Sterile injection technique — patient guide

Step-by-step guide for sterile self-injection of GLP-1. Reduces infection risk and injection site reactions.

Preparation

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds.
2. Lay out supplies on clean surface: vial, syringe, alcohol wipes, sharps container.
3. Inspect vial: solution should be clear, colorless to slightly yellow, no particulates.
4. If from refrigerator, let vial sit 15–30 min to come to near-room temperature.

Drawing the dose

1. Wipe vial septum with alcohol wipe; let dry.
2. Pull back syringe plunger to your dose volume (air).
3. Insert needle through septum; inject the air.
4. Invert vial; draw your dose. Tap to remove air bubbles. Verify volume.
5. Withdraw needle from vial.

Site selection

Rotate weekly between:

• Abdomen (2+ inches from navel)
• Thigh (front or outer)
• Upper arm (back, hard to reach alone)

Avoid: stretch marks, scars, recent injection sites (within 1 inch), moles, broken skin.

Injection

1. Wipe injection site with alcohol; let dry.
2. Pinch skin gently.
3. Insert needle at 90° (45° if thin).
4. Inject slowly (5–10 seconds for full dose).
5. Wait 5 seconds after fully depressing plunger.
6. Withdraw needle; apply gentle pressure with clean gauze (don't rub).

Disposal

Place syringe directly in FDA-cleared sharps container. Do not recap. Do not throw in trash. NexLife provides sharps disposal coordination.

When to call your provider

• Persistent redness/swelling at injection site beyond 48 hours
• Streak of redness extending from site
• Fever after injection
• Severe pain at injection site