EZ Pen Setup Guide

Before you begin, ensure you have all necessary materials in a clean workspace. Proper preparation is essential for safe and accurate peptide administration.

• EZ Pen reusable injection device
• Empty pen cartridge
• Reconstituted peptide vial (already mixed with bacteriostatic water)
• Sterile syringes with needles (at least two)
• Pen needle caps
• Alcohol prep pads
• Clean, flat surface

Proper sterilization is critical to prevent contamination and ensure research safety. Take your time with this step to maintain sterile conditions throughout the process.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or wear sterile medical gloves
• Use an alcohol prep pad to thoroughly clean the rubber stopper on top of the peptide vial
• Use a fresh alcohol prep pad to clean the rubber stopper on the empty pen cartridge
• Allow both stoppers to air dry completely for at least 30 seconds
• Do not touch the cleaned stoppers with your fingers or any non-sterile surfaces

Using proper technique when drawing the solution ensures accurate dosing and prevents contamination. The air injection step is crucial for creating positive pressure.

• Take a sterile syringe and draw air equal to the amount of solution you plan to withdraw
• Insert the needle into the peptide vial through the rubber stopper
• Inject the air into the vial to create positive pressure (this makes drawing easier)
• Invert the vial so the liquid is at the bottom
• Slowly pull back the plunger to draw the desired amount of peptide solution
• Check the measurement markings carefully to ensure accuracy
• Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the syringe and adjusting the plunger

This is a critical step unique to pen cartridge filling. The vent needle prevents pressure buildup and allows smooth filling without damaging the cartridge or causing spillage.

• Take a separate, empty syringe with needle (this will serve as your vent)
• Insert this vent needle into the edge of the cartridge's rubber stopper at an angle
• Leave the vent needle in place - do NOT remove it during filling
• The vent allows air to escape as you inject the liquid, preventing pressure buildup
• Position the cartridge on a stable surface with the vent needle secure

With the vent needle in place, you can now safely transfer the peptide solution into the cartridge. Use a different entry point to avoid interfering with the vent.

• Take your syringe containing the peptide solution
• Insert the needle into the cartridge through a DIFFERENT spot on the rubber stopper (not where the vent needle is)
• Slowly and steadily inject the peptide solution into the cartridge
• Watch the liquid level rise in the cartridge through the transparent sides
• Fill to the desired level, leaving a small air gap at the top if needed
• Once filled, carefully remove the injection needle first
• Then remove the vent needle

With your cartridge now filled, it's time to insert it into the pen device. Proper orientation is essential for the pen mechanism to function correctly.

• Unscrew the pen body by twisting the two halves apart
• Take your filled cartridge and identify the small end (plunger end) and the large end (needle attachment end)
• Insert the cartridge with the SMALL SIDE DOWN into the pen body
• Ensure the cartridge is seated properly in the pen mechanism
• Carefully screw the pen back together, aligning the threads properly
• Do not over-tighten - stop when the pen is snug and secure

Before the pen can be used for accurate dosing, all air must be removed from the system. This critical step ensures your first dose is accurate and the pen functions properly.

• Attach a sterile pen needle cap to the end of the pen
• Turn the dosing dial to select 1-2 units
• Hold the pen with the needle pointing upward
• Press the injection button to expel the small amount of liquid
• Watch the needle tip - you should see a small amount of liquid expelled
• Repeat this process (dial 1-2 units, press button) until you see a clear bead of liquid form at the needle tip
• Once a bead forms and holds, the pen is fully primed and ready for use