Gather Supplies:

Medication vial or pre-filled syringe

Alcohol swabs

Sterile needles (appropriate gauge and length as per your healthcare provider's recommendation)

Sharps container for safe disposal of needles

Clean and flat surface

Gloves (optional, but recommended for extra hygiene)

Wash Your Hands:

Use soap and water to thoroughly clean your hands before handling any supplies or touching your injection site.

Check Medication:

Ensure that you have the correct medication, dosage, and expiration date. If there are any concerns or discrepancies, contact your healthcare provider.

Prepare Syringe:

If using a multi-dose vial, clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.

Draw the correct amount of medication into the syringe as instructed by your healthcare provider. Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the syringe and pushing the plunger slightly to expel air.

Choose the Injection Site:

Common sites include the abdomen (around the belly button), upper thighs, or outer upper arms. Rotate sites to prevent tissue damage.

Avoid areas with scars, bruises, moles, or areas that are inflamed or tender.

Clean the Injection Site:

Use an alcohol swab to clean the skin in a circular motion starting from the center and moving outward. Let it air dry completely to prevent stinging when the needle is inserted.

Injecting the Medication:

Hold the syringe like a pencil or a dart with your dominant hand. Use your other hand to stabilize the skin around the injection site (pinch if necessary).

Insert the needle quickly at a 45 to 90-degree angle depending on your healthcare provider's instructions and the amount of subcutaneous tissue.

Push the plunger slowly and steadily to inject the medication.

Remove the Needle:

Once the medication is injected, quickly but gently withdraw the needle at the same angle it was inserted.

Dispose of Sharps:

Immediately place the used needle and syringe into a sharps container to prevent accidental needlesticks.

Monitor for Reactions:

Some mild swelling or redness at the injection site is normal. However, if you notice severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection (like pus or increased redness), contact your healthcare provider.

Record the Injection:

Keep a record of the date, time, medication, dosage, and injection site for future reference or reporting to your healthcare provider.

Follow Up:

Follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider regarding timing, frequency, or any additional steps to take after the injection.