Injecting under the skin

Sites

• Belly: at least 2 inches (5 cm) away from the navel. The easiest and most common.
• Front and outer thighs.
• Back of the upper arms (easier with a pen or with help).
• Upper buttocks and love handles.

Rotate: give each spot a few days' rest. When you log a dose, the app suggests the site you've used least lately, and the site map shows which are rested.

Avoid scars, moles, bruises, stretch marks, visible veins and anywhere sore or red.

Steps

1. 1Wash your hands, draw your dose (or dial it on the pen), and swab the site. Let it dry.
2. 2Pinch up a fold of skin if you're lean or using a needle longer than 6 mm.
3. 3Insert the needle in one quick motion at 90°. Very lean people using a longer needle can go at 45°.
4. 4Push the plunger slowly and steadily.
5. 5Wait 5–10 seconds (10 with a pen), then pull straight out.
6. 6Press lightly with gauze if needed. Don't rub.
7. 7Needle straight into the sharps container. Log the dose and site.

What's normal

• A brief sting: the benzyl alcohol in BAC water does that. Room-temperature liquid, a slower push, or ice on the spot first all help.
• A small red, itchy bump that fades within a day or two. Rotate sites, and see Problems and red flags if it grows or lasts.
• A drop of blood or a small bruise now and then.

Go with this guide