Everything You Need to Know About Subcutaneous Injections

Starting a new treatment can feel scary. At Geviti, we want to make giving yourself injections simple, safe, and stress-free.

What is a Subcutaneous Injection?

Your skin has three layers. A subcutaneous injection goes into the fatty layer just under your skin – where your body stores fat. This method works well for medicines like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and peptides like sermorelin and GHK-Cu. The fatty layer helps your body absorb these medicines slowly and steadily.

Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular Injections: What's the Difference?

These two types of shots serve different purposes:

• Subcutaneous injections use shorter needles and go into the fatty layer just under your skin. They're generally less intimidating and easier to self-administer.
• Intramuscular injections use longer needles to reach deep into muscle tissue. Some medications, like certain forms of testosterone cypionate, are traditionally given this way.

How to Give Yourself a Subcutaneous Injection

Getting Ready

1. Find a clean, bright space
2. Wash your hands well with soap and water
3. Get your supplies:
   - Your medicine vial
   - A new, clean needle and syringe
   - Alcohol wipes
   - Sharps container
   - Cotton ball or gauze

Giving the Shot

1. Clean the top of the vial with an alcohol wipe
2. Draw up your dose
3. Pick where to give the shot:
   - Belly (stay 2 inches away from your belly button)
   - Back of upper arms
   - Thighs
   - Lower back
4. Clean the spot with a new alcohol wipe
5. Gently pinch an inch of skin
6. Put the needle in at a 45-degree angle
7. Let go of the pinched skin and slowly push the plunger
8. Take the needle out and press gently with gauze if needed

How to Store Your Medicine

Keep your medicine working well by storing it right:

• Follow the temperature rules on your prescription (usually in the fridge)
• Never freeze it
• Keep it away from sunlight
• Check when it expires
• Store where kids can't reach it

What to Do with Used Needles

Stay safe after your shot:

• Don't put the cap back on used needles
• Put used needles right into a sharps container
• When the container is ¾ full, seal it and throw it away properly
• Never put loose needles in the regular trash

Common Medicines and Their Needs

Different medicines need different care:

• Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: Often come in special pens or vials
• Sermorelin: Keep cold and use within the time your doctor tells you
• Glutathione: Keep cold and handle carefully
• Testosterone Cypionate: Some types work for under-the-skin shots

Common Problems and Solutions

If You See Blood

• A tiny drop is normal – press lightly with gauze
• If you see more than a drop, press firmly for 30 seconds
• Call your doctor if bleeding doesn't stop

If You Feel Pain

• Sharp pain? You might be too deep – try a different angle next time
• Burning? Let the alcohol dry fully before the shot
• Bruising? Try injecting more slowly
  

If You're Having Trouble with the Shot

• Can't pinch enough skin? Try a different spot
• Nervous? Take slow, deep breaths
• Hands shaking? Sit down and rest your arm on a table
  

If You See Redness or Swelling

• A little redness is normal and should go away in a day
• If the area gets hot, very red, or swollen, call your doctor
• Always keep the injection site clean

Tips for Success

• Change where you give your shots each time
• Write down where and when you give each shot
• Let alcohol dry before the shot
• Stay relaxed – being tense can make it hurt more

Everyone feels nervous at first – that's normal. With practice, giving yourself shots becomes simple and quick. If you're just starting or thinking about treatment, we at Geviti are here to help you succeed.

Want to feel better and reach your health goals? Talk to our team at Geviti – we'll help you find the right treatment plan for you.