PATIENT RESOURCE

Subcutaneous (SQ)
Self-Injection Guide

Everything you learned at your injection training, in one place. Tap a section to jump to it.

Injection Sites

Step-by-Step

When to Call

Sharps Disposal

Storage

INJECTION SITES

Find the Right Spot.

Diagram of subcutaneous injection sites on the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms

BELLY

Abdomen

At least 2 inches away from your belly button.

LEGS

Thighs

The front or side of your thighs.

ARMS

Upper Arms

The back of your upper arms.

Rotate your injection sites. Switch between your abdomen, thighs, and upper arms with each injection. For rotation purposes, each of the four quadrants of your abdomen counts as a separate site. Rotating sites reduces soreness and helps prevent scar tissue from building up.

↑ Back to top

STEP-BY-STEP

Your Self-Injection Procedure.

Prepare

Wash your hands thoroughly.

Use a new, sterile syringe and needle.

Draw Up Your Medication

Pull air into the syringe equal to the amount of medication you’ll draw up.

Clean the top of the medication vial with an alcohol swab.

Insert the needle and inject the air into the vial.

Keep the needle in the vial, turn the vial upside down, and draw up your prescribed dose.

Tap out any air bubbles and gently push the plunger until only medication remains in the needle hub.

Place the cap back on the needle.

Choose and Clean Your Site

Choose your injection site: abdomen, thighs, or upper arms. Remember to rotate.

Clean the area with an alcohol swab.

Let the site dry completely on its own. Don’t fan or blow on it.

Inject

Hold the syringe like a dart in your dominant hand.

Remove the needle cap just before injecting.

Insert the needle at a 45- to 90-degree angle in one quick, steady motion.

Slowly push the plunger to inject the medication. Take your time to reduce discomfort.

Discuss with your Provider whether a 45-degree or 90-degree angle is right for you.

Technique for subcutaneous injection
Subcutaneous injection angle of 45 to 90 degrees

Finish

Remove the needle swiftly.

Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or a cotton ball. Don’t rub.

Place the used needle and syringe in your sharps container.

Wash your hands again.

↑ Back to top

WHEN TO CALL

Know What’s Normal and What’s Not.

Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is normal. Contact TitanX Men’s Health if you notice:

Pain that seems out of proportion: severe, worsening, or lasting longer than expected

Redness or swelling that spreads or gets worse

Drainage from the injection site

Fever or chills

Call 911 for signs of an allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, widespread hives, or feeling faint.

For non-emergency questions, message us through your secure patient portal or HIPAA-secure encrypted text.

SHARPS DISPOSAL

Dispose of Needles Safely.

Niagara CountyHealth and Wellness Resource Page. Find your nearest syringe container disposal: CLICK HERE

Go to the upper right corner of the screen and click “Select a type of disposal location.” Select “Sharps Disposal.”

Erie CountyExpanded Syringe Access Program. Find your nearest syringe container disposal: CLICK HERE

Go to the upper left corner of the screen and click “I am looking for…” Select “Expanded Syringe Access Program.”

ANYWHERE IN NEW YORK

New York State requires hospitals and nursing homes to accept properly contained household sharps for disposal.

No sharps container? Use a puncture-proof plastic bottle with a tight screw-top lid and label it “Contains Sharps.” Never use glass, and never put sharps in your recycling.

↑ Back to top

STORAGE

Medication Beyond-Use Dates and Vial Sterility.

Your injectable medication has a Beyond-Use Date (BUD) set by the dispensing pharmacy. This date marks the period during which the medication is considered suitable for use when stored and handled according to the pharmacy’s instructions. The BUD varies by medication and formulation. Always follow the BUD printed on your prescription label, and never use medication beyond this date.

Proper storage and sterile injection technique are essential to maintaining medication quality and minimizing the risk of contamination. Always follow the dispensing pharmacy’s storage, handling, and vial-discard instructions, including any requirements that apply after the vial is first punctured. Never use medication that appears contaminated, discolored, or otherwise abnormal. If you have questions about storage, expiration dates, or vial integrity, contact TitanX Men’s Health before administering your medication.

↑ Back to top