How to Reconstitute and Self-Administer Your Medication Using Subcutaneous (SubQ) and Intramuscular (IM) Injections

Jane
6 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Educational use only. Always follow the instructions provided with your prescription.

This guide supports Trident Anti-Aging’s instructional videos and explains:

How to reconstitute HCG and peptides
How to draw up testosterone from a vial
How to perform intramuscular (IM) injections
How to perform subcutaneous (SubQ) injections

1. How to Reconstitute HCG and Peptides

Many medications and nutraceuticals are delivered in a lyophilized (freeze-dried) form to maintain potency. Before use, these medications must be reconstituted using bacteriostatic water, which is included in your medication packet.

This reconstitution process is the same for HCG injections and peptide injections.

Supplies Needed

HCG or peptide vial containing white powder
Bacteriostatic water vial
Mixing syringe with needle attached
Alcohol prep pads

Step-by-Step Reconstitution

Wash your hands and prepare a clean workspace.
Remove the plastic safety caps from both vials.
Clean the rubber stopper on the top of both vials using an alcohol prep pad and allow them to air-dry.
Unwrap the mixing syringe.
Refer to the reference guide included in your packet to determine the correct amount of bacteriostatic water.
Draw air into the syringe to the indicated amount. Note: cc and milliliters (mL) are the same unit of measurement.
Insert the needle into the bacteriostatic water vial, inject the air, invert the vial, and draw back the prescribed amount of water.
Remove air bubbles by gently tapping the syringe and adjusting the plunger to the correct measurement.
Insert the needle into the HCG or peptide vial and slowly inject the bacteriostatic water.
Remove the needle and gently rotate the vial to mix.
- Do not shake vigorously.
Once reconstituted, store the medication in the refrigerator to maintain potency.

▶ Video: How to Reconstitute HCG and Peptides

2. How to Draw Up Testosterone From a Vial

When you receive your testosterone package, you will have:

A testosterone vial
A syringe
A draw needle
An injection needle

An injection device has two parts: the syringe and the needle.

Needle size refers to gauge. The larger the gauge number, the thinner the needle.Syringes are measured by volume, and cc and mL are the same unit of measurement.

Testosterone is a thick medication, which is why a larger needle is used to draw it up and a smaller needle is used for injection.

Step-by-Step: Drawing Testosterone

Wash your hands and prepare a clean workspace.
If this is the first use, remove the plastic safety cap from the vial.
Clean the rubber stopper on the vial with an alcohol swab and allow it to air-dry.
Unwrap the syringe and remove the attached injection needle.
Attach the draw needle to the syringe and uncap it.
Turn the testosterone vial upside down and insert the needle into the center of the rubber stopper.
Slowly pull back on the syringe until you reach the prescribed dose.
Pull slightly past the measurement, then gently push back to the correct amount.
Carefully remove the needle from the vial.
Recap and remove the draw needle.
Attach the injection needle.
Remove air bubbles by gently tapping the syringe and pushing the plunger until a small drop appears at the tip.
Recap the needle. The syringe is now ready for injection.

▶ Video: How to Draw Testosterone From a Vial

3. How to Perform an Intramuscular (IM) Injection

An intramuscular (IM) injection delivers medication directly into the muscle tissue. This method is commonly used for testosterone injections and other medications prescribed by your provider.

Common IM Injection Areas

Upper outer glute (buttock)
Outer thigh
Shoulder (deltoid muscle), if directed by your provider

Always follow the injection site instructions included with your prescription.

Preparing the Injection Site

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Select the injection site.
Clean the area using an alcohol prep pad.
Clean an area larger than the injection site and allow the skin to fully air-dry.

IM Injection Technique

Hold the syringe in a firm, controlled grip.
Position the needle at a 90-degree angle to the skin.
Insert the needle smoothly into the muscle.
Slowly inject the medication.
Remove the needle straight out at the same angle it was inserted.
Dispose of the syringe and needle properly after use.

▶ Video: How to Perform an Intramuscular (IM) Injection

Alternative: IM Glute Injection (Upper Outer Buttock / Ventrogluteal Site)

Some providers prescribe intramuscular injections specifically in the upper outer buttock, also known as the ventrogluteal area.

How to locate the ventrogluteal site:

Locate your hip bone.
Place your index finger along the hip for reference.
Drop your thumb back toward the upper buttock muscle, where the muscle begins.
This area on the upper outer buttock is the recommended injection site.

Once located:

Clean the area with an alcohol prep pad and allow it to dry.
Insert the needle perpendicular (90°) to the skin.
Slowly inject the medication.
Remove the needle straight out and dispose of supplies properly.

▶ Video: How to Perform an IM Glute Injection

4. How to Perform Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injections for HCG and Peptides

A subcutaneous injection delivers medication into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. This method is commonly used for HCG, weight-loss, and peptide therapies.

Preferred Injection Area

The abdomen is the preferred site
Choose an area at least two inches away from the belly button
Do not inject directly into the belly button

Preparing the Injection Site

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Clean the injection site using an alcohol prep pad.
- This alcohol prep pad is different from cleaning a medication vial.
Clean an area larger than the actual injection site and allow it to fully air-dry.