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having medicine through
an injection

Some people like to know what will happen when they have treatment.

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This part explains what might happen before, during and after having medicine through an injection, also called a subcutaneous (sub-cute-ay-knee-os) injection.​

 

There is a comic strip that shows you what might happen when you have your treatment too.

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If there is anything you don't want to see, you don't need to -

just click on the parts you are interested in!

 

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I would like to know what an injection of medicine is for and why I need one An injection of medicine means you can have medicine put straight into your body through your skin without having to swallow it. You might need one if you are having medicine at a hospital, so that the medicine can get straight to work without having to go through your tummy first. Some medicines work a lot better when they are given this way.

I would like to know what might happen BEFORE my injection Your doctor or healthcare professional will tell you about the medicine, and why they would like you to have it. They will tell you where they might give you the injection - usually one of your arms, legs or your tummy. Sometimes you will be able to choose which area you would prefer. They might ask you to wear something that makes it easy for them to access your skin in the area where the injection will be given. If this is in your arm or tummy, you could wear a loose t-shirt, or if it’s cold you could wear a jumper or shirt on top which can be taken off or rolled up. If you are having the injection in your leg you might wear shorts or a skirt. You can ask your doctor what they recommend. On the day of your injection, you will meet the person who will give you your medicine.

I would like to know what might happen DURING my injection The person who gives you the injection will remind you what the medicine is for, and why you are having the injection. They will check if you have any questions. They will ask you for access to your skin, so you might need to take off your jumper or roll up your shorts, top or sleeve. You’ll feel them touching your skin, and they might squeeze it a little. You will feel some pushing. The medicine might feel a bit stingy. If it does, the stinging will be around the area where the injection is given. This feeling usually only lasts for a few seconds.

I would like to know what might happen AFTER my injection You might be given a sticky plaster or cotton wool ball to wear on your skin for a short time. Some people find that their skin looks a bit red for a few days after their injection. This is normal. You will be told if the medicine might make you feel any different by the person who gives you the medicine.

I would like to see a drawing example of the treatment needle

I would like to see a drawing of what my appointment might be like

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