Injection Guide
Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injection Guide
Step-by-step instructions, safe injection sites, rotation guidance, and videos. Always follow the directions on your prescription label (on your bottle/box) and your prescriber’s instructions.
Common Injection Sites
Abdomen (Most Common)
Upper Arm (Posterior)
Thigh (Anterolateral)
Supplies & Prep
What You’ll Need
- Medication vial or prefilled pen/syringe
- New insulin syringe/pen needle (per prescription)
- Alcohol prep pads or soap & water
- Sharps container (FDA-cleared or approved alternative)
- Bandage or small gauze (optional)
Before You Begin
- Wash hands thoroughly (20+ seconds)
- Check medication name, strength, dose, and directions on the prescription label
- Inspect liquid for particles/discoloration
- Allow refrigerated meds to warm to room temp if instructed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Clean the Site
Choose your site and wipe in a circular motion with an alcohol pad. Let it dry completely.
Prepare the Syringe
- For vials: clean rubber stopper; draw air equal to dose; inject air; withdraw dose.
- Tap to release bubbles; re-measure to the exact dose printed on your label.
Pinch & Insert
Pinch a 1–2 inch skin fold. Insert the needle at 45–90° (90° for longer needles or more subcutaneous tissue).
Inject
Inject slowly and steadily. Count to 5 after the plunger is fully depressed, then withdraw the needle.
Dispose Safely
Do not recap. Place the needle/syringe directly into a sharps container.
Aftercare
Apply light pressure if needed; avoid rubbing. Log the site & time. Monitor for unusual redness, swelling, pain, or bleeding.
Reading a 100-Unit Insulin Syringe
Most syringes we use are 100-unit (1 mL) syringes. On these, 1 unit = 0.01 mL. Large numbers mark every 10 units (0.1 mL); small tick marks indicate single-unit steps (may vary by brand). Always dose exactly as printed on your prescription label.
Quick Visual: Reading the Scale
Focus on the unit lines; each unit equals 0.01 mL on a 100-unit syringe.
Units ↔ mL (100-Unit Syringe)
| Units | mL |
|---|---|
| 5 | 0.05 |
| 10 | 0.10 |
| 20 | 0.20 |
| 25 | 0.25 |
| 30 | 0.30 |
| 40 | 0.40 |
| 50 | 0.50 |
| 75 | 0.75 |
| 100 | 1.00 |
Converting mg to Units (using your label)
Use the strength on your pharmacy label (e.g., “5 mg/mL”).
- mL = (Prescribed mg) ÷ (mg per mL on label)
- Units = mL × 100 (on a 100-unit syringe)
Example: Label says 5 mg/mL, your dose is 1 mg → mL = 1 ÷ 5 = 0.2 mL → Units = 0.2 × 100 = 20 units.
7-Day Site Rotation (Example)
| Day | Site | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Abdomen — Upper Left | Avoid navel by ~2 inches |
| Tue | Abdomen — Upper Right | Use a different quadrant |
| Wed | Abdomen — Lower Left | Skip irritated areas |
| Thu | Abdomen — Lower Right | Document in log |
| Fri | Thigh — Left | Front/outer thigh |
| Sat | Thigh — Right | Keep muscles relaxed |
| Sun | Upper Arm — Posterior | Assistance may help |
How-To Videos
Watch these quick demonstrations. Always follow your prescription label and prescriber’s guidance.
How to Inject — Quick Start
SubQ Injection — Step by Step
How to Inject Semaglutide or Tirzepatide
SubQ Injection — Demonstration
When to Contact Your Clinic
Call promptly if you notice:
- Severe redness, warmth, or spreading rash at the site
- Persistent pain, bleeding, or a hard lump
- Signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, breathing issues)
- Any dosing or medication mix-up
Disclaimer
This page is educational and not medical advice. Follow the directions on your prescription label and your prescriber’s orders. If anything is unclear, contact your clinic before dosing.