A subcutaneous injection is a method of giving a medication in the fatty layer of tissues just under the skin.
Subcutaneous injections can be given in the ARMS, ABDOMEN or THIGHS
A quick note on ROTATING injection sites:
It is extremely important to rotate sites to keep the skin healthy. Repeated injections in the same spot can cause scarring and hardening of fatty tissue that will interfere with uptake of medication.
Avoid areas where skin is burned, scarred, hardened, inflamed, swollen, or damaged
Materials
Medication (check the label for the correct medication)
Alcohol wipes
Container for syringe and needle disposal
Drawing Up The Medication:
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Remove soft metal or plastic cap protecting the top of the vial.
Clean the exposed top of the vial using an alcohol wipe.
Remove the syringe from the plastic and if necessary, attach the needle.
Pull back the plunger, filling the syringe with air equal to the amount of medication to be administered.
With the vial in the upright position, push the needle through the top of the vial and inject the air in the syringe into the vial.
Turn the vial upside down (make sure the tip of the needle is completely covered by medication.)
Pull back the plunger to fill the syringe with the correct dose of medication.
Take the needle out of the vial.
Point the needle and syringe straight upwards and tap the syringe to move any bubbles to the top.
Only administer the prescribed amount of medication. Self-dosing can lead to unwanted side effects or adverse reactions.
Injecting The Medication
Cleanse the chosen injection site with an alcohol wipe. Allow it to air dry for 30 seconds.
Hold the syringe with one hand, like a pencil or dart, and use the other hand to pinch a small fold of skin at the injection site.
Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into the pinched skin. Do not press down on the plunger while piercing the skin.
After the needle is completely inserted into the skin, slowly push down on the plunger to inject the medication.
Count to 5 seconds before removing the needle from the skin.
Withdraw the needle.
Place the used syringe and needle in a sharps container for safe disposal. Never recap or reuse needles.
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