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Safe and Unsafe Injection Sites

Short answerSubcutaneous injections go into fatty tissue. Rotate between sites, stay away from veins, bruises and scars, and never inject into the face, neck or joints.

Where Are Subcutaneous Injections Given?

  • Abdomen: at least 5 cm (2 inches) away from the navel
  • Outer thigh: the upper, outer area
  • Back of the upper arm: the fatty area

Which Areas Should I Avoid?

  • Veins you can see and areas that are bruised, scarred, sore or inflamed
  • Moles, rashes or broken skin
  • Directly into muscle, joints, the face or the neck
  • The same spot twice in a row

How Should I Rotate Sites?

Move your injection spot each time, for example a few centimetres from the last one. Rotation lowers the chance of lumps, soreness and irritation.

Educational information only. This is general information, not medical advice, and no peptide covered here is approved by Health Canada for human use. Talk to a licensed healthcare professional about your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are subcutaneous injections usually given?

Commonly the abdomen at least 5 cm (2 inches) from the navel, the outer upper thigh and the back of the upper arm.

Which areas should be avoided?

Avoid veins, bruised, scarred, sore or inflamed skin, moles, rashes, and never inject into the face, neck or joints.

How often should I change sites?

Use a different spot each time, for example a few centimetres from the last one.

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Educational resource only. This information is not medical or legal advice, and Peptide Authority does not offer peptides or any products for use.

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