Subcutaneous Self-Injection Guide walkthrough.
Subcutaneous (SubQ) injections deliver medication into the fatty tissue just below the skin. Compounded peptides, GLP-1 alternatives, HCG, and some HRT formulations use this route. The technique is simple once you've done it once or twice.
Step by step.
- 01
Wash hands and gather supplies
Hand soap, alcohol swabs, the medication vial, syringe, and a sharps container.
- 02
Inspect and draw the dose
Check the vial for clarity. Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Draw air into the syringe equal to your dose, inject it into the vial, then draw the prescribed dose. Tap out air bubbles.
- 03
Choose and clean the site
Common sites: abdomen (1-2 inches from the navel), outer thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites with each injection. Clean the spot with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry.
- 04
Pinch and inject
Pinch a small fold of skin. Insert the needle at a 45-90° angle (depending on syringe length and body fat). Push the plunger steadily until empty, then withdraw the needle.
- 05
Dispose safely
Drop the used syringe into a sharps container. Apply gentle pressure to the site with a clean cotton ball if needed. Note the date, time, and site for next time.
Notes
- Site rotation: Rotate injection sites to prevent skin changes.
- Refrigerated medications should be brought to room temperature before injecting (10-15 minutes on the counter).
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