Injectable medications/products can be an effective administration method, but not everyone may be familiar with the specifics on injecting yourself. At AgelessRx, we currently offer two different subcutaneous injectable products: NAD+ Injections and GSH Injections.
So, whether you’re a pro looking to brush up on the basics or a complete beginner wondering what to do, we hope this post can help! Below, we recap some of your most common questions (and our answers!) related to injectables.
What are the two most common types of injection administration methods?
The two most common types of injection administration methods are subcutaneous and intramuscular. Below, we briefly define each method:
- Subcutaneous (subQ) means “under the skin”. This injection administration method involves inserting a small, thin needle into fatty tissue that rests between your skin and muscle. You can learn more about subcutaneous injections here.
At AgelessRx, we recommend injecting our subcutaneous injection products into a fatty part of your body, such as the back of the arm, abdomen, or flank (lumbar area).
- Intramuscular (IM): This injection administration method involves inserting a slightly thicker and longer needle (compared to subQ injections) into this skin to inject solution/medication into the muscle.
How do I properly administer a subcutaneous injection?
Drawing up a subcutaneous injection is easier than you might think! Usually, the mental hurdle is the hardest part. Once you administer your first one, you’re ready for whatever comes next.
Below, we’ve listed out step-by-step instructions. You can also check out a helpful instructional video here.
Drawing up your solution:
- Wash hands with warm, soapy water
- Fill syringe with air equal to the desired dose
- Insert needle into the vial & push air into it
- Turn syringe and vial upside down & draw out dose
How to properly inject:
- Clean the injection site with warm, soapy water or alcohol swab
- Pinch a fold of skin and hold the syringe at a 45 degree angle
- Push needle into folded skin and push to administer dose
- Release the fold of skin & remove syringe from site
How do I know how much to inject each time?
You should always follow the instructions as outlined on your prescription label. Often, for NAD+ Injections, AgelessRx prescribers recommend up to 0.5mL no more than 3x per week. For GSH Injections, up to 0.5mL no more than 5x per week.
What is the proper disinfection technique when using my injectable product?
It is essential to follow an aseptic technique to prevent infection from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Such a technique requires a few simple steps, listed below:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Clean the area where you will lay out your supplies, ideally with a disinfectant spray or wipe. You want your area to be free from contamination or contact with blood/body fluids.
- Lay out alcohol pads (not included with your shipment), needle/syringe with the cap on, your multiple-dose vial of solution, bandage (optional, to place over the injection site in case of mild bleeding), and gauze (optional, to put pressure on the site of injection in case of mild bleeding).
- Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol pad. Allow to air dry.
- Wipe the site of injection with an alcohol pad. Allow to air dry.
Use syringes and needles ONCE only – never reuse. See below for more details.
How do I properly dispose of multi-dose vials, needles, and syringes?
Super important! View our tips below or click on this guide to learn more about the FDA guidelines for sharps disposal.
- Multi-dose vials, needles, and syringes should be disposed of in an FDA-cleared sharps container. You can find these containers in pharmacies, medical supply companies, health care providers, and online retailers. For alternative sharps containers, follow the guidelines in this guide from the FDA.
- Only fill the containers ¾ of the way. Do NOT overfill the sharps container in order to prevent accidental needle-stick injury.
- Do NOT reuse sharps disposal containers.
- When your container is full, dispose of the entire container and its contents according to your community guidelines. There are different sites or programs where you can dispose of your sharps container, detailed on this FDA page.
For more information on needle disposal/practices specific to your state, you can call 1-800-643-1643 or e-mail info@safeneedledisposal.org.
Can I reuse my needles/syringes?
No, you CANNOT reuse your needles/syringes. Do not reuse needles or syringes on yourself nor share with other people. You want to use a new needle/syringe each time you inject in order to prevent infection or spread of diseases.
In the words of the CDC, “One Needle, One Syringe, Only One Time”.
I ran out of needles/syringes before I finished the solution in my vial. How can I get more?
No problem! You can purchase additional insulin syringes and/or needles from a local pharmacy/drugstore, such as Walgreens or CVS.
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That’s all for now! If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our care team through your AgelessRx Customer Portal.