Category: Medications
Subcutaneous injection — step by step
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove your medication from the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature (approximately 15–30 minutes). Do not warm it artificially.
Check the vial: the solution should be clear or slightly yellow. Do not use if it's cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
Clean the top of the vial with an alcohol swab. Let it dry.
Draw your prescribed dose into the syringe, checking for air bubbles. Tap and expel any bubbles.
Choose an injection site: abdomen (at least 2 inches from your navel), outer thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites to avoid tissue buildup.
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Let it dry completely before injecting.
Pinch the skin lightly, insert the needle at a 45–90 degree angle, and inject slowly.
Remove the needle and apply light pressure with a clean swab. Do not rub.
Dispose of the needle in a sharps container. Do not recap or dispose in regular trash.
If you miss a dose:
GLP-1 medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide): Take as soon as you remember, as long as your next scheduled dose is at least 4 days away. If it's closer, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up.
TRT/testosterone: Take as soon as you remember. Do not increase your dose to make up for the missed dose. Follow your usual cadence thereafter (e.g. if you inject every three days, wait the full three days after making up your dose). Message your care team if unsure.
When to contact your care team:
Persistent injection site reactions (redness, swelling, hardness)
Nausea, vomiting, or GI symptoms that are severe or not improving
Any unexpected symptoms after starting or adjusting your dose
When to call 911:
Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, rapid heartbeat, dizziness). Do not wait — call 911 immediately, then notify your provider and pharmacy as soon as possible.
Adverse Events:
You are required to report any adverse events to your provider and dispensing pharmacy within 24 hours of occurrence. You can optionally report to FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.