Wash hands thoroughly
Gather the medication, syringe or autoinjector, alcohol swab, gauze, and sharps container
Check the medication label, dose, and expiration date
Inspect the medication for discoloration, particles, or damage
Choose an injection site such as the abdomen, outer thigh, or upper arm
Avoid areas that are bruised, red, swollen, hard, scarred, or irritated
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry
Prepare the syringe or autoinjector according to the medication instructions
Pinch a fold of skin if instructed for the medication and needle size
Insert the needle into the skin at the recommended angle
Inject the medication slowly and steadily
Remove the needle from the skin
Release the skin fold
Apply gentle pressure with gauze if needed
Do not rub the injection site unless instructed
Dispose of the needle and syringe immediately in a sharps container
Wash hands again
Rotate injection sites as directed
Follow the medication-specific instructions provided by a healthcare professional or pharmacist