Giving yourself an injection for the first time can feel intimidating, but with proper technique, it becomes routine. This guide covers everything you need to know for safe, effective self-injection.

What You'll Need

Your medication pen - Removed from refrigerator 30 minutes before injection (room temperature is more comfortable)
Pen needle - New needle for each injection (usually 4mm or 5mm for most people)
Alcohol swab - To clean the injection site
Sharps container - For safe needle disposal
Clean, well-lit space - Good visibility is important

Step-by-Step Injection Instructions

Step 1Wash Your Hands

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel. This prevents introducing bacteria to the injection site.

Step 2Check Your Medication

Check the expiration date on the pen
Look at the solution through the pen window
The liquid should be clear and colorless
Do NOT use if the solution is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles

Step 3Attach the Needle

Remove the paper tab from the outer needle cap
Push the needle straight onto the pen and twist to secure
Remove the outer needle cap (save this for disposal)
Remove the inner needle cap and discard
A small drop of medication at the needle tip is normal

Step 4Prime the Pen (First Use Only)

For a new pen, you may need to prime it to remove air bubbles:

Dial the dose selector to the priming symbol or smallest dose
Hold the pen with the needle pointing up
Tap the cartridge gently to move air bubbles to the top
Press the dose button until medication appears at the needle tip
Repeat if necessary until you see a steady stream

Step 5Select Your Dose

Turn the dose selector to your prescribed dose
You'll hear clicks as you turn—each click represents a dose increment
Verify the correct dose appears in the dose window
If you select the wrong dose, you can turn it back without losing medication

Step 6Choose and Clean Injection Site

Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry (about 10 seconds).

Recommended injection sites:

Abdomen: At least 2 inches away from belly button (most common)
Thigh: Front of thigh, middle third between knee and hip
Upper arm: Back of arm (may need help for this site)

Step 7Insert the Needle

Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site (optional for short needles)
Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (straight in)
Push the needle all the way in
Release the skin fold if you pinched it

Step 8Inject the Medication

Press the dose button with your thumb
Keep the button pressed and count slowly to 10
This is important: Holding for 10 seconds ensures the full dose is delivered
The dose counter should return to "0" when the injection is complete

Step 9Remove and Dispose

Remove the needle from your skin while keeping the button pressed
A small drop of medication or blood at the injection site is normal
Do NOT rub the injection site
Carefully replace the outer needle cap
Unscrew the needle from the pen and place in sharps container
Replace the pen cap and store properly

Injection Site Rotation

Rotating injection sites is important to prevent lipodystrophy (changes in fat tissue) and ensure consistent medication absorption.

Rotation Strategy

Divide each injection area into sections (like a clock or grid)
Move to a different section with each injection
Stay at least 1 inch away from your last injection site
You can use the same general area (e.g., abdomen) but different spots
Consider keeping a simple log to track where you inject

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not counting to 10

Removing the needle too quickly may result in incomplete dose delivery. Always count slowly to 10.

Injecting into muscle

GLP-1 medications should be injected subcutaneously (into fat), not into muscle. Use appropriate needle length.

Reusing needles

Always use a new needle for each injection. Reusing needles increases infection risk and can be more painful.

Injecting cold medication

Injecting cold medication can be more uncomfortable. Let the pen warm to room temperature for 30 minutes first.

Injecting into same spot repeatedly

This can cause lipodystrophy and affect absorption. Rotate sites with each injection.

Tips for Comfortable Injections

Let medication reach room temperature: 30 minutes out of the fridge reduces discomfort
Use a quick, dart-like motion: Hesitating can make it hurt more
Relax the injection area: Tense muscles can increase discomfort
Don't inject into bruised or scarred areas: Choose healthy skin
Ice the area beforehand: If you're very sensitive, numbing with ice for a minute can help
Take a deep breath: Inject as you exhale to stay relaxed

Dealing with Injection Site Reactions

Normal Reactions

Small drop of blood at injection site
Mild redness that resolves within hours
Slight bruising occasionally
Tiny bump that goes away within a day

When to Contact Your Provider

Significant swelling, redness, or pain lasting more than a day
Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus)
Hard lumps under the skin that don't go away
Allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty breathing)

Needle Disposal

Proper needle disposal protects you, your family, and waste handlers:

Always dispose of needles in an FDA-cleared sharps container
If you don't have one, use a heavy-duty plastic container with a tight lid
Never put needles in regular trash or recycling
Never flush needles down the toilet
When the container is 3/4 full, seal it and follow local disposal guidelines
Many pharmacies and doctor's offices accept sharps containers for disposal

Quick Reference Checklist

1Wash hands thoroughly
2Check medication (clear, not expired)
3Attach new needle
4Prime if new pen
5Select your dose
6Clean site with alcohol, let dry
7Insert needle at 90°
8Press button and count to 10
9Remove needle, dispose safely

Injection Technique Guide