Proper injection technique is crucial for safe and effective medication delivery. This guide outlines the general steps involved. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions, as injection techniques vary depending on the medication and injection site.
Preparing for Injection
- Gather Supplies: Assemble your pre-filled syringe, alcohol swab, and a sharps container for safe disposal. If using a vial, you will also need an appropriate needle. Refer to your medication's instructions for specific needle size recommendations. See this guide on drawing medication from a vial.
- Clean the Injection Site: Thoroughly clean the injection area with an alcohol swab, allowing it to dry completely. This helps prevent infection.
- Prepare the Syringe: Remove the needle cover carefully, avoiding touching the needle. If bubbles are present in the syringe, gently tap the barrel to dislodge them before injecting. Never reuse needles.
- Find a Local Needle Exchange Program: Consider utilizing a Needle Exchange Program to obtain sterile syringes and learn safe disposal techniques. See this resource on safer injection practices.
Administering the Injection
- Pinch the Skin (if applicable): For subcutaneous injections, gently pinch the skin around the injection site, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. This creates a stable injection area.
- Insert the Needle: Insert the needle at the angle specified by your doctor (typically 45-90 degrees for subcutaneous injections, 15-35 degrees for intravenous injections). See general instructions on administering injections. For intravenous injections, the bevel should face upwards, and the needle should be inserted in the direction of the heart. See details on safer intravenous injections.
- Inject the Medication: Slowly and steadily push the plunger to inject the medication.
- Remove the Needle: Once the medication is injected, remove the needle at the same angle it was inserted. Gently apply pressure to the injection site with a cotton ball or gauze.
- Dispose of the Syringe: Immediately dispose of the used needle and syringe in an approved sharps container. Never recap used needles. See instructions on safe disposal.
Important Considerations
- Training: For specific medications like Dupixent, proper training from your healthcare provider is essential before self-administering. Learn more about pre-filled syringe injection.
- Individual Needs: Injection techniques may differ based on the medication and patient's specific health conditions. Always follow your doctor's instructions. See information on subcutaneous injections for RA.
- Safe Practices: Prioritize safety by using sterile supplies and disposing of used needles appropriately. Contact your healthcare provider or a local needle exchange program if you have any questions or concerns.
