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Injection Training

Injection Training

Learning to Self-Inject — You've Got This

FDA-approved immunomodulatory therapy for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

SUBCUTANEOUS SELF-INJECTION GUIDE

Giving yourself an injection may feel daunting at first, but with proper training, this page provides step-by-step instructions based on the FDA-approved Instructions for Use (IFU) included in your carton.

You should receive your first dose with a healthcare provider or nurse present — either at your provider's office or with a visiting home health nurse. They will show you how to give your own injections.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Before You Begin

FOR SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION ONLY

Do not inject into a vein. | Do not re-use prefilled syringes. | Do not share syringes with another person.

IDENTIFY YOUR PRODUCT

Which Syringe Do I Have?

20 mg/mL
ONCE DAILY
20 mg/mL subcutaneous injection
  • Once daily injection
  • Single use per syringe
  • 30 syringes per carton
  • NDC: 82983-429-30
40 mg/mL
3× PER WEEK
40 mg/mL subcutaneous injection
  • 3 times per week (M/W/F)
  • At least 48 hrs between doses
  • Single use per syringe
  • 12 syringes per carton | NDC: 82983-430-12

Follow all 13 steps below carefully. If you have questions, contact your healthcare provider or call us at +1-727-234-8872.

STEP-BY-STEP ADMINISTRATION

How Do I Inject Glatiramer Acetate Injection?

1
Gather Your Supplies
  • 1 blister pack with prefilled syringe and attached needle
  • Alcohol wipe (not supplied)
  • Dry cotton ball (not supplied)
  • A notebook or log to record your injections (not supplied)
  • Sharps disposal container (not supplied) — see Step 13 for disposal
2
Remove One Blister Pack
  • Remove only 1 blister pack from the carton
  • Place remaining syringes back in the refrigerator
  • Place blister pack on a clean, flat, well-lit surface
  • Let the blister pack warm to room temperature for about 20 minutes
  • Wash your hands — do not touch your face or hair after washing
3
Inspect the Syringe
  • Small air bubbles are normal — do not try to push them out
  • Liquid should appear clear, and colorless to slightly yellow
  • If liquid is cloudy or contains particles, do not use — dispose and use a new syringe
4
Choose Your Injection Site
  • Abdomen — avoid the 2-inch area directly around the navel
  • Back of your upper arms
  • Upper hips (below your waist)
  • Thighs (above your knees)
  • Use a different injection area with each dose — do not use the same spot more than once a week
  • Keep a record of injection sites — do not inject in scarred or dimpled skin
5
Prepare to Give Your Injection
  • Make sure you are in a comfortable, well-lit position
  • Have all supplies within reach before you begin
  • If you cannot comfortably reach your injection site, ask a trained person to assist you
6
Clean Your Injection Site
  • Clean the injection site with the alcohol wipe
  • Allow skin to air dry completely before injecting — do not blow on skin or wave hand to speed drying
7
Pick Up the Syringe and Remove the Needle Cover
  • Pick up the syringe with one hand — hold it like a pencil
  • Remove the needle cover with your other hand and set it aside
  • Do not touch the needle
8
Pinch the Skin
  • Pinch about a 2-inch fold of skin between your thumb and index finger
  • Hold the fold firmly — keep pinching until after you insert the needle
9
Insert the Needle
  • Rest the heel of your syringe hand against your skin at the injection site
  • Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle straight into your skin (Figure G)
  • When the needle is fully inserted, release the fold of skin (Figure H)
10
Inject the Medicine
  • Hold the syringe steady
  • Slowly push down the plunger all the way to inject the medicine
11
Remove the Needle
  • After all medicine is injected, pull the needle straight out
  • Do not rub the injection site
12
Press and Dispose
  • Use a clean, dry cotton ball to gently press on the injection site for a few seconds
  • Do not rub the injection site — rubbing can irritate the skin
  • Do not re-use the needle or syringe
13
Dispose of Your Needle and Syringe
  • Place used needle and syringe in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container immediately — do not throw loose needles in the trash
  • If no FDA-cleared container: use a heavy-duty plastic household container with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid that is upright, leak-resistant, and labeled hazardous
  • Follow community guidelines when your container is almost full — check state/local laws
  • Safe disposal info: www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal
  • Do not recycle your used sharps container
PROTECTING YOUR SKIN

Injection Site Rotation Reminder

Choose a different injection area with each dose. Do not inject in the same place more than one time each week. Keep a record of your injection sites.

Abdomen

Avoid about 2 inches around the belly button

Back of Hips and Arms

Fleshy areas of the upper hips, always below the waist

Arms

Fleshy areas of the upper back portion

Thighs

About 2 inches above the knee and 2 inches below the groin

Choose a different injection area with each dose. Do not inject in the same place more than one time each week. Keep a record of your injection sites.

Do not inject in areas where skin is red, swollen, dimpled, scarred, or hard.
TRAVELING WITH YOUR MEDICATION

Travel Planning Guide

Traveling with Glatiramer Acetate Injection is manageable with a little preparation.

  • Pack syringes in an insulated carry bag with ice packs if refrigeration will not be available
  • Always carry your medicine in your carry-on luggage — do not check it
  • Bring a doctor's letter or a copy of your prescription, especially for international travel
  • Glatiramer Acetate Injection may be stored at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for up to 1 month
  • Contact your specialty pharmacy before traveling to ensure an adequate supply
  • TSA guidelines for traveling with syringes: www.tsa.gov
HANDLING YOUR MEDICATION

Storing Your Medication

At Home
  • Store refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). If needed, glatiramer acetate injection may be stored at room temperature, 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), for up to one month.
  • Protect from light — keep in the original carton until use
  • Do not freeze — if a syringe has been frozen, dispose in sharps container and use a new one
Traveling or Without Refrigeration
  • May be stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F / 15°C to 30°C) for up to 1 month
  • After 1 month at room temperature, discard any unused syringes
  • Protect from light and high temperatures at all times

For full storage information, refer to the Full Prescribing Information and the Instructions for Use (IFU) included in your carton.

IMPORTANT:

Always follow the Instructions for Use (IFU) in your carton exactly. If you have any questions, contact your healthcare provider or call +1-727-234-8872.

QUICK LINKS

Have a question?

Contact our Medical Information line for clinical questions.

Medical Info Line:

1-727-234-8872

Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm ET