In the body
Skin where you inject
When a skin reaction needs care, and how to look after the injection spot.
Signs of infection or a strong allergic reaction need care, so they come first.
When to get care
Now
If your face, lips, tongue or throat swell, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call emergency services now.
Strong itching or rash, a very fast heartbeat or fainting can be part of the same reaction.
Now
If a skin infection where you inject comes with fever, chills, a racing heart, dizziness or confusion, call emergency services now.
Today
If the skin where you inject turns red, hot, swollen and painful, and it's spreading, get care today.
These can be signs of infection, which is more likely with products that may not be sterile.
Soon
If a lump doesn't go away or the skin looks dented where you inject, talk to your doctor in the next few days.
The labels ask you to change the spot with every dose.
What's known
The labels ask you to change the injection spot with every dose. Belly, thigh and upper arm work about the same. For liraglutide, the label also asks you to rotate within the same area.
Infection is more likely with products that may not be sterile, like those bought without a prescription. The FDA advises a new, sterile needle for every injection.
What usually helps
- Changing the spot every time, and logging it in the app
- A new needle every time
To take to your appointment
- I keep getting lumps or redness where I inject. Can you check how I'm doing it?
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