Most patients feel a little nervous the first time. That's expected. Here's everything you need.
Site rotation
Rotate the injection site every week to reduce irritation. Stay at least one inch from your navel and avoid bruises, scars, or moles.
Wash your hands and prepare the surface.
Wash with soap for 20 seconds. Lay out an alcohol wipe, your pen, and a sharps container on a clean towel.
Check the medication.
The solution should be clear and colorless. If it looks cloudy, discolored, or has particles, stop and contact your clinician.
Attach the needle.
Twist a new needle onto the pen until it's snug. Pull off both needle caps and set the outer cap aside (you'll use it later).
Draw your dose.
Your prescription is 0.25 mg per week. Enter the number of units you'll draw:
Pinch the skin and inject.
Choose a site from the rotation diagram. Pinch about an inch of skin, insert the needle at 90°, push the plunger, and hold for 10 seconds before pulling out.
Dispose of the needle.
Recap the needle with the outer cap, unscrew it, and drop it into a sharps container. Never put a used needle into household trash.
Log the date.
Note the date in your calendar so you know when next week's dose is due.