Medication Administration Guide - IVUSE Plus

Medication Administration Guide

Step-by-step subcutaneous injection protocol. Review each section before your first dose.

Injection Sites

Subcutaneous injections are given into fatty tissue. The shaded areas in the diagram below indicate approved injection zones.

Subcutaneous injection site diagram
Primary

Abdomen

Avoid the area within one inch of your belly button. Skip the belt line, as rubbing may irritate the site. Avoid surgical scars.

Alternate

Arms

Use the back side of your upper arm in the fatty tissue. Brace your arm against a wall or chair back to reach the site.

Alternate

Thighs

Use the middle and outer areas where you can pinch up tissue easily.

Less common

Buttocks

Use any area where you can pinch up tissue. Not often used since it is difficult to reach.

Site Rotation

Rotate your injection sites to prevent tissue damage. Damaged tissue absorbs medication poorly, which can reduce efficacy. Keep a record of where your last injection was given.

Important: Even if you prefer a single area like the abdomen, rotate locations within that site with each injection.

Injection Guide

Follow these steps precisely for each injection. Take your time, especially during your first few doses.

  1. 01
    Wash your hands
    Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any supplies.
    Wash your hands
  2. 02
    Gather your supplies
    Lay out your vial, insulin syringe, alcohol swabs, and sharps container on a clean surface.
    Gather your supplies
  3. 03
    Roll the vial
    Gently roll the vial between your hands to mix. Do not shake.
    Roll the vial
  4. 04
    Sterilize the vial
    Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab for 30 seconds and allow it to dry.
    Sterilize the vial
  5. 05
    Prepare the syringe
    Remove the orange caps and pull the plunger back to the desired number of units, drawing air into the syringe.
    Prepare the syringe
  6. 06
    Insert needle into vial
    Push the needle through the rubber stopper on top of the vial.
    Insert needle into vial
  7. 07
    Inject air into the vial
    Push the plunger down to force the air into the vial. This equalizes pressure and makes drawing medication easier.
    Inject air into the vial
  8. 08
    Withdraw the medication
    Turn the vial upside down. Pull the plunger back slowly to draw the medication into the syringe to your prescribed dose.
    Withdraw the medication
  9. 09
    Remove air bubbles
    Tap the syringe gently to move any air bubbles to the top. Push the plunger slightly to expel the air. Confirm your dose is correct.
    Remove air bubbles
  10. 10
    Clean and inject
    Pick an injection site below the belly button. Clean the area with alcohol for 30 seconds. Pinch the skin and push the needle in at a 45-degree angle.
    Clean and inject
  11. 11
    Complete and dispose
    Push the medication in slowly. Count to 3 before pulling the needle out of the skin. Replace the orange caps and discard the syringe in a sharps container.
    Complete and dispose

After Your Injection

Mild redness or stinging at the injection site is normal and typically resolves within a few minutes.
Contact support immediately if you experience persistent swelling, excessive pain, signs of infection, or an allergic reaction at the injection site.

Need Help?

Questions about injections, site rotation, or your protocol? Our team responds within 24 hours.