Self-injection involves administering medication or other substances into one’s own body, often necessary for individuals managing chronic conditions or specific treatments at home. While self-injection can empower individuals in their health management, it is typically performed under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This article provides general information on safe self-injection practices, but personalized medical advice from a doctor or nurse remains paramount for proper technique and safety.
Preparing for the Injection
Careful preparation is important for a safe and effective self-injection. Gather all necessary supplies: the prescribed medication, an appropriate syringe and needle, alcohol swabs, gauze, an adhesive bandage, and a sharps disposal container. Ensure all items are readily available on a clean, well-lit surface to streamline the process and minimize potential contamination.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before handling any supplies. This prevents infection by reducing the transfer of microorganisms to the injection site or medication.
Prepare the medication by checking its name, dose, and expiration date against the prescription. If using a vial, wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab and let it dry. Draw air into the syringe equal to the medication dose, then inject the air into the vial to prevent a vacuum. Invert the vial and syringe, ensuring the needle tip is submerged, then slowly pull back the plunger to the prescribed dose. Tap the syringe gently to move any air bubbles to the top before expelling them back into the vial.
Selecting the Injection Site
For subcutaneous (SC) injections, common sites with fatty tissue include the abdomen (avoiding the 2-inch area around the navel), the front or side of the thighs, and the back of the upper arms. Intramuscular (IM) injections are typically given into larger muscles such as the deltoid muscle in the upper arm or the vastus lateralis muscle in the outer middle third of the thigh. Rotate injection sites with each dose to prevent tissue damage, scarring, and ensure consistent medication absorption.
Clean the chosen injection site with an alcohol swab. Begin at the center and move outward in a circular motion, covering about two inches. Allow the alcohol to air dry completely (about 30 seconds) to maximize its antiseptic properties and prevent stinging during injection.
Performing the Injection
Subcutaneous (SC) Injection
For a subcutaneous (SC) injection, use your non-dominant hand to gently pinch a fold of skin at the prepared site. Hold the syringe like a pencil or dart with your dominant hand and insert the needle quickly into the pinched skin at a 45-degree angle, or a 90-degree angle if there is sufficient body fat or a shorter needle. Once inserted, release the pinched skin and slowly push the plunger to inject the medication. After delivery, smoothly withdraw the needle at the same angle it was inserted.
Intramuscular (IM) Injection
For an intramuscular (IM) injection, stretch the skin taut at the injection site with your non-dominant hand. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand and insert the needle into the muscle with a quick, firm, dart-like motion at a 90-degree angle. Aspiration (pulling back on the plunger to check for blood) is generally not required for most self-administered IM injections according to current guidelines. If blood appears during aspiration (if performed), withdraw the needle, discard the syringe, and prepare a new injection at a different site.
Once the needle is inserted, slowly and steadily push the plunger until all medication is injected. Injecting slowly allows the muscle to accommodate the medication more comfortably. Once the syringe is empty, smoothly and quickly withdraw the needle at the same angle of insertion.
Maintain a steady hand and relax the muscle to minimize discomfort. Avoid rushing, as this can lead to errors in technique or increased anxiety. If the medication is cold, allow it to reach room temperature before injection to reduce pain.
After the Injection
After withdrawing the needle, apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a clean gauze pad for 20 to 30 seconds. Avoid rubbing the area, as this can cause bruising or irritation. Minor bleeding is common and should stop quickly; an adhesive bandage can be applied if needed.
Monitoring for Reactions
Monitor the injection site for any unusual reactions. Mild pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, or itching at the site is common and usually resolves within a few days. However, be attentive to signs of a more serious issue, such as increasing redness, warmth, severe pain, or spreading swelling. Contact a healthcare professional immediately if you observe clear fluid or pus, red streaks spreading from the area, or a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, as these could be signs of infection.
Sharps Disposal
Safely dispose of used sharps to protect yourself and others from accidental needle-stick injuries and the spread of infection. Immediately after use, place the entire needle and syringe into a designated, puncture-resistant sharps disposal container. These containers are leak-proof and have tight-fitting, screw-on lids. Never attempt to recap, bend, or break a used needle, as this increases the risk of injury.
Once the sharps container is about three-quarters full, dispose of it according to local guidelines. Many communities offer specific programs for sharps disposal, including drop-off sites at hospitals, pharmacies, or health departments, or mail-back programs. Some areas may permit placing sealed and labeled containers in regular trash, but confirm local regulations first. Label the container clearly with “Contains Sharps” and secure the lid tightly with heavy-duty tape before disposal. Keep the container out of reach of children and pets.
Maintain a record of your injections, including the date, time, and specific injection site used. This practice aids in consistently rotating sites, which helps prevent tissue damage and ensures effective medication absorption.