Why is this procedure done?
A subcutaneous injection is also called a shot. It is also called a SubQ shot. With this kind of shot, you use a small, short needle to give the drug into the fat right under your skin. Some drugs: ‚
- Work better and faster when given this way.
- Can only be given into the fat.
- May be given SubQ if you are not able to take them by mouth.
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What will the results be?
Your body will take up the drug slowly and efficiently when given into the fat under your skin. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Make sure you have all of the items that you will need. Place them on a clean surface nearby.
- An alcohol wipe
- A 2 x 2 sterile gauze or a cotton ball
- A syringe filled with the correct drug and dosage
- A container to throw away the syringe and needle. A heavy plastic detergent bottle with a lid or other solid container will work.
- A bandaid
- Check the drug.
- Read the label to make sure that you have the correct drug.
- Make sure you have the right dose. Check the amount of drug against what the doctor ordered.
- Check the expiration date. Do not use it if it is expired. Do not use if there are crystals, sediment, particles, unusual color, or cloudiness in the drug.
- Review how to draw up the drug if you are not using a prefilled syringe.
- Check the syringe.
- See that you have the correct size needle for your body type.
- Get rid of any air from the syringe. Do not get rid of any of the drug.
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before giving the shot.
- Select a site for the shot. A SubQ injection may be given in the:
- Back part of the upper arm between the elbow and the shoulder.
- Front or side of the belly. Make sure the shot is at least 2 inches away from the belly button. Always avoid any surgical scar or other injury.
- Middle front or middle outside of the thigh between the knee and hip.
- Lower back. Give the shot just below the waist at the top of the buttocks where the hips begin to curve, far away from the spine.
- Use the alcohol wipe to clean the area where you are going to give the shot. Let it air dry. Do not fan or blow on the area.
- Keep a record of where you give yourself a shot. Use a different site each time. Giving shots in the same spot will cause scar tissue to form in that area. Scar tissue will make it hard for drugs to be taken up by the body. It will also make it hard to put the needle in your skin.
What happens during the procedure?
- Remove the needle cap with the hand you do not write with.
- Pinch a 1 to 2-inch fold of skin between your thumb and first finger with this hand.
- Hold the syringe in the hand you write with. Hold it the way you would hold a pencil or dart.
- Holding the syringe firmly, quickly push the needle into the skin. Use a 45 ‚ ° angle so the needle will go through the skin and in the fat. For shorter needles or insulin injections, you may need to use a 90 ‚ ° angle. Ask your doctor about the right angle for your drug and needle size.
- Slowly push the plunger to give the drug.
- Take the needle out of the skin at the same angle you put it in.
- If there is bleeding, put firm pressure on the site. Hold a sterile gauze pad or cotton ball over the puncture mark.
- Put a bandaid on the site after the bleeding has stopped. Do not rub or massage the area.
- Put the syringe and needle into the container to throw them away right after giving the shot.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may feel some pain at the site of the shot, like a pin prick. It may last for a minute or two and then stop.
- Find out what services are available in your area for disposing of needles and syringes.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
You may have some bleeding, soreness, mild bruising, or redness at the site. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Problem giving yourself the shot
- Rash, swelling, or bleeding that does not stop at the site of shot
- Very bad pain
- Drug is injected into the wrong area
- Fever or allergic reaction develops
Where can I learn more?
Clinical Center National Institutes of Health ‚
http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/subq.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚