For patients
A step-by-step guide to giving yourself a subcutaneous injection: preparing your dose, choosing and cleaning the site, injecting, and rotating sites between sessions. Watch the short video, read the steps, and call the pharmacy with any questions.
Preferred locations for subcutaneous injections are the stomach, thigh, or the back of the upper arm. Each provides an ideal subcutaneous fat layer for absorption of the medication.
How to give yourself a subcutaneous injection. Watch it on YouTube →
01 / Prepare the site
Inspect the skin to make sure there is no irritation in the area, and alternate injection sites between sessions by shifting between sides of the abdomen. Clean the skin with an alcohol swab and let the alcohol dry thoroughly.
02 / Prepare the syringe
Before withdrawing medication, double check that you are using the correct medication at the correct dose.
03 / Draw the medication
Remove the cap from the vial and clean the tip with an alcohol wipe. Draw back the plunger to fill the syringe with air up to the dose you will be injecting. The vial is a vacuum, so an equal amount of air regulates the pressure and makes the medication easier to draw in.
04 / Insert the air and withdraw
Remove the cap from the needle and push the needle through the rubber stopper at the top of the vial, careful not to bend it. Inject all the air into the vial, and be careful not to touch the needle so it stays clean. Turn the vial and syringe upside down so the needle points upward, then pull back on the plunger to withdraw the correct amount of medication.
The effectiveness of an injection depends a great deal on the site you choose. Each of these areas offers a suitable fat layer for absorption.
A commonly recommended site because of its large surface area and easy accessibility. The subcutaneous fat layer allows for efficient absorption. Pick a spot approximately two inches from the belly button.
Another popular choice with a sufficient fat layer for subcutaneous injections. Choose an area on the front of the thigh and avoid the inner thigh.
The back of the upper arm is a good option if you prefer a less visible site. Choose an injection site between the shoulder and the elbow.
01
Prepare the injection — gather the necessary supplies, wash your hands, and check the medication for any abnormalities. The liquid in the vial should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
02
Select the injection site in either the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
03
Clean the area with an alcohol swab to clean the chosen injection site.
04
Inject the medication — hold the syringe at a 90-degree angle to the skin, insert a new needle swiftly and steadily, inject the medication, and hold for a few seconds before you remove the needle.
05
Dispose of supplies — safely dispose of the used needle and any other materials. Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through, and keep that container away from children and pets.
As a general guideline, use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. If you are administering once a week, you might rotate between the stomach, thigh, and upper arm. This rotation helps prevent irritation, discomfort, or changes in the skin at the injection site.
Keep track of where you give each injection to make sure you rotate body areas. Frequency can also depend on the recommendations from your healthcare professional or the prescribing information for your medication.
Incorporating injections into your weight-loss strategy requires meticulous attention to injection sites and technique. Always adhere to the guidance provided by your healthcare professional, and seek professional advice if you have any concerns or questions about administration.
Injections aid in weight management and work best alongside a nutrition and lifestyle program designed for people taking weight-loss medications who want support building sustainable, healthy habits.
Call the pharmacy and a pharmacist will walk you through it.
