A step by step guide to subcutaneous injection.
Step 1 — Get Ready
What you need
- Medication (vial or prefilled syringe)
- Sharps container
- Drawing-up needle (larger gauge, e.g. 18G or 21G)
- Alcohol swabs
- Injecting needle (1–1.5 inch, typically 23G or 25G)
- Syringe (size appropriate to your dose)
Step 2 — Wash Hands
- Clean hands reduce infection risk
- Dry completely
Soap + water or sanitiser
Tip: Set everything up before you start
Step 3 — Prepare Your Dose
If using Primoteston (prefilled syringe):
- Remove the prefilled syringe from its packaging
- Check the dose matches your prescription
- Attach the injecting needle firmly to the syringe
- Leave the needle cap on until you're ready to inject
- Hold the syringe upright and tap gently to bring any air bubbles to the top
- Slowly push the plunger until a small drop appears at the needle tip — this clears air from the line
If using a vial:
- Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab and let it dry
- Attach the 18G drawing-up needle to your syringe
- Draw air into the syringe equal to your prescribed dose
- Insert the needle into the vial and inject the air
- Turn the vial upside down and slowly pull back the plunger to your prescribed dose
- Tap the syringe to bring air bubbles to the top, then push them back into the vial
- Withdraw the needle and swap the 18G drawing-up needle for your injecting needle before proceeding
Double-check the dose before moving on.
Step 4 — Choose Injection Site
I
Option 1 (Recommended) — Gluteus Maximus (buttock):
- The most comfortable and safest site for most patients
- Very low risk of hitting nerves or blood vessels
- Aim for the upper outer corner of either buttock, furthest from the spine
Option 2 — Vastus Lateralis (outer thigh):
- Easier to see and self-administer
- Divide your thigh horizontally into thirds — inject into the outer middle third
- Form a V with your fingers, place the heel of your hand just above the knee on the femur, and aim above the V
Reminder: Rotate sites each time — alternate left and right, and between muscle groups.
Step 5 — Clean the Area
- Use a fresh alcohol swab
- Wipe in a circular motion outward from the centre
- Let it air dry fully — do not blow on it
Step 6 — Aspirate and Deliver Dose
- Take your hand off the skin once the needle is in
- Gently pull back on the plunger for 1–2 seconds (aspirating)
- If blood appears in the syringe, stop — withdraw the needle, discard the medication and equipment, and restart with fresh supplies
- If no blood appears, push the plunger down slowly and steadily
- You may feel mild pressure as the oil enters the muscle — this is normal
Step 7 — Deliver Dose
- (Optional, as advised by your clinician) Lightly pull back on the plunger for 1–2 seconds — if blood appears, withdraw and restart with a new needle at a slightly different site
- Push the plunger down slowly and steadily — oil-based injections take time
- Ensure the full dose is delivered
Step 8 — Remove Needle
- Withdraw the needle slowly at the same 90° angle
- A small drop of blood at the site is normal
- Apply light pressure with a clean swab or gauze
- Do not rub — gentle pressure only
- Use a plaster if needed
Step 9 — Dispose Safely
- Place the needle and syringe directly into your sharps container
- Do not recap the needle
- Never reuse needles or syringes
Key Tips
- Inject medication at room temperature
- Remove air bubbles before injecting
- Let the skin dry fully after the alcohol swab
- Keep the muscle relaxed at the injection site
- Break through the skin quickly with the needle
- Don't change the angle of the needle as it goes in or comes out
- Always use a new needle for each injection
General Reminders
- Rotate injection sites each time
- Follow your prescribed dose exactly — do not adjust without clinical guidance
- Store medication as directed (typically room temperature, away from direct light)
- Mild soreness for 24–48 hours is normal; persistent pain, redness, or swelling should be reported
Need Help?
Contact our care team at support@getlimitless.health
