Preparation before Injection
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all the necessary supplies, including the medication vial, syringe, alcohol swabs, and a sharps container. Check the medication vial for any signs of damage or expiration. Select a clean and well-lit injection site on your body. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely.
Preparing the Medication
Remove the cap from the medication vial and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Draw air into the syringe by pulling back the plunger to the prescribed dose. Insert the needle into the medication vial and inject the air into the vial. Invert the vial and draw the medication into the syringe by pulling back the plunger. Check for air bubbles and push the plunger to eliminate them.
Injecting the Medication
Hold the syringe like a dart at a 90-degree angle to the injection site. Insert the needle quickly and smoothly into the skin. Inject the medication slowly and steadily by pushing the plunger. Remove the needle at the same angle it was inserted. Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a clean cotton ball.
After Injection Care
Cap the needle and dispose of it in a sharps container. Apply a bandaid to the injection site if necessary. Record the date, time, and dose of the injection in a medication log. Monitor for any signs of infection or adverse reactions.