How Do I Give Myself an Injection?
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Please consult your primary care physician or your doctor through the Member Portal before making any decisions about your treatment. This content is intended as a general guide only.
Downloadable Guides
Before You Begin
Gather your supplies:
- Medication vial (follow the preparation and storage instructions supplied by your dispensing pharmacy)
- Alcohol swabs
- Syringe with needle (included with your order)
- Sharps disposal container
Important: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any supplies.
Need Extra Syringes or Needles?
Your shipment includes enough for your prescribed doses. If you need extras, see what is included and how to get more syringes and needles for request options, possible charges, and alternatives at local pharmacies or on Amazon.
Step-by-Step Injection Guide
1. Prepare the Vial
- Remove the colored cap from the vial (keep the rubber stopper intact)
- Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab
- Let it dry for a few seconds
2. Draw the Medication
- Remove the syringe from its packaging
- Pull back the plunger to draw air equal to your dose
- Insert the needle through the rubber stopper
- Push the air into the vial, then turn the vial upside down
- Pull back the plunger to your prescribed dose marking
- Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the syringe and pushing them out
3. Choose an Injection Site
Rotate between these areas each week:
- Abdomen (at least 2 inches from your belly button)
- Front of thighs
- Back of upper arms
4. Inject the Medication
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab
- Pinch the skin gently
- Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (straight in) for most body types, or 45 degrees if you have less subcutaneous fat
- Push the plunger slowly and steadily
- Wait 5–10 seconds, then withdraw the needle
- Do not rub the injection site
5. Dispose Safely
- Place the used needle and syringe in a sharps container
- Never recap or reuse needles
Tips
- Inject on the same day each week (pick a day that's easy to remember)
- If you see a small drop of blood at the injection site, that's normal
- Store your vial between uses according to the instructions supplied by your dispensing pharmacy.
- Replace the colored cap on the vial after each use
For medical questions about storage, temperature exposure, or how long your medication can be used, log in to your Member Portal and ask your doctor. You can also message support for general information or help locating the pharmacy instructions. Support staff are not medical professionals and can only provide general information, not personalized medical advice or confirmation that a medication is safe to use.
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