How to Give Yourself an Intramuscular Shot: Care Instructions
An intramuscular shot is an injection of medicine into a muscle. Some medicines—such as fertility
medicines—must be injected into a muscle to work. This type of shot is usually given in the thigh or hip.
How to give yourself the shot
Follow your health professional's instructions for how to give yourself a shot. Here are some general steps
for how to do it.
|
1. Gather your equipment. This includes your syringe (containing medicine) and an alcohol
wipe. Wash your hands with soap and water.
|
2. Choose a spot on your outer thigh or the side of your hip for the shot. Each time, use a
slightly different spot that isn’t sore. Clean the skin with the alcohol wipe, and let it dry.
|
|
3. Remove the cap from the needle, and hold the syringe like a pencil close to the site. Keep
your fingers off the plunger.
|
4. Stretch the skin flat using the fingers and thumb of your other hand, and place the syringe at
a 90-degree angle to the shot site. The needle should stand straight up from the skin.
|
|
5. If your doctor told you to check for blood in the syringe before giving yourself the medicine,
follow their instructions.
|
6. Quickly jab the needle all the way into the skin. Then slowly push the plunger all the way
in.
|
|
7. Take the needle out at the same angle that you inserted it. If you bleed a little, apply
pressure over the shot area. You can use your finger, a cotton ball, or gauze.
|
8. Dispose of the needle safely. Don't use the same needle more than once.
|
When should you call for help?
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you are having problems with
your injections or have skin changes at the injection sites.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments,
and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a
list of the medicines you take.
Current as of: September 25, 2023
Content Version: 14.3
Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
your healthcare professional. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of
this information.