How to Give Yourself a Subcutaneous Injection
Subcutaneous injections go into the fatty layer under the skin, usually the belly or thigh, with a small needle. Follow the step-by-step directions that come with your prescription, rotate sites, and never reuse or share needles.
A subcutaneous injection places medicine into the fatty tissue just under the skin, most often on the belly or the front of the thigh, using a short, thin needle. Many people feel only a brief sting. Always follow the written directions that come with your prescription; this guide explains the general steps described by MedlinePlus and is not a substitute for your label or your care team.
Key takeaways
- Wash your hands, check the label and expiration, and gather supplies before you start.
- Common sites are the belly (avoiding the area around the navel) and the front of the thighs.
- Clean the site, pinch a fold of skin, insert at the angle your directions give, then inject slowly.
- Rotate sites each time and never reuse or share needles.
- Dispose of needles in a sharps container, and call your care team about reactions that worsen.
Before you start
Read the directions that came with your prescription first. They tell you the dose your provider prescribed, how to draw it up, and how to store the medication. If anything is unclear, message your care team before injecting.
Gather supplies on a clean surface: your vial, a new syringe and needle, alcohol pads, a cotton ball or gauze, and a sharps container. Check the vial label, the expiration date and the appearance of the liquid. Do not use it if it looks cloudy, discolored or has particles, unless your directions say that is expected.
Step by step
These steps follow the general approach MedlinePlus describes for giving a subcutaneous injection.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Prepare the vial. Wipe the rubber top with an alcohol pad and let it dry.
- Draw up the dose exactly as your directions show, then check the syringe for large air bubbles and remove them as instructed.
- Choose a site. Use the belly at least two inches from the navel, or the front and outer thigh. Avoid scars, bruises, moles and irritated skin.
- Clean the site with a fresh alcohol pad and let it dry.
- Pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and finger.
- Insert the needle in one quick motion at the angle your directions give, often 45 or 90 degrees depending on needle length.
- Inject slowly by pressing the plunger all the way down.
- Withdraw the needle at the same angle, release the skin, and press gently with gauze. Do not rub.
- Dispose of the needle right away in your sharps container.
Rotate your sites
Using the same spot repeatedly can cause lumps or changes in the fat under the skin. Move to a different spot each time, keeping injections about an inch apart, and alternate between areas.
What is normal and what is not
Mild redness, a small bump or brief stinging at the site is common and usually settles within a day. Some medications, NAD+ for example, can sting more as they go in.
Contact your care team if redness, swelling, warmth or pain spreads or worsens over a few days, which can signal infection. Call 911 for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash.
Safety and quality
Use only medication dispensed by a licensed pharmacy on a prescription. The FDA's BeSafeRx program advises against buying prescription drugs from sites that do not require a prescription, and the FDA has reported adverse events after injections made with unsuitable ingredients. Golden Glow prescriptions are filled only by licensed US pharmacies. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Never reuse a needle or share any injection supplies with anyone else.
Frequently asked questions
Does a subcutaneous injection hurt?
Most people feel a quick pinch. Letting the alcohol dry, inserting the needle in one smooth motion and injecting slowly can make it more comfortable.
Where should I inject?
The belly, at least two inches from the navel, and the front or outer thighs are the most common sites. Your directions may suggest others.
What if I see a little blood or a bruise?
A drop of blood or a small bruise can happen. Press gently with gauze. If bruising is large or keeps happening, tell your care team.
How do I get rid of needles?
Use an FDA-cleared sharps container or a heavy plastic container with a secure lid, and follow your local disposal rules.
Talk to a licensed provider
If you are new to injections, ask your care team to walk you through your specific medication before your first dose. Explore NAD+ or Golden Glow peptides to learn more. This article is educational and does not determine eligibility for any treatment.
Sources
This article is educational and is not medical advice. Golden Glow content is written to be accurate and is reviewed against the sources above. Rx programs require an online visit with a licensed provider. Results vary.