1. Wash your hands
Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel. This helps prevent infection.
2. Pick an injection site
Stomach (abdomen): about 2–3 inches away from your belly button (most common and easiest)
Thigh: front of your upper thigh
Upper arm: back of the arm (usually if someone else is helping)
👉 Try to choose an area with a little fat (soft tissue), not muscle.
3. Rotate sites
Do not inject in the exact same spot every week.
You can stay in the same general area (like stomach), but move at least 1–2 inches from the last spot.
This prevents irritation, lumps, and poor absorption.
4. Clean the skin & vial
Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab
Wipe your injection site
Let both air dry (don’t blow or touch after cleaning)
5. Fill the syringe with the instructed units
Pull air into the syringe equal to your dose
Inject that air into the vial (makes drawing easier)
Turn vial upside down
Draw the correct units
Tap out any air bubbles and adjust to the exact dose
6. Inject under the skin (subcutaneous)
Gently pinch the skin
Insert needle at 90° angle (or 45° if very lean)
Push the plunger slow and steady until all medication is in
7. Remove the needle
Pull it straight out
Do not rub (this can irritate the area)
If needed, lightly press with clean gauze
8. Dispose safely
Put the needle/syringe into a sharps container right away
Do not reuse needles
Important
Take it once per week, same day each week
You can take it with or without food
If you miss a dose: take it within 4 days (96 hours), otherwise skip
Mild redness or slight swelling is normal — pain, severe redness, or swelling is not
Store medication as directed (usually refrigerated, don’t freeze)