Recommendations and Tips Contact Us

for Reducing Injection Pain

Never reuse needles This pamphlet provides simple, step-by-
Use separate drawing up and injecting step instructions to help you safely and
needles
effectively administer your intramuscular
Let the skin dry fully from the alcohol wipe (IM) or Sub Cutaneous (SubQ) injections
before beginning the injection
Keep the muscles in the injection area Always follow your healthcare provider’s
Self
warm and relaxed specific instructions and consult us if you Administration
Inject medicine that is at room temperature
have any questions
of Injections
Break through the skin quickly with the #110-470 Bronte St. South
needle
Insert the needle straight into the skin, and
Milton, ON
(289) 878 - 1969
Quick Guide
pull it straight out again without changing
direction or wiggling the syringe
gendercare@[Link]
Let’s Get Started! 3. Prepare the Medication 5. Dispose of the Used Supplies
Check the Medication Place the used needle and syringe in a Sharps
1. Gather Your Supplies Ensure it is the correct medication and dose Disposal Container immediately
as prescribed Do not recap the needle
Medication (vial or pre-filled syringe) Check that the “use before” date has not Dispose of any other waste properly
Syringe and Needle (if not pre-filled) passed
Alcohol Swabs Draw Medication: 6. Record the Injection
Sharps Disposal Container If using a vial: Clean the vial’s rubber stopper
Note the date, time, and site of the injection
Cotton Ball or Gauze Pad with an alcohol swab
in your medication log
Bandage (optional) Draw air into the syringe equal to the
Keep track of your injections
medication dose
Insert the needle into the vial
Push the air in, then draw the required
7. After Care
amount of medication Monitor the injection site for any adverse
If using a pre-filled syringe: Remove the cap reactions
and prepare to inject For example redness, swelling, or pain
Contact your healthcare provider if you
experience severe pain or any unusual
2. Prepare the Injection Site 4. Administer the Injection symptoms
Choose the Injection Site Hold the Syringe
Common sites include: Hold the skin tight (for IM injection) or pinch Important Reminders
Deltoid (upper arm) if needed (for Sub Q injection)
Vastus Lateralis (outer thigh) Insert the Needle Wash Your Hands
Ventogluteal (hip area) Insert the needle at the correct Always wash your hands thoroughly before
Abdomen ( For Sub Q Injections ONLY) angle (as shown) preparing and administering the injection
Clean the Site: Use an alcohol swab to clean the Inject Medication Follow Instructions
area where you will inject. Let it dry completely After inserting the needle into the muscle, Adhere to the specific instructions given by
keep the skin pulled tight and firmly push the your healthcare provider for medication,
Injection Site Options plunger down slowly and completely to finish dosage, and injection technique
the injection Seek Help
You may feel some burning or pressure as If you have any concerns or difficulties, don’t
the medication enters the muscle hesitate to reach out to your healthcare
Withdraw the Needle provider
After the medication has been injected, pull
the syringe and needle out of your skin at
the exact same angle as you injected