, or would like a clinical advisor to be on the phone with you during your initial Genotropin injections, please contact National HRT for help.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.