Injection Instructions

Weight Loss Learning Center

How to draw up and give yourself a subcutaneous injection

What to Have Ready:  

• Vial (small bottle) of medication  
• Sterile disposable syringe and needle  
• Alcohol swab, cotton ball or tissue  
• Container to safely dispose of the used syringe 
• Self-injection record

Preparing for your Injection:  

• Wash your hands with soap and water.  
• Gather all the items you need 
• Check the medication name and expiry date on the vial. 
• Check the amount of medication to be taken. 

Filling the Syringe:

1. Mix the content of the vial if required.  
2. Clean the rubber stopper of vial with an alcohol swab. Let it dry for a few seconds. 
3. Take the cap of the plunger. 
4. Draw air into the syringe by pulling down on the plunger of the syringe to the amount of medication to be taken.  
5. Very carefully uncap the syringe and set the cap aside. 
6. With the vial upright, insert the needle istraight down through the rubber stopper. 
7. Keeping the needle in the vial, turn the vial upside down so the needle points upward. 
8. Push the plunger down to insert air into the vial. Do this just the one time; do not put the needle through the rubber stopper more than once. 
9. Slowly pull back the plunger to withdraw the prescribed dose level. Make sure the end of the needle is in the liquid. 
10. Keeping the needle pointing upward, tap or “Flick” the syringe to remove air bubbles with your fingers or a pen then slowly push the plunger up, to force the air bubble out of the syringe. 
11. Rest the syringe on the needle cap or put the needle cover back on the needle, while you prepare the injection site. 

Injection Sites:  

A subcutaneous (SC) injection deposits medication into the fat tissue below the skin. You can inject into the:  

• • Abdomen (except for one inch around the navel)  
  • Upper outer area of thighs

A family member or caregiver may also inject into:  

• • Upper outer area of arms Change where you give the injection each time.  

Clean and inspect the skin for bruising, burns, swelling, hardness, or irritation to the area.  

Change where you give the injection each time. The new site should be at least 1-2 inches away from the last injection site. 

Cleaning the Injection Site:  

1. Wash the area with soap and water or an alcohol swab. Allow the skin to dry.  
2. Place the swab on a clean surface to use again when withdrawing the needle. 

Subcutaneous (SC) Self-Injection:  

1. Pick up the syringe. If needed, remove the needle cover.  
2. Pinch your skin and fat tissue with your nondominant (weaker) hand. Your thumb and forefinger should be about an inch and a half part. 
3. Hold the syringe in your dominant (stronger) hand, as if holding a pencil, one inch above the injection site at a 90-degree angle to the skin. Inject the needle into the skin quickly, but without great force. If you have very little fat on your body, you may need to inject the needle at a 45-degree angle to the skin. 
4.  Use your non-dominant (weaker) hand to slowly push down on the plunger to inject the medication. 
5. Let go of the pinched skin then withdraw the needle. 
6. You may have slight bleeding from the site. This usually means you have broken a small blood vessel under the skin. Put the alcohol swab or tissue and press gently on the site. 
7. Don’t use the same needle more than once. 

Clean Up:  

Place used drug containers, syringes and needles in a hard plastic resealable container. Check with your pharmacist for specific disposal instructions. 

Record:  

After each injection:  

• the date  
• where the injection was given  
• medication name and amount taken 

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At Total Medical, we strive to provide you with the best health care experience. We understand the importance of high-quality health care that is safe, effective and affordable. We are committed in treating each patient with dignity and respect at all times. Our team will explain your treatment options so that you can make an informed decision about your health care needs.