CaringBoost | Medications | Subcutaneous Injections

What to look for after an Injection

After giving an injection there are signs to look for:

Normally the skin at the injection site becomes slightly reddened from the needle insertion.
Allow 15 to 20 minutes after you give an injection, then ask the person how he or she feels. This allows you to be on the alert for side effects.

Side Effects

Every medicine can cause side effects. A side effect is a secondary effect of a medicine, different from the reason you give the medicine. Know what the side effects are for the medicine you give so that you can take the right action.

Insulin

When taking Insulin or other injectable medicines that affect the blood sugar levels such as Exenatide (Byetta™), Pramlintide (Symlin™), there is a risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is less likely to occur if you give the correct amount of medicine and if the person eats normal meals.

Signs of Hypoglycemia include:

Hunger
Nervousness and shakiness
Perspiration
Dizziness or light-headedness
Sleepiness
Confusion
Difficulty speaking
Feeling anxious or weak

Byetta™

A person who takes Byetta can also develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if it is used with other diabetes medicines.

Other side effects include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Feeling jittery
Acid stomach

Symlin™

A person who takes Symlin can also develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if it is used with other diabetes medicines.

Other side effects include:

Nausea (sick to stomach)
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Tiredness
Dizziness
Indigestion

Enoxaparin

A person who takes heparin or low molecular weight heparin is at risk for bleeding problems.

These might include:

New or unusual bruising from the gums, cuts or wounds
Excess nose bleed
Black or bloody stools
Blood in the urine
Swollen ankle or feet

Forteo™

A person who takes Forteo for osteoporosis can have these side effects:

Dizziness
Leg cramps
Fast heartbeat
Nausea (sick to stomach)
Vomiting
Constipation
Low energy
Muscle weakness
Indigestion

What to do if Side Effects Occur

If a person develops side effects for the first time, call their doctor. In most cases the person will continue the same medicine, if side effects are mild. Mild side effects will usually go away as the body becomes use to the medicine.

What to do for a low blood sugar

Give the person 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrate, which equals one of the following:

3-4 Glucose tablets or glucose gel (read package label for amount)
1/2 Cup of fruit juice
1/2 cup of regular soft drink (non-diet)
8 ounces of skim milk
6 to 10 hard candies
4 teaspoons or 4 cubes of sugar
6 saltine crackers

If a diabetic shows signs of low blood sugar have the person sit down so as not to fall down. If the person is fully awake and alert, have him or her check their blood sugar.

If you find a person with diabetes unconscious or not responding to you, check their blood sugar and call 911.

Sometimes the doctor will recommend you learn how to give a glucagon injection. There are Glucagon ER kits available that require mixing of the powdered medicine with a solution. Your home health nurse will teach you when and how to use the Glucagon if it is appropriate for the person you care for.

Avoid spreading germs when you give an injection.

Always wash your hands using soap and water or a hand disinfectant. Wash your hands together in lather for 15 seconds before rinsing. Do this to remove any germs from your skin.
Before you give an injection, cleanse the injection site well. If the skin is dirty, wash it off with soap and water. Then use an alcohol swab to clean the site just before you give the injection. Place the swab at the center of the site and use a firm circular motion, swabbing from the center out. Be sure to let the alcohol dry completely before injecting.
Never touch the needle of the syringe against any surface. Keep the needle capped until you are ready to give the injection. If there is any question that the needle was touched, throw it and the syringe away and start over with a new syringe and needle.
Use a hard plastic or metal, leak-proof container with a tight fitting lid to throw away syringes and needles. Do NOT put this container in the recycling bin. Most communities have specific disposal laws. There are also syringe buy back programs at some pharmacies and hospitals. Check with your local health department for specific disposal instructions in your community.

Give the right amount of medicine

Be sure to give the correct amount of medicine, especially if you have to mix medicines. Double check the amount before giving the injection.
Always buy the same type of syringe. Syringes hold different amounts, have different needle sizes, and are marked in different measures. There are specific syringes that are only used for insulin. An insulin syringe is marked in units instead of milliliters.
Feel comfortable using the same syringe.

Giving a Subcutaneous Injection:

Syringe with pre-attached needle (Use the needle size and length prescribed by the doctor)
Alcohol swabs
Vial(s) of medicine
Plastic disposal container or sharps box which you can buy at a local drug store or use a sealed coffee can or leak-proof, plastic detergent bottle. Check the trash services where you live for proper disposal of used syringes and needles.

Using an Injection Pen: