Self-Administration: A Simplified Process
Wash Your Hands: Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Get Your Injection Supplies Ready:
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Needle and syringe with medication, or an auto-injector pen.
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Alcohol pads.
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Gauze.
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A sharps container for needle disposal.
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Bandages (if needed)
Prepare the Injection Site: Check the area of skin where you'll inject for any issues. Choose a different site each time to prevent skin problems. Clean the area with an alcohol pad and let it dry.
The most common injection sites are:
Abdomen: at or below belly button level, about two inches away from the navel.
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Arm: back or side of the upper arm
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Thigh: front of the thigh
Prepare the Medication Syringe:
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Wipe the top of the medication vial with an alcohol pad.
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Draw air into the syringe equal to your medication dose.
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Push the needle through the vial's rubber stopper, inject the air, and turn the vial upside down.
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Draw your medication dose into the syringe.
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Tap any air bubbles and push them out of the syringe.
Giving the Injection:
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Pinch an inch of skin between your thumb and forefinger.
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Quickly insert the needle all the way into the pinched skin at a 90-degree angle (or 45 degrees if you have less body fat).
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Push the plunger slowly until you've injected all the medication.
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Release the pinch and carefully pull out the needle.
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Dispose needle and syringe into sharps container.
After the Injection:
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If there's a bit of bleeding, press lightly with gauze.
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Cover with a bandage if needed.
Important Tips:
Rotate your injection sites to avoid discomfort and skin issues.
If you notice severe pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage at the injection site, contact your doctor immediately as these could be signs of an infection.
Suggested Changes:
How to Administer an Injection
Self-Administration Simplified: Your Step-by-Step Guide
1. Clean Your Hands
Let’s start with clean hands! Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This first step is essential for reducing any risk of infection.
2. Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need:
- Needle and syringe with medication, or an auto-injector pen
- Alcohol pads
- Gauze
- A sharps container for safe needle disposal
- Bandages (if necessary)
3. Prepare the Injection Site
Check the area where you’ll be injecting to make sure it’s clear of any irritation or issues. To prevent skin sensitivity, remember to rotate your injection sites each time. Gently clean the area with an alcohol pad and allow it to dry.
Common Injection Sites Include:
- Abdomen: At or below belly button level, at least two inches from your navel.
- Arm: Back or side of the upper arm.
- Thigh: Front of the thigh.
4. Prepare the Medication Syringe
- Gently wipe the top of the medication vial with an alcohol pad.
- Draw air into the syringe equal to your medication dose.
- Insert the needle into the vial’s rubber stopper, inject the air, and turn the vial upside down.
- Slowly pull the dose of medication into the syringe.
- Tap the syringe to release any air bubbles and carefully push them out.
5. Administer the Injection
- Pinch a small section of skin between your thumb and forefinger.
- Insert the needle quickly into the pinched skin at a 90-degree angle (or 45 degrees if you have less body fat).
- Slowly press down on the plunger until all medication is given.
- Let go of the pinch and gently remove the needle.
Immediately place the needle and syringe in a sharps container.
6. After the Injection
- If there’s a little bleeding, gently press the area with gauze.
- Apply a bandage if needed.
Helpful Tips:
- Remember to rotate your injection sites each time to avoid discomfort and skin issues.
- If you ever notice severe pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage at the injection site, reach out to your doctor. These may be signs of an infection.