How do I give myself a shot?

Whether or not you have a fear of needles, giving yourself a shot can be a stressful experience. If this is your first time taking an injectable medication, we'll give you the information you need for success. With a little practice, it will become natural.

Read on as we walk you through how to give yourself a shot, in this step by step guide.

Subcutaneous injections

There are two main types of injections of prescription medications: intramuscular and subcutaneous. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide medications are delivered via subcutaneous injections.

Subcutaneous injections deliver the medication just under the skin, in the layer of fatty tissue between your muscle and skin. Because these medications don't need to be injected as deeply as intramuscular injections, the needle is typically much shorter and thinner. A typical subcutaneous shot for an adult uses a needle between 0.24-0.5 inches long, with a gauge of 25-30, or 0.5-0.3 mm.

Both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are delivered via a subcutaneous injection.

Where to give yourself a shot

Where you give yourself a shot can depend on the type of injection for your medication. Since both semaglutide and tirzepatide are subcutaneous injections, the locations are the same for both medications.

Subcutaneous injections

For subcutaneous injections, you can give yourself a shot in your thigh, stomach, or the side or back of your upper arm. If you want to use the upper arm as your injection spot, you'll probably want to ask someone to assist you. Giving yourself a subcutaneous injection in the stomach or thigh is easier. The stomach is a popular location because it is easy to reach, and some people find it less painful than a thigh injection. Make sure to choose a spot at least 2 inches away from your belly button. Additionally, avoid injecting into any areas with scars or stretch marks, as this tissue is tougher and may be more painful to inject into.

To give yourself a subcutaneous shot, you will pinch about an inch of skin and fatty tissue using your fingers from the hand not holding the needle. Then, quickly insert the needle in at a 90-degree angle. If you don't have much fatty tissue in the location, you can insert the needle at a 45-degree angle.

Rotating injection sites with each shot

It is important to rotate your injection site with each injection. This gives your skin and fatty tissue time to heal before your next shot at that location.

An easy way to change up the injection sites is to use a different body part each time — rotating through the thigh, stomach, or upper arm for subcutaneous injections. You can also rotate your injection spot in the same area by using different spots on your thigh or abdomen. IF you are using the same location, make sure the new spot is at least 1 inch away from the last one you used.

If you use multiple injectable medications, use a different spot for each injection. Do not inject the medications in the exact same spot or right next to each other.

How to give yourself a shot

Your medication will include paperwork that provides specific instructions on giving yourself a shot. Read through these and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. In the meantime, here is a general overview of what you'll need to do. Your healthcare provider should have detailed instructions for you if they prescribed an injection medication you give yourself at home.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them.

2. Gather your supplies, which should include alcohol wipes, gauze pads or cotton balls, your medicine, needle, and a sharps disposal container.

3. Wipe the injection site with a fresh alcohol wipe. Press it against the injection site and then wipe in a circular motion for a few seconds.

4. Wait 30 seconds for the area to dry, or dry it yourself with a cotton ball or gauze pad. Do not blow on the area. If you do not let the area dry first, you may feel a sting when you insert the needle.

5. Check your medication to confirm that it is clear, colorless, and not expired.

6. Follow the instructions in “How to fill a syringe” below. Once the syring is filled and you are ready to give yourself a shot, hold the syringe like a pencil and insert it into your skin. Once the needle is fully inserted, slowly push the plunger to inject the medication. Leave the needle in for a few seconds once the plunger is fully depressed.

7. Pull out the needle and throw it away in a sharps disposal container.

8. Apply pressure to the injection site with a clean gauze pad or cotton ball to stop any bleeding.

How to fill a syringe

For compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide medications, you will need to fill a syringe before injecting yourself. The paperwork included with your medication will have specific instructions. Read through it carefully. Here are some general guidelines of what the process will look like.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

2. Gather your supplies, including your vial, syringe, alcohol pad, cotton ball, and sharps disposal container. Place them in a clean area.

3. Check the medicine vial. Read the label to confirm you're using the right medicine and that it hasn't expired.

4. Examine the medicine inside the vial. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use the medication if you notice any cloudiness or flecks floating around.

5. Remove the cap from the vial and clean the rubber top with your alcohol pad.

6. With the needle pointed up, hold the syringe in your hand like you would a pencil.

7. Pull back the plunger to the line on the syringe that matches your dose.

8. Without touching or bending the needle, insert the needle into the rubber top on the vial.

9. Push the plunger into the vial.

10. With the needle still inserted, turn the vial upside down and hold it up.

11. Pull back on the plunger to the line on the syringe that matches your dose.

12. If there are any air bubbles, keep the syringe inserted and tap it gently with your finger. Then, push slowly on the plunger to push the air back into the vial. If there are a lot of air bubbles, no harm done, just push the plunger all the way in and redraw the medicine. Do not remove the needle during this process.

13. Remove the syringe from the vial (being careful not to bend or touch the needle) and get ready to give yourself the shot.

Overcoming fears of needles

If you are afraid of needles/syringes, you're not alone! In fact, nearly one in three adults have the same fear. The good news is that this fear often dissipates as we interact with needles more. There are a few things you can do to help lessen these fears as you give yourself a shot:

• Vigorously coughing before the injection (it may seem weird, but it works!)

• Applying a topical anesthetic, or ice pack to the injection site beforehand (don't forget to disinfect the injection site afterwards) to relieve pain

• Using breathing exercises during the injection to help calm and center yourself

• Having a caregiver or family member lightly tap another part of your body while you give yourself the shot

• Sitting upright during the injection helps you feel more in control of the process