Intra-muscular injection

When injecting yourself on a regular basis, make it part of your daily routine. Put the emphasis on cleanliness to ensure safe injections.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Prepare everything you will need (eg., syringe, needle, alcohol swab, drug, gauze).
• Wipe the injection site with the alcohol swab and let dry. Do not wipe the area, blow on it, or fan it with your hands.

• Withdraw the drug using the technique you learned from your healthcare professional.
• Use your index finger and thumb to stretch the skin at the injection site.
• Insert the needle at a 90° angle.

• Inject the drug.
• Remove the needle.
• Apply a dry compress to the skin and apply light pressure. Do not massage.

Needles and syringes should only be used once and then thrown away since they may be dirty and blunt. Always use a sharps (disposal) container to safely discard used syringes and needles. Return the container to the pharmacy when it is full or you no longer need it.

If more than one injection is required, do not use the same site.

Remember always to wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection at the injection site.