How to Store Your Medication

Storage instructions may vary slightly depending on the medication/pharmacy—always follow the directions provided with your medication.

• Keep your medication in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
• Once opened, check the Beyond Use Date (BUD) on your label. Throw away any doses after that date, even if there’s medication left.
• Store your vials away from light. If your refrigerator has a light that stays on, place your vials in an opaque container.
• Be careful when handling vials and syringes—they can break or cause injury.
• Only prepare your dose right before your injection. Do not pre-fill syringes ahead of time.
• Always store medication and supplies out of reach of children.

Where Do I Inject My Medication?

Your healthcare provider can help you choose the injection site that is best for you.

• Inject only into the fat layer under the skin (subcutaneously):
  • You or another person can inject into your abdomen (belly) or thigh.
  • Another person can inject into the back of your upper arm.
• Rotate your injection site each week. You may use the same general area of your body (e.g., abdomen) but choose a different injection spot within that area.
• Avoid injecting into bruises, scabs, recent vaccinations, injections, or procedure sites.
• Minor bruising, redness, or tenderness is normal. A small amount of liquid or blood at the injection site is fine and does not affect medication effectiveness.
• Ensure the needle is inserted fully; the depth is required for proper injection.
• Do not inject with a needle that has been previously opened, used, or appears damaged. Injection supplies are readily available at most pharmacies.

Injecting Your Medication

Always follow the instructions on your prescription label—these steps are a general guide and may not apply to every medication. ur prescription label for proper storage and dosing guidelines.

• Check your prescription label for specific instructions about storage and your prescribed dose.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
• Gather your supplies:
  • Medication vial.
  • Syringe with needle.
  • An alcohol wipe.
• Clean the vial: Remove the cap and use an alcohol wipe to clean the rubber top. Start at the center and wipe outward in circles.
• Clean your injection site: Use a new alcohol wipe to clean an area about the size of a quarter. Start in the center and wipe outward in a circular motion.
• Prepare the syringe:
  • Remove the cap from the needle.
  • Insert the needle into the center of the rubber vial top.
  • Push the plunger down to inject air into the vial—this makes it easier to draw the medication out.
  • Turn the vial and syringe upside down together, keeping the needle in place.
  • Slowly pull back the plunger until you reach your prescribed dose. Check your prescription label to confirm the correct dosage.
  • Tap the syringe gently to move any air bubbles to the top, then push the plunger slightly to release the air back into the vial.
  • Remove the syringe from the vial.
• Inject the medication:
  • Hold the syringe like a pencil. Don’t touch the needle.
  • With your non-dominant hand, pinch the fat at your cleaned injection site.
  • With your dominant hand, quickly insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
  • Slowly press the plunger down with your index finger until all the medication is injected.
  • Without pulling back on the plunger, remove the needle by pulling the syringe straight out.
  • Apply light pressure to the site with a cotton ball, tissue, or bandage.

Calculating Dosage

The exact number of units you need will depend on your prescription and the concentration of your medication, as shown on the vial label. If your prescription includes specific instructions on how many units to inject, follow those instructions carefully. If the exact number of units is not specified, refer to the vial concentration and syringe markings to calculate the correct dose. To ensure accurate dosing, check the syringe markings and use a flat surface to prevent tilting. Be sure to remove any air bubbles by tapping the syringe and expelling them.