Subcutaneous Injection Guide

1. Before you begin

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Gather all necessary supplies: syringe, alcohol swab, and a disposal container.

2. Preparing the injection

1. Remove the cap from the syringe.
2. Check the label to ensure that you have the correct medication and dosage.
3. Inspect the solution inside the vial. It should be clear and free of particles. Do not use if the solution looks cloudy or contains particles.
4. Check the expiration date. Do not use the medication if it has expired.

3. Choosing the injection site

Subcutaneous injections are typically given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

1. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely.
2. Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation or lumps from forming under the skin.
3. Avoid injecting into areas with scar tissue, moles, bruises, or swollen areas.

4. Draw up the medication

1. Remove the seal on the top of the vial and wipe with alcohol.
2. Remove the orange cap off the needle.
3. Hold the syringe like you hold a pen or a dart, inserting the needle into the middle of the rubber stopper perpendicular, so the needle does not bend.
4. Together, turn the vial and syringe upside down.
5. Make sure the tip of the needle is in the liquid.
6. Pull the plunger down, past the dosage prescribed. Then, push up to the prescribed dosage, as this will remove all air bubbles.
7. Once you have the correct amount of liquid, pull the entire syringe out of the vial.

5. Administering the injection

1. Pinch the injection site to create a firm surface.
2. Alternate injection sites between either side of the stomach, back of the arm, or thigh. Inject two inches from the belly button on either side.
3. Insert the needle into the skin between the index finger and thumb at 90 degrees.
4. Using a slow and constant pressure, push the plunger rod until it reaches the bottom.
5. Gently pull the syringe out of the skin.
6. Discard of the needle in a sharps container.

6. Disposing of used supplies

1. Place the used needle and alcohol swab in a sharps disposal container or another hard, closed container, such as a sealable detergent bottle.

7. Common side effects

Usually worst when starting or increasing the dose, and often improve over time:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Stomach pain, bloating, burping, heartburn
• Decreased appetite
• Tiredness, headache, dizziness
• Injection-site redness or itching