Home Injection Instructions
Follow the step-by-step instructions below for safe home injection.
Choose an Injection Site
You have two main Locations for self-injection:
- Abdomen: Stay at least 2 inches away from your belly button.
- Thigh: The space between one hand above your knee and one hand below your groin, toward the outer side of your thigh.
- If someone else is giving you the injection: Then they can use your tricep (the back of your upper arm), similar to how we do it during your office visits.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step carefully. Take your time and make sure you feel comfortable before moving to the next step.
1. Clean
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Clean the area where you plan to inject using an alcohol wipe.
2. Position
- Remove the cap from the syringe.
- Hold the syringe like a dart with your dominant hand, gripping the barrel between your fingers and thumb.
- With your other hand, pinch an area of skin to create a small lump.
3. Insert
- Quickly insert the needle straight into the pinched skin. It’s more comfortable to jab the needle in rather than inserting it slowly.
4. Inject
Press the plunger down with your index finger until the syringe is empty. Keep the needle steady while injecting.
5. Remove
Pull the needle out at the same angle it was inserted.
6. Dispose and Refridgerate
Dispose of the needle in a sharps container.
Return any unused syringes to the refrigerator.
Injection Instructions FAQ
Store unused syringes as directed by your provider or pharmacy. If refrigeration is required, return unused syringes to the refrigerator promptly after use. Do not use a syringe that has been improperly stored, damaged, contaminated, or exposed to temperatures outside the recommended storage range.
Place the used syringe in an approved sharps container immediately after use. Do not recap the needle unless specifically instructed. Do not place loose needles or syringes in household trash or recycling. Follow local disposal regulations for sharps containers.
Inject into subcutaneous tissue only. Common sites are:
- Abdomen, at least 2 inches away from the navel
- Upper outer thigh
- Back of the upper arm, if another person is administering the injection
Do not inject into areas that are bruised, scarred, tender, red, irritated, or swollen. Rotate injection sites to reduce local irritation.
Review all instructions before starting. Gather your supplies, wash your hands, clean the injection site, and prepare the syringe exactly as directed. Use a clean, well-lit area. If you are not confident in the injection technique, do not guess. Contact your provider or pharmacy for instruction before administering the dose.
Important Injection Instructions Information
Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacy. If you have questions or concerns about your medication, contact your provider for guidance.
