Learn How to Inject: Autoinjectors
Its easy for patients and caregivers to learn how to perform a subcutaneous injection with an autoinjector. Subcutaneous means “under the skin”.
This type of injection is also called a subq injection, pronounced “sub Q” (“sub cue”).
Rheumatologist Dr. Andy Thompson will demonstrate an injection in a video lesson featured below on this page.
The video is applicable a variety of medications that must be taken using an autoinjector that delivers a subcutaneous injection.
Subcutaneous Injections
A subcutaneous injection involves poking a small needle just under the skin to deliver medicine into the “fatty tissue” below. The medicine is absorbed by the small blood vessels under the skin.
The way the body absorbs medication under the skin is similar to when you take a pill or tablet and small blood vessels in the stomach or bowel absorb the medication.
A subcutaneous injection is a different type of injection than those that deliver medicine into a muscle (an intramuscular injection) or directly into the blood (an intravenous injection).
Parts of an autoinjector
Each syringe has 3 basic parts:
- A needle cap (which is removed)
- A medication window which shows the medicine
- An activator button
Video Lesson
Step-by-Step: How to Inject
There are four basic steps to performing a subcutaneous injection with an autoinjector:
We’ve prepared a special “injection placemat” that you can download and print to help make sure that you’ve got all of the necessary supplies:
Place your “injection placemat” on a clean table or surface.
Gather your supplies, you’ll need:
- Your autoinjector
- An alcohol swab
- A clean gauze or tissue
- A puncture proof “sharps container” to dispose of the used syringe.
If your autoinjector has been in the refrigerator it’s a good idea to let it warm up for 30 minutes. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re not sure about anything with your medication.
Ask your local pharmacist if you’re missing any of the required supplies.
It’s important to start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
A subcutaneous injection can be given into the thigh, the abdomen, or the upper arm. It’s best to choose a different site for each injection that’s at least a few centimetres (an inch) away from a previous injection.
You can easily inject into your abdomen or thighs on your own but you’ll probably need help from another person if you want to inject into your upper arms.
It’s a good idea to rotate your injection sites. For example, if you had to take weekly injections, this week you might place the injection in your thigh, and next week to your abdomen. If someone else is performing the injection on you, you can also use your upper arms.
If you’re injecting into your abdomen stay away 5cm (2 inches) from around your belly button.
Don’t inject into an area that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or has scars or stretch marks.
Clean your chosen injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Remove the needle cap from the autoinjector.
- Place the autoinjector on the injection site at a 90 degree angle.
- Push the autoinjector firmly against the skin to “unlock” the device.
- Press the button on the autoinjector to activate the device. The injector will now inject the medicine under the skin. Some autoinjectors will “click” when the injections are finished. It’s best to count to 15 slowly.
- At the count of 15, remove the autoinjector and look at the medication window. It should have changed colour.
- Apply pressure with a cotton gauze or tissue for about 10 seconds.
It’s normal to see a tiny drop of blood.
It’s important to dispose of used sharp syringes in a proper container, often called a Sharps Container. These containers can be found at your local pharmacy.
Don’t ever put the needle cap back on a needle as you or someone else may accidentally poke themselves with it. Simply take the used autoinjector and place it in the Sharps Container.
Store your Sharps Container in a safe place out of reach of small children. When the container is 2/3 full, tape the lid closed and discard of it as instructed by your local pharmacist.
If you have any questions or concerns please talk to your doctor or your nurse.