1. Prepare Your Injection Supplies
Betaseron, Rebif and Copaxone are the three subcutaneous injection treatments currently available for multiple sclerosis patients. Though the medications are different in their dosing frequency, the injection method is quite similar. Subcutaneous (sub-Q) injections are injected just below the skin into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscles. You'll need an alcohol swab, your medicine, a prepared, small-gauge syringe, a sterile piece of gauze, a bandage and a puncture-resistant container (think milk or bleach jug) for syringe disposal. Make sure you're in a comfortable, well-lit area to administer your shot. Betaseron is the only MS medication that is stored at room temperature. If you are taking refrigerated medicines like Copaxone or Rebif, remove them from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before you're ready for your shot. They are more comfortable to administer when they have warmed to room temperature.
2. Alternate Injection Sites to Minimize Discomfort and Tissue Breakdown
Do not inject in the same place twice, as the tissue may become sore, bruised, irritated, swollen or indented. Alternate sites on the abdomen, arm and thigh, selecting places where the skin is soft and easily pulled away from the muscle. Avoid giving the shot near joints and bony areas. If you have a thin build, the best injection sites are the thigh and the outside of your arm. A helpful tip--keep a diary of your injection days, times, sites and injection reactions in order to keep track of your doses and record how your body is handling the medicine. Discuss concerns with your doctor during follow-up visits.
3. Use an Ice Pack and an Analgesic to Ease Discomfort
Many patients find that applying a cooling pack to a site for 1 to 2 minutes before and after the injection eases inflammation and shot-related discomfort. You may also find that it decreases the risk for potential skin reactions. If your doctor agrees that it is appropriate, take an over-the-counter pain reliever up to 30 minutes before your shot. This helps minimize pain at the site and reduce flu-like symptoms that result from some MS treatments.
4. Clean the Skin and Inject the Medication
Wash your hands thoroughly before injecting yourself. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the injection site and the region surrounding it, and allow it to dry. Use your thumb and pointer finger to gently pull the skin away from the muscle around the selected site. Grasp the syringe in your other hand, and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle directly into the pinched area. Let go of the skin, and slowly press on the syringe plunger until the medicine is completely gone. Pull the needle out and hold a clean piece of gauze on the shot site, applying pressure to stop the bleeding. Apply a bandage, and dispose of the needle in the puncture-proof container. Don't let injection anxiety stop you from using MS treatments. If you are scared of needles, nervous about the shots or find it difficult to inject hard-to-reach areas, ask a family member to go through training with a nurse or physician so that he can administer your shots or provide moral support while you do it.
5. Check the Site for Redness, Swelling or Soreness
After about 2 hours, check your injection site for signs of a reaction. It is not unusual to have a mild reaction, but you should monitor it carefully for several days. If it does not improve, gets worse, or causes a fever, rash or increasing regional pain, call your physician at once.
