Wash your hands
Gather the medication, syringe, needle, alcohol swab, and sharps container
Check the medication label, dose, and expiration date
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry
Choose a subcutaneous site such as the abdomen, outer thigh, or back of the upper arm
Avoid areas that are bruised, red, swollen, hard, or scarred
Remove the needle cap
Pinch a fold of skin if instructed
Insert the needle into the skin at the correct angle for the needle length and site
Inject the medication slowly and steadily
Remove the needle
Release the skin fold
Apply gentle pressure with gauze or cotton if needed
Do not rub the site unless instructed
Dispose of the needle and syringe in a sharps container
Wash your hands again
Rotate injection sites as instructed