Save On Insulin Syringes For At-Home Injections

A subcutaneous injection (SC) uses a short needle to inject a drug into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle. This type of injection allows absorption of the medicine slowly, usually over a 12 hour period.

• Needle gauge refers to the opening of the needle where the medicine is released. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the needle opening.
• Needle size refers to the length of the needle.

Drugs delivered subcutaneously include:

• Vitamin B12
• Testosterone
• Sermorelin/Ipamorelin
• Sermorelin
• Heparin
• Insulin
• Immunoglobulin for some flu shots

Subcutaneous injection sites include:

• Abdomen: at or under the level of the belly button, about two inches away from the navel
• Arm: back or side of the upper arm
• Thigh: front of the thigh

Intravenous (IV) shots are injected directly into the vein. They may be administered though an IV drip. They are the fastest and most potent delivery method. Fine gauge needles may be used for small veins.

Intramuscular (IM) shots are injected deeply into the muscles and use longer needles. These shots have different absorption rates from subcutaneous and IV injections.