Subcutaneous injections deliver medication into the fatty tissue layer just beneath the skin. This method is used for medications such as insulin, heparin, and certain fertility drugs, which require slower, sustained absorption into the bloodstream compared to intravenous delivery. Administering these injections in the abdominal area is common for self-administration due to its accessibility and ample subcutaneous tissue. This guide provides practical instructions for safely performing a subcutaneous injection in the stomach.
Getting Ready for the Injection
Before injecting, gather all necessary supplies: your prescribed medication, a sterile syringe or pen, an alcohol swab, sterile gauze, and a sharps container. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to prevent bacteria. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Verify the medication, checking its name, dose, and expiration date. Inspect it for clarity, color, and particles; do not use if discolored, cloudy, or contains crystals. If refrigerated, allow it to reach room temperature before injection, typically 30 minutes beforehand, as this can improve comfort.
Selecting an appropriate injection site on the abdomen is important. The preferred area is at least two inches (about 5 centimeters) away from the belly button, avoiding the navel. Avoid areas with scars, moles, bruises, redness, swelling, or hardness. Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage, such as fatty lumps (lipohypertrophy), which can affect medication absorption. A structured rotation pattern, like dividing the abdomen into quadrants, helps maintain skin health.
The Injection Process
Clean the chosen injection site on the abdomen with an alcohol swab. Start at the center and wipe outwards in a circular motion to cover a two-inch area. Allow the alcohol to air dry completely. This prevents stinging during injection and ensures proper disinfection.
Pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and index finger. This separates the fatty tissue from the underlying muscle, ensuring medication delivery into the subcutaneous layer. Hold the syringe or pen like a pencil or dart in your dominant hand, keeping fingers off the plunger.
Insert the needle all the way into the pinched skin fold. For most, a 90-degree angle is recommended. If fatty tissue is minimal, a 45-degree angle may be appropriate to ensure medication enters the subcutaneous layer, not the muscle. Release the pinched skin after insertion.
Slowly push the plunger down to inject all the medication. Injecting too quickly can cause discomfort or bruising. After administration, wait a few seconds (e.g., 5-10 seconds) before withdrawing the needle to allow the medication to disperse. Remove the needle swiftly at the same angle it was inserted.
Post-Injection Care
If minor bleeding or oozing occurs, gently press sterile gauze or a cotton ball over the area. Apply light pressure for a few seconds until bleeding stops. Avoid rubbing or massaging the site, as this can affect medication absorption or increase bruising.
Proper disposal of the used needle and syringe or pen prevents accidental needlestick injuries and infection. Immediately place the entire used needle and syringe (without recapping) into an approved, puncture-resistant sharps container. Sharps containers are leak-proof, closable, and should be within arm’s reach during injection.
Once the sharps container is about three-quarters full, seal and dispose of it according to local guidelines. These may include mail-back programs, drop-off locations, or medical waste pickup services. After the container is disposed of, observe the injection site for immediate reactions like unusual redness or swelling; minor irritation is common.
Safety and When to Seek Help
Always use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Reusing needles can dull or bend the tip, leading to increased pain, bruising, and tissue damage. It also increases the risk of bacterial contamination and bloodborne pathogen transmission.
Never inject into bruised, infected, red, swollen, or scarred skin. Injecting into compromised skin can hinder medication absorption, worsen skin conditions, or lead to infection.
Be aware of infection signs at the injection site: increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, significant swelling, pus, or fever. If these occur, contact a healthcare professional promptly. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can manifest as a rash, itching, facial, lip, or tongue swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a sudden drop in blood pressure. If you experience severe allergic reaction symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services.
If you experience unexpected or severe side effects, or are unsure about the injection process or medication, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They provide personalized advice and ensure your safety and treatment effectiveness.