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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS -
INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTIONS

Some Common Injection Sites for Self-Administration:

When filling a syringe, start by drawing the plunger back to the amount you want to inject.  This air will be injected into the medication vial.  It makes removing the medicine easier and it reduces the risk that you will create a vacuum in the vial.

For example, if you are going to inject 1ml (same as 1cc);

  • Wash your hands.

  • Clean the top of the vial with alcohol and allow to air dry.

  • Withdraw the dose and allow about 15 minutes for it to get to room temperature.  If injected cold it can be a little uncomfortable.

    • Draw the plunger back to the 1ml mark. 

    • Insert the needle into the center of the rubber stopper. 

    • Slowly inject the air into the vial.  Make sure the tip of the needle is inside the liquid. 

    • Draw back on the plunger and the medicine will flow into the syringe. 

    • When the plunger is at 1ml stop and withdraw the needle from the bottle.

If you are going to mix two medications in the same syringe; for example, 1ml of medicine A and 0.5ml of medicine B;

  • Swab the tops of both containers with alcohol and allow to air dry.

  • Draw the plunger back to the 1ml mark. 

  • Insert the needle into the center of the rubber stopper of medicine A. 

  • Slowly inject the air into the vial.  Make sure the tip of the needle is inside the liquid. 

  • Draw back on the plunger and the medicine will flow into the syringe. 

  • When the plunger is at 1ml stop and withdraw the needle from the bottle.

  • Draw the plunger back to the 1.5ml mark.

  • Insert the needle into the center of the rubber stopper of medicine B.

  • Slowly inject the air into bottle B. Make sure the tip of the needle is inside the liquid.

  • Draw back on the plunger and the medicine will flow into the syringe.

  • STOP when the plunger is at 1.5 and withdraw the needle.

  • Continue with the injection instructions.

When you're ready to make the injection;

  • Using an alcohol wipe, clean the injection site on your skin.  Allow to air dry; do NOT blow on the area.

  • Spread the skin taut and position the needle at a 90 degree angle.

  • Insert the needle with a dart-like motion.  A smooth pressure is all that's needed.  Let the needle do the work. 

  • Draw back the plunger to about the 0.2 cc mark. If there is no blood, inject the medicine.   Inject it slowly, over 15 to 30 seconds is fine.  If blood appears, DON’T PANIC. Just withdraw the needle slightly and pull back on the plunger again. If no blood appears, steadily push the plunger in. If blood appears again, pull out the needle and replace it with a clean needle. Then, start again.

  • Withdraw the needle and wipe the injection site again with an alcohol wipe.