How To Give a Subcutaneous (SubQ or SQ) Injection

A subcutaneous injection is a way to give certain medications using a needle. The subcutaneous tissue, also known as the hypodermis, is the innermost (deepest) layer of skin. It is made up of fat and connective tissue and helps the body control temperature. Medication is absorbed more slowly when it is given into the subcutaneous tissue rather than into a vein (IV) or muscle. Medications that can be given subcutaneously include insulin, some hormones, blood thinners, and medications that stimulate blood cell production such as filgrastim (Neupogen). 

If you need to give yourself a subcutaneous injection, your provider will give you specific instructions. In some cases you will need to draw up the medication yourself, meaning that you have a vial that contains the medicine and you will need to get the correct dose into the needle. Many medications now come ready with the dose already in the syringe. Insulin often comes in a device that looks like a pen. In this case, you attach the needle to a pen, program the dose, and then give the medication. 

If you have questions regarding how to draw up the correct dose, please ask your pharmacist or provider. Ask your pharmacist how the medication should be stored. If it is stored in a refrigerator, remove it 30 minutes prior to injecting it. You may also be given specific instructions as to where in the body you should inject the medication. 

How To Give The Injection 

First, you need to clean your hands. Use soap and warm water and clean between the fingers, backs of the hands, wrists, fingernails, and under the fingernails for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. 

1. Get All of the Supplies that You Need. 

Make sure you have a clear and clean counter space to place all of your supplies on. Supplies you will need include:

• The needle and syringe with the medication or the auto-injector pen. You should always double-check that you have the correct medication and dose prepared.
• You will need alcohol pads to clean the area where you will give the injection. Usually one is more than enough to clean but it is always good to have an extra in case you drop it. 
• Gauze can be useful to apply pressure to the injection site after injecting if you tend to bleed. 
• You should have a puncture-resistant container (sharps container) to dispose of the needle and syringe after it has been used. Have this close by so you can throw the syringe and needle away right after your injection. 
• A band-aid or bandage is good to have on hand in case you want to cover the area where the injection was given. 

2. Find a Spot and Clean It. 

There are certain spots on your body where subcutaneous injections should be given. These tend to be places where you can easily access the subcutaneous (fatty areas) under the skin and the needle will not come too close to muscle or bone. The sites include:

• The lower part of your belly. Keep in mind you want to stay 2 inches away from your belly button. 
• The side or back of your upper arms.
• The front of your thighs. 
• If someone else is giving you the injection they may use your lower back.

Some people have more subcutaneous tissue than others. It is important to find a spot where you are able to pinch the skin away from your body. You also want to choose a spot that is not reddened or hard. Change where you give your injection each time. Once you have chosen a site, use the alcohol swab/wipe to clean it. Let the alcohol dry on its own, do not blow on it or wipe away the alcohol.  

3. Inject the Medication 

You may not be a pro the first time you give yourself a subcutaneous injection. Your hands may be shaky and you may be nervous. Take a few deep breaths - it will get easier the more times you do it. Find what works for you. In general:

• Take your thumb and index (pointer) finger and pinch the skin. Lift the skin away from your body. Pinching and pulling gently will pull the subcutaneous tissue away from the muscle. 
• Remove any safety device from the needle. Poke the needle straight into the skin you are pinching. The needle can be inserted at a 90-degree angle (straight in, somewhat like a dart) or at a 45-degree angle.
• While keeping the skin pinched, slowly push the plunger on the syringe to push the medication into your subcutaneous tissue. 
• Once all of the medication goes in you can stop pinching the skin and take the needle out. If there is a safety mechanism on the needle, engage it right away. 
• Place the needle into the puncture-resistant container. 
• Use the gauze to put light pressure on the site. You can put a band-aid or bandage on the site if it bleeds. You may have some bruising. 

A nurse or provider should walk you through these instructions. Ask questions. It may be helpful to do the first injection with your provider. It can be hard to give yourself an injection, but with some practice, it will become easier.