INJECTION DEMO

INTRAMUSCULAR (IM)

An intramuscular (IM) injection is a method of delivering medication deep into the muscle tissue, where it can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Muscles have a rich blood supply, which makes IM injections ideal for medications that need to work fast or are too irritating to be given under the skin.

Please follow your dosing instructions closely to ensure your bottle lasts the length it was intended to.

You’ll be administering his medication intramuscularly once per week alternating between the left and right glute, or left and right shoulder.

Here’s how to do it safely and comfortably:

  • 25-gauge needle (for injecting)
  • Large gauge needle (18g, 20g, or 22g—for drawing medication)
  • 1–3 mL syringe
  • Alcohol wipe
  • Medication vial
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Swap the Needle:

Remove the 25g needle that came attached to the syringe and replace it with a larger gauge needle for drawing up the medication.

2. Draw the Medication:

Insert the large gauge needle into the vial and flip the vial upside down. Slowly pull the plunger to draw the medication up to the 1 mL mark.

➤ This medication is thick (viscous), so take your time—it may come out slowly

3.  Remove the Needle from the Vial:

Once you’ve got your full dose, pull the needle out of the vial.

4. Clear the Needle Tip:

Before switching back to the smaller needle, draw a small bubble of air into the syringe.

➤ This helps pull any remaining medication out of the thicker needle.

5. Switch Back to the 25g Needle:

Remove the large needle and attach the 25g needle you’ll use for injection.

6. Remove Air Bubbles:

Slowly push the plunger until you see a tiny drop of medication appear at the tip of the needle. This ensures all air is out and you’re ready to inject.

INJECTION TIME!

7. Choose the Injection Site:

You’ll inject into the upper outer quadrant of the glute muscle—alternate sides each week (left one week, right the next). Clean the site with an alcohol wipe and let it dry.

8. Inject the Medication:

In one smooth motion, insert the needle quickly into the muscle (don’t hesitate—it makes it easier!). Slowly and firmly push the plunger until all the medication has been delivered.

➤ Be patient—this part may take a little longer due to the thickness of the medication.

9. Remove the Needle:

Once finished, pull the needle straight out and massage the area gently.

➤ This helps with absorption and minimizes soreness.

10. Dispose of the Needle Safely:

Immediately place the used needle and syringe in a sharps container or another puncture-proof container. Never throw directly in the trash.

POST INJECTION CHECK-IN

Please notify your coach if you experience any of the following:

  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Redness
  • Warmth
  • Swelling
  • Bruising

SUBCUTANEOUS (SUB Q)

A subcutaneous (SubQ or SC) injection is a method of administering medication into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin, but above the muscle.

This layer absorbs medication more slowly than muscle, making it ideal for drugs that need to be absorbed gradually,

Common SubQ injection sites include:

  • Abdomen (avoid 2 inches around the belly button)
  • Outer thigh
  • Back of the upper arm

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • 30-31 gauge insulin or SubQ needle (usually ½” or shorter)
  • 1 mL syringe (if not already attached)
  • Alcohol wipe
  • Medication vial or pre-filled syringe
  • Sharps container

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Gently remove cap from insulin needle and insert needle into medication vial (Needle is very small and easily bent/broken). 
  • Turn upside down.
  • Pull plunger of insulin syringe down to draw medication to the 100 unit line.
  • Gently withdraw the insulin needle from the vial.
  • Now you are ready to inject. 
INJECTION TIME:
  • This medication is administered subcutaneously (injected into fat, not muscle). 
  • Locate the area of fat below the belly button and clean it with an alcohol wipe.
  • Insert an insulin needle into the selected area of fat and push the plunger of the syringe to inject medication. 
  • To prevent bruising/welts, inject 50 units in one area and 50 units in another. 
  • Once all the medication has been released from the syringe, pull the needle straight out. 
  • Dispose of the needle in a designated sharps container to prevent accidental needle sticks that cause injury to yourself or others. 
POST INJECTION:
  • Please report any usual occurrences to the nurse (Bailey) and Dr. Khokhar, such as:
  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Redness
  • Warmth
  • Swelling
  • Bruising