Injections may sound scary, and even scarier when you’re doing it on your own. On the contrary, learning how to give intramuscular injections can be very simple.
So, what’s an intramuscular injection? It is where you place a needle into the muscle underneath the skin, delivering a small dose of medicine. These types of injections are used to manage or help a variety of health issues.
They can aid in managing health problems like:
- Immune disorders
- Infections
- Low B-12 Levels
And more…
Types of intramuscular injections
Although these types of medicines normally come as a liquid, some medicines used in intramuscular injections come in different forms. Your doctor may prescribe a powder medication that needs to be mixed with a liquid like saline or distilled water before you can use it.
If your medicine comes as a liquid and needs to be stored in a cool place like the refrigerator, it’s recommended that you allow the medication to come up to room temperature before you inject it. If the medicine is cold, the injection might feel less pleasant.
Your medicine may not always come with a syringe. There are different devices your doctor may have you use for different medications. Your intramuscular injection device can be:
- Autoinjectors, or pens
- A regular syringe already filled with medicine
- Vials to withdrawal the medicine you need
Step by Step On How To Give Yourself An Intramuscular Injection
The process for administering an intramuscular injection is close to the same process for administering subcutaneous injections. The differences lie in injection sites on the body, and the angle in which the injection is administered. You can administer an intramuscular injection in your deltoid muscle, upper thigh, or outer hip. These are the most common. Below is a diagram highlighting some of the differences between intramuscular injections and subcutaneous injections:
For the complete step-by-step guide to administering injections, check out the article on giving yourself a subcutaneous injection or this video for a step-by-step of instructions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMEZdNodGM0
Just remember, these instructions provided are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Medications can be obtained from multiple manufacturers, because of the various options it is likely that your medication or device might not look or operate exactly the same.
Looking for more information on intramuscular injections? Call IV ME NOW in South Florida!
Although intramuscular injections can feel frightening, they are not difficult. As long as you follow these steps, they are simple and easy for managing any health concerns.
Talk to IV ME NOW for more information or visit our wellness shop to get started!
