Self-administering subcutaneous injections, often into the stomach area, is a common practice for delivering various medications. This method allows for slow and steady absorption into the body’s fatty tissue, bypassing the muscle layer. This guide offers practical steps for administering a subcutaneous injection into the stomach, but it does not replace professional medical advice or hands-on training from a healthcare provider.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before beginning the injection, assemble all necessary supplies for a smooth and sterile procedure. You will need your prescribed medication and the specific injection device, whether a pre-filled syringe or an injection pen. Sterile alcohol wipes are essential for cleaning the injection site, and cotton balls or gauze for post-injection care.
A designated sharps disposal container is crucial for safe disposal of the used needle and syringe. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to minimize the risk of infection.
Selecting the Injection Site
The general area suitable for subcutaneous injections is typically around the navel, but avoid a 2-inch radius directly around the belly button. This area offers a sufficient layer of fatty tissue, which is the target for subcutaneous injections.
Rotating injection sites is important to prevent tissue damage, scarring, or poor absorption of the medication. You can rotate sites by imagining a clock face around your navel, moving clockwise with each injection, or by alternating between the left and right sides of your abdomen. Before injecting, visually inspect the chosen skin area for any abnormalities such as bruising, moles, scars, or swelling, and select an alternative spot if any are present.
Administering the Injection
Begin by preparing the chosen injection site on your stomach. Use a sterile alcohol wipe to clean the skin, starting from the center and moving outwards in a circular motion, then allow the area to air dry. Next, prepare your medication or syringe according to your healthcare provider’s specific instructions. This may involve removing a cap, checking for air bubbles, or priming the device if it’s an injection pen.
With one hand, gently pinch a fold of skin at the cleaned site; this helps to ensure the needle enters the fatty tissue just beneath the skin and avoids intramuscular injection. Hold the syringe like a pencil or dart in your dominant hand. Insert the needle into the pinched skin at the recommended angle, which is typically 90 degrees for most subcutaneous injections, though sometimes a 45-degree angle may be advised depending on the needle length and individual body fat, so always confirm with your healthcare provider.
Once the needle is fully inserted, slowly and steadily push the plunger to inject the medication. Maintain the pinched skin throughout the injection process. After the medication has been fully delivered, wait a few seconds before smoothly withdrawing the needle at the same angle it was inserted. Release the pinched skin.
After the Shot: Care and Disposal
Avoid rubbing the injection site vigorously, as this can lead to bruising or irritation. If there is a small drop of blood, gently apply pressure with a clean cotton ball or gauze for a few seconds until any bleeding stops. Minor bruising or a small bump at the injection site is common and generally not a cause for concern.
Dispose of the used needle and syringe or injection pen into a designated sharps container. These containers are puncture-resistant and prevent accidental needle sticks. Never dispose of sharps directly into household trash or recycling bins, as this poses a significant risk of injury to others. When the sharps container is about three-quarters full, seal it securely and follow local guidelines for proper disposal, which may include special collection programs or designated drop-off sites.
When to Contact a Healthcare Professional
Contact a healthcare professional if you experience signs of infection at the injection site, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or the presence of pus. Persistent or severe pain that does not subside after the injection also warrants medical evaluation.
If you develop a rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or significant swelling after the injection, these could be signs of an allergic reaction requiring immediate medical care. Any significant bleeding, excessive bruising, or if you suspect the medication was administered incorrectly or its effects are concerning, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.