How to inject your medication at home
We know giving yourself an injection can feel intimidating at first. You’re not alone — and we’re here to help. Follow the steps below to safely administer your subcutaneous medication at home, or you can watch this video and follow along.
What you’ll need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
Your medication vial
A sterile syringe with needle
An alcohol swab
Your prescription label with dosing instructions
A sharps container for safe disposal
Before you start
Always double-check your prescription label to confirm:
You have the correct medication
You are using the correct dose
If anything looks unclear, pause and reach out for help before injecting.
Step-by-step injection instructions
1. Prepare the medication
Remove the cap from the medication vial.
Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab and allow it to fully dry.
2. Prepare the syringe
Remove the orange safety cap from the needle.
Pull back the plunger to draw air into the syringe equal to your prescribed dose.
3. Draw up the medication
Insert the needle into the rubber stopper of the vial.
Inject the air into the vial.
Keeping the needle in place, turn the vial upside down.
With the needle in the liquid, slowly pull back the plunger past your prescribed dose.
Gently tap the syringe to remove any air bubbles.
Push the plunger slightly until you reach the correct dose.
Turn the vial upright and remove the needle.
For questions about drawing up the correct dose in your syringe, watch this video with Shed's nurse Jessi.
4. Inject the medication
Clean your injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry.
Gently pinch the injection area.
Insert the needle straight in at a 90° angle.
Slowly inject the medication.
5. Dispose of supplies
Withdraw the needle gently.
Place the used syringe and needle directly into a sharps container.
Need help?
If you have questions about:
Your medication, your dose, or the injection technique
Visit https://portal.tryshed.com/support and message "Talk to a nurse". The clinical team is always here to support you.
If you’re experiencing symptoms after your injection and aren’t sure whether they’re expected, our article on Common Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications can help explain what’s normal and when to contact your care team.