DIRECTIONS FOR USE: SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTIONS

 

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Prepare everything you will need (e.g., syringe, needle, alcohol wipe, drug).
  • Withdraw the drug using the technique you learned from your health-care professional.

 

  • Use the injection site you were told to use or choose one of the sites shown on the drawing (opposite).
  • Wipe the injection site with the alcohol swab and let dry.
  • Gently pinch the skin at the injection site.
  • Insert the needle at a 45° or 90° angle.
  • To verify that the needle is not being inserted into a vein, pull the plunger back a little to check for the presence of blood. Inject the drug slowly, then remove the needle from the injection site.
Needles and syringes should only be used once and then thrown away since they may be dirty and blunt. Always use a sharps (disposal) container to safely discard used syringes and needles. Return the container to the pharmacy when it is full or you no longer need it.

Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection at the injection site!