Self-Injection Guide
This guide walks you through giving yourself a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection, step by step, and how to store your medication. Work in a clean, well-lit space and take your time, and always follow the directions on your prescription label.
Before You Begin
Gather Your Equipment
- Syringe containing your medicine
- Alcohol wipe (or cotton ball dipped in alcohol)
- Cotton ball or gauze for after
- A sharps disposal container
Wash Your Hands
Wash thoroughly with soap and warm running water, then dry them well before handling the syringe. Clean hands keep the injection site free of bacteria.
Choosing Your Injection Site
Belly — stay at least 5 cm (about 2 in.) from your belly button. Thigh — use the front and outer area.
Pick a Spot, Then Rotate
Choose a spot on your belly or thigh. A shot in the belly should sit at least 5 centimeters from your belly button.
- Clean the skin with alcohol
- Let the alcohol dry fully before injecting
- Slightly change the spot each time you inject
- Avoid bruised, tender, scarred, or red skin
Giving the Injection
Follow these steps in order. Tap any step to expand it. Move at your own pace — there is no rush.
Use alcohol to clean the skin at the spot you chose, then let it dry completely.
Take the cap off the needle. Do not touch the needle or let it touch any surface.
Hold it close to the site, the way you would hold a pencil. Keep your fingers off the plunger.
Quickly push the needle all the way into the pinched-up fold of skin.
Pull the needle straight out at the same angle you inserted it.
Release the pinch once the needle is out.
After Your Injection
If You Bleed a Little
Apply gentle pressure over the area with your finger, a cotton ball, or a piece of gauze. To avoid bruising, do not rub the spot.
Dispose of the Needle Safely
Never reuse a needle. Place it in a sharps container right away, and slightly change your injection spot each time.
Storage & Temperature
Your medication is shipped with ice packs. It is normal for the ice packs to melt and the medication to arrive warm — this does not compromise its effectiveness.
Refrigerate on arrival. Store the medication in the refrigerator between 36°–46° F.
Room temperature is OK briefly. The vial can handle room temperature, but keep it refrigerated whenever possible to maximize shelf life.
Traveling? Your medication can be transported with ice packs.
Mind the beyond-use date. Do not use medication past its beyond-use date — potency is no longer guaranteed. Do not flush unused medication or pour it down a drain.
If the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contaminated, or the packaging appears to have been tampered with — DO NOT USE and contact the pharmacy immediately.
We're Here to Help.
Contact support@everest3.comReach out any time you're unsure about your dose, your injection technique, or anything you notice after injecting.
This guide is for general patient education and does not replace the instructions of your prescriber or pharmacist. Always follow the directions on your prescription label. If you are unsure about your dose, your injection technique, or you notice any unexpected reaction, contact your care team before injecting. Keep all medication out of reach of children.