How to Give Yourself an Intramuscular (IM) Injection

Introduction

• IM injection: Delivering medicine into the muscle beneath the skin.
• Used for managing/preventing health issues like immune disorders, infections, low B-12 levels.
• Medicines may come in auto-injectors, pre-filled syringes, or vials.

Preparation

1. Gather Supplies

   • Alcohol pads or cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol
   • Disposable syringe
   • Medicine
   • Cotton balls, adhesive bandages
   • Safe disposal container for used syringes

2. Check and Prepare Medicine

   • Check expiration date.
   • If in a vial, remove plastic cap and sanitize top with alcohol pad.
   • Let medicine reach room temperature if refrigerated.

3. Wash Hands

   • Use soap and warm water.

Choosing Injection Site

• Options: Deltoid muscle (shoulder), upper thigh, or outer hip.
• Rotate injection sites to avoid bruising or irritation.
• Avoid bruised, tender, or scarred areas.

Preparing the Syringe

1. Understand Syringe Parts

   • Barrel with dosage markings
   • Plunger
   • Needle

2. Assemble Syringe

   • Open and attach needle to syringe.
   • Draw air into syringe equal to prescribed dosage.

3. Draw Medicine

   • Insert needle into vial, inject air.
   • Draw correct dose of medicine, avoiding air bubbles.
   • Remove large air bubbles by reinjecting medicine into vial and redrawing.

Administering the Injection

1. Prepare Injection Site

   • Wipe with alcohol pad, let dry.

2. Injection Process

   • Hold syringe at a 90-degree angle.
   • Insert needle into muscle smoothly.
   • Push plunger slowly, count to 3 to ensure full dose is delivered.
   • Remove needle and apply cotton and bandage if needed.

3. Post-Injection Care

   • Do not recap needle; dispose of it in a sharps container.
   • For multi-dose vials, store properly if needed.

Safety and Disposal

• Use a sharps container for needle disposal.
• Label homemade containers as dangerous.
• Store containers safely, out of children's reach.
• Discard single-dose vials and items normally.

Conclusion

• Follow steps carefully to perform IM injection safely and effectively.