INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE

Subcutaneous Self-Injection Guide

A clear, step-by-step visual guide for self-administering subcutaneous injections using syringes—includes preparation, dosage, and injection technique.

step 1

GATHER SUPPLIES

Have alcohol swabs ready to maintain a clean injection site.
Gather a sharps container for safe disposal of needles.
Verify you’re using the correct syringe (an orange capped syringe).
Verify correct medication, dosage, and instructions.

step 2

PREPARE YOURSELF

Wash hands thoroughly.
Make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.
Choose your injection site: Thighs (front or outer thigh; do not inject inner thigh) orAbdomen (about two inches away from your belly button in any direction)

step 3

PREPARE THE MEDICINE

Remove the cap from the vial. Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry.
Pick up your syringe and draw in air up to the amount of your prescribed dose (for example, if your dose is 10 units, draw up to the 10).
Remove the cap from the syringe needle, then insert the needle into the top of the rubber stopper and inject the air into the vial. Be gentle and do not bend the needle.
While the needle is still inserted in the vial, gently turn the vial upside down.
With the needle tip in the liquid, pull back the plunger past the amount of your prescribed dose.
Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the syringe. Push the plunger to the prescribed dose amount.
Gently withdraw the needle from the vial.

step 4

ADMINISTER THE MEDICATION

Immediately administer the medication after drawing the correct dose into the syringe. If not administered right away, discard the dose and do not attempt to use it later.
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow the area to dry completely.
Pinch the injection site gently.
Insert the needle at a direct 90-degree angle.
Release the pinched skin and slowly inject the medicine.
Withdraw the needle gently. You may press an alcohol swab to the site if needed, but do not rub.
Dispose of the needle and syringe safely in a sharps container.
According to USP guidelines, a multi-use vial should be discarded 28 days after its initial puncture to maintain proper safety.

PREPARE THE MEDICINE

Remove the cap from the vial. Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry.

Pick up your syringe and draw in air up to the amount of your prescribed dose (for example, if your dose is 10 units, draw up to the 10).

Remove the cap from the syringe needle, then insert the needle into the top of the rubber stopper and inject the air into the vial. Be gentle and do not bend the needle.

While the needle is still inserted in the vial, gently turn the vial upside down.

With the needle tip in the liquid, pull back the plunger past the amount of your prescribed dose.

Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the syringe. Push the plunger to the prescribed dose amount.

Gently withdraw the needle from the vial.

ADMINISTER THE MEDICATION

Immediately administer the medication after drawing the correct dose into the syringe. If not administered right away, discard the dose and do not attempt to use it later.

Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow the area to dry completely.

Pinch the injection site gently.

Insert the needle at a direct 90-degree angle.

Release the pinched skin and slowly inject the medicine.

Withdraw the needle gently. You may press an alcohol swab to the site if needed, but do not rub.

Dispose of the needle and syringe safely in a sharps container.

According to USP guidelines, a multi-use vial should be discarded 28 days after its initial puncture to maintain proper safety.