IM Injections

Step 1: Inspect Your Medication and Supplies

Before anything else, make sure you’ve received everything you need:

• ✔ Medication vial with prescription label
• ✔ Syringe and needle
• ✔ Alcohol swabs
• ✔ Sharps disposal container

Check your vial label for storage instructions, expiration date and fill volume. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Olympia Pharmacy or your physician before use.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Intramuscular Injection Site

You have three main IM injection sites:

• ✔ Upper Arm: 2–3 finger widths below the shoulder bone in the deltoid muscle
• ✔ Thigh: Top or outer side of the femur area
• ✔ Buttock: Upper outer quadrant of the gluteus maximus

If your provider has given specific instructions for which site to use, follow their guidance.

Step 3: Open the Vial

If you’re using your vial for the first time, begin by locating the small perforated ring in the center of the metal cap. Use your fingernail to peel back and remove only the inner foil ring, leaving the metal cap in place.

Once the rubber stopper is exposed, wipe it thoroughly with a fresh alcohol swab to sanitize the surface.

Trouble opening the vial? Check out our in-depth tutorial on how to open Olympia vials, or call Olympia Pharmacy at (407) 673-2222 for additional guidance.

Step 4: Draw the Medication into the Syringe

Next, attach a sterile needle to your syringe if it’s not already pre-attached. Hold the vial upright and insert the needle straight through the center of the rubber stopper.

Keeping the vial at a 90° angle, pull back the plunger to draw the correct amount of medication as prescribed by your provider.

Once you’ve drawn the dose, inspect the syringe for any air bubbles. If you see any, gently tap the syringe to bring the bubbles to the top, then push the plunger slightly to remove them before proceeding to the injection.

Step 5: Clean and Prepare the Injection Site

Sanitize the chosen intramuscular injection site with a fresh alcohol swab and let the area air dry completely. Then, with your non-dominant hand, gently pinch 1–2 inches of skin, avoiding the sanitized spot.

Step 6: Give the Intramuscular Injection

Hold the syringe in your dominant hand and insert the needle at a 90° angle using a smooth, continuous motion until it’s fully in. Once the needle is inserted, push down the plunger slowly until the entire dose is delivered.

Step 7: Remove and Dispose of the Needle

Withdraw the needle at the same angle you inserted it and massage the injection site gently. If you notice bleeding, apply light pressure with a clean swab for 1-2 minutes. Be sure to dispose of the used syringe and needle immediately in a sharps container.

Properly disposing of used needles, syringes and sharps is essential for your safety and the safety of others. Follow these steps to handle used injection materials responsibly:

Use a Sharps Container

Always place used needles and syringes in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. These containers are typically made of puncture-resistant plastic with a tight, leak-resistant lid.

Do Not:

• Do not throw loose needles in the trash or recycling bin
• Do not flush needles down the toilet
• Do not recap, bend or break used needles

What if I Don’t Have a Sharps Container?

If a proper container isn’t available, use a heavy-duty plastic container (like an empty laundry detergent bottle). It must be puncture-resistant, leak-proof and have a secure, screw-on lid. Be sure to clearly label it “Do Not Recycle – Sharps.”

Disposal Options

Once your sharps container is full, you have several safe disposal options. Many local pharmacies offer sharps disposal services, so check with yours first. You can also contact your local health department to find designated drop-off sites or community disposal programs in your area. In some cases, a mail-back sharps disposal service may be available and convenient for home use.

For more information on safe disposal of drugs, visit safe.pharmacy/drug-disposal.