Subcutaneous Injections

Information on SubQ Injections

Getting an injection at your doctor’s office while inconvenient does not make one think about the injection, but giving yourself an injection at home isn’t so routine. When you inject medicine under the skin, but not into a muscle, it’s called subcutaneous. This technique is commonly used in both clinical and home settings due to its ease, safety, and effectiveness for certain types of drugs. Medication given this way is usually absorbed more slowly than if injected into a vein, sometimes over a period of 24 hours. This type of injection is used when other methods of administration might be less effective. Some medications, such as insulin, peptides or blood thinners, are injected under the skin. They are usually given in the belly or the thigh. For example, some medications can’t be given by mouth because acid and enzymes in the stomach would destroy them. At first, you may be a little nervous about giving yourself a subcutaneous injection. But after you do it a few times, you will get the hang of it.

Why Use Subcutaneous Injections

One of the primary reasons for using a subcutaneous injection is the need for slow, sustained absorption of medication. The fatty tissue under the skin has fewer blood vessels than muscle, which results in a slower uptake into the bloodstream. This makes it ideal for drugs that benefit from a gradual release. Common examples include insulin, blood thinners like heparin, and certain hormones such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Tirzepatide or Semaglutide used for diabetes and weight management).

Subcutaneous injections are also commonly used for vaccines, allergy shots, and biologic drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.

What are the Benefits of Subcutaneous Injections

Ease of Administration
One of the greatest advantages of subcutaneous injections is that they can often be self-administered at home. With proper training, patients can safely inject themselves, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits. This promotes autonomy, reduces healthcare costs, and enhances convenience.
Less Pain and Fewer Complications
Compared to intramuscular injections, subcutaneous injections are typically less painful. The needle used is shorter and finer, and the injection goes into fatty tissue rather than muscle, which contains more nerves. There’s also a lower risk of damaging nerves or blood vessels.
Stable and Predictable Absorption
Drugs administered subcutaneously tend to have a more predictable absorption rate than those taken orally, which may be affected by food, gut motility, or metabolism. This consistent absorption is particularly important for medications like insulin, where precise blood levels are critical.
Ideal for Long-Term Therapy
Subcutaneous delivery is highly suitable for chronic conditions that require regular dosing, such as diabetes, hormonal therapies, or certain cancer treatments. Some medications are formulated in depot or extended-release forms for subcutaneous injection, allowing dosing intervals of weeks or even months.
Minimal Systemic Side Effects
Because the medication is absorbed slowly, it often leads to fewer systemic side effects compared to intravenous delivery, which results in a rapid spike in drug levels.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to perform the SubQ injection. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our medical team to have them answered.