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Injecting Medications

Giving yourself an injection of medication can sometimes be scary, especially if you are concerned about pain or that you might not do the procedure correctly. Find out the step-by-step instructions to help you give yourself or a loved one an injection.
Subcutaneous Injection: Self-Injection Under the Skin
A subcutaneous (SQ) injection – a shot given just under the skin – is a way to deliver medication that may not work properly if given by mouth. A familiar example of SQ injections is insulin for people with diabetes. Information from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Intramuscular Injection: Self-Injection into a Muscle
An intramuscular (IM) injection – a shot given into the muscle layer under the skin – is a way to deliver medication that may not work properly if given by mouth or needs to be absorbed slowly over a period of time. An example of IM self-injections is certain types of hormones used to treat infertility. Information from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
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