Self-injecting medication requires careful preparation and technique. This guide outlines the process for subcutaneous injections, a common method for administering certain medications. Always follow your doctor's or healthcare provider's specific instructions and consult the medication's package insert.
Understanding Subcutaneous Injections
A subcutaneous (SQ) injection delivers medication into the fatty tissue layer just beneath the skin. This method is often used for medications that don't require rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center provides detailed information on various injection types, including subcutaneous.
Steps for Self-Injection
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Preparation:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Gather your supplies: medication, pre-filled syringe (or syringe and needle), alcohol swabs, cotton ball or gauze pad, sharps container for safe disposal. BC Children's Hospital emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean injection site and properly disposing of used needles.
- Choose an injection site. Common areas include the abdomen (at least two inches from your navel), outer thighs, and upper arms. Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation.
- Allow the medication to reach room temperature if necessary.
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Injection Site Preparation:
- Cleanse the chosen area with an alcohol swab, using a circular motion outward from the center. Allow the area to air dry.
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Injection Technique:
- Hold the syringe in your dominant hand like a pencil, one inch above the injection site at a 90-degree angle. [Instructions from an unknown source] recommend quickly inserting the needle into the fatty tissue. GoodRx suggests resting the heel of your palm against your thigh for better stability and a quicker, less painful injection.
- Pinch the skin at the injection site to create a stable surface for insertion.
- Insert the needle quickly and smoothly into the skin.
- Slowly push the plunger to inject the medication.
- Remove the needle at the same angle as insertion.
- Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a cotton ball or gauze pad. Do not rub.
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Disposal:
- Immediately dispose of the used needle and syringe in a puncture-resistant sharps container. Never recap the needle.
Important Considerations:
- Use a new needle and syringe for each injection. This is crucial to prevent infection. Fenway Health stresses the importance of using sterile supplies.
- Follow your doctor's or healthcare provider's instructions carefully. Each medication may have specific administration guidelines. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides guidance on using pre-filled syringes.
- Watch instructional videos: Many pharmaceutical companies offer videos demonstrating proper injection technique. Lovenox provides a video guide.
- Keep a self-injection record. This helps track injections and dosages. BC Children's Hospital suggests maintaining a log.
This information is for general guidance only. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions related to your medication and health condition.
