Preparing your injection at home

Storing your medication

Do this first, before anything else. It matters more than any of the steps below.

• Medications must be refrigerated at 36 to 46F (2 to 8C) immediately upon delivery.

What you will need

• Medication vial.
• Sterile injection syringe and needle.
• Alcohol prep pads.
• Sharps disposal container.

Step 1: wash your hands

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing your injection.

Step 2: prepare the medication

• Remove the protective cap from the medication vial.
• Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol prep pad.
• Draw the prescribed dose into the syringe as instructed.

Step 3: choose and clean the injection site

Recommended subcutaneous injection areas are

• The abdomen, at least 2 inches away from the navel.
• The outer thighs.
• The back of the upper arms.
• Rotate injection sites with each dose to help avoid irritation.
• Wipe skin with an alcohol prep pad and allow it to dry completely.

Step 4: inject the medication

• Gently pinch a fold of skin between your fingers.
• Insert the needle into the skin at a 45 to 90 degree angle, as instructed by your provider.
• Slowly press the plunger until all medication has been injected.

Step 5: remove the needle

• Withdraw the needle at the same angle it was inserted.
• Apply gentle pressure with a clean cotton ball or gauze if needed. Do not rub the area.

Step 6: dispose of supplies safely

• Place used needles and syringes immediately into an approved sharps container.