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Tutorials

Self-Administered Injections

Welcome to LifetimeHRT’s injection tutorial library. These guides are designed to help patients safely and confidently self-administer prescribed injections at home.

Each tutorial includes preparation steps, injection instructions, safety tips, and best practices to support comfort and consistency. If you’re ever unsure about a step, need a refresher, or experience discomfort beyond what’s expected, please contact our team before continuing.

This page includes step-by-step instructions for:
  • Subcutaneous Testosterone Injections
  • GLP-1 Injections
  • NAD+ Injections

Before You Begin

Always follow the dosage and schedule provided by your LifetimeHRT clinician. These tutorials are intended to support your treatment plan—not replace individualized medical guidance.

If you have questions about supplies, injection technique, or how to rotate injection sites, we’re here to help.

Self-Administered Subcutaneous Testosterone Injections

This step-by-step guide is designed to help you safely and confidently self-administer your testosterone injections at home. Please follow each step carefully and contact LifetimeHRT if you have any questions.

Preparation Checklist

Before you begin, gather all supplies and place them on a clean, well-lit surface:

Testosterone vial

1 mL syringe

This size offers more control than a full-size syringe

18G Needle

Large green or pink hub – for drawing medication only

25G Needle

Small orange or blue hub – for injection

Two alcohol prep pads

Sharps disposal container

Step 1: Prepare the Vial

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Inspect the medication. Ensure the oil is clear and not expired.
  • If the oil appears very thick or has small crystals, gently warm the vial between your palms for about 2 minutes.
  • Remove the plastic cap from the vial.
  • Clean the rubber stopper firmly with a fresh alcohol pad and allow it to air dry completely.
  • Do not blow on the vial.

Step 2: Draw the Medication (18G Needle)

  • Attach the 18G needle to the syringe.
  • Pull the plunger back to draw air into the syringe equal to your prescribed dose.
  • Example: If your dose is 0.5 mL, draw 0.5 mL of air.
  • Insert the needle through the rubber stopper and inject the air into the vial.
  • This helps pressurize the vial so the thick oil draws more easily.
  • Turn the vial upside down, ensuring the needle tip stays submerged in the oil
  • Slowly pull back the plunger to your prescribed dose.
  • If large air bubbles appear, push the oil back into the vial and redraw.

Tip: It’s okay to draw about 0.1 mL extra to account for the air-lock step later.

Step 3: Switch to the Injection Needle (25G)

  • Pull the plunger back slightly so all medication moves out of the needle and into the syringe body.
  • Carefully remove the 18G needle and immediately discard it into your sharps container.
  • Twist the 25G needle onto the syringe.
  • Leave the needle cap on for now.

Step 4: The “Air-Lock” & Final Preparation

  • With the 25G needle attached, pull the plunger back slightly to add a small air bubble (about 0.2 mL) into the syringe.
  • Gently tap the syringe so the air bubble rises to the top (closest to the plunger) while the needle points downward.

Step 5: Choose and Clean the Injection Site

Best Injection Sites:

  1. Abdomen (at least 2 inches away from the belly button)
  2. Outer, “meaty” portion of the thigh

Clean the Area:

  • Use a new alcohol pad to clean the skin in a circular motion.
  • Allow the skin to dry completely to prevent stinging.

Step 6: Inject

  • Remove the needle cap.
  • Pinch a 1–2 inch fold of fatty tissue using your non-dominant hand.
  • Hold the syringe like a dart and insert the needle quickly and firmly at a 45–90 degree angle.
  • Slowly and steadily press the plunger until all medication is injected.
  • The air bubble will enter last, helping clear the needle of medication.
  • Remove the needle at the same angle it was inserted.
  • Apply light pressure with a cotton ball if needed.
    Do not rub the area.

Safety & Comfort Tips

  • Rotate Injection Sites: Never inject into the exact same spot twice. Move at least one inch away each time to prevent scar tissue or lumps.
  • Never Re-Use Needles: Needles are single-use only. Once a needle touches the vial or your skin, it must be discarded.
    • A sharps container can be a proper medical container or a sturdy, lidded container (such as a coffee can).
  • Minimize Stinging: If you feel a sting, it’s often because the alcohol had not fully dried. Always wait at least 30 seconds after cleaning the skin.
  • Medication Storage: Store testosterone at room temperature in a dark place.

Do not refrigerate, as this thickens the oil and makes injections more uncomfortable.

Self-Administering Subcutaneous GLP/NAD+ Injections

For GLP-1 Medications and NAD+ Aqueous Solutions

Self-injecting can feel intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes a simple part of your routine. This guide provides everything you need to know to stay safe and comfortable.

Preparation Checklist

Before you begin, gather all supplies and place them on a clean, well-lit surface:

Medication Vial

1 cc Syringe

1 Needle

27–31 gauge; 5/16" to 1" needle

Two Alcohol Swabs

Sharps Container

Medical bin, or a heavy-duty coffee can with a lid, or milk carton

Step-By-Step Instructions

  • Sanitize: Wash your hands. Clean the vial’s rubber stopper and your skin site with alcohol. Let both air dry.
  • Prime: Pull the plunger to your dose mark to fill the syringe with air. Inject this air into the vial.
  • Draw: With the vial upside down, pull the liquid into the syringe. Tap the side to remove large air bubbles.
  • Inject: Pinch a fold of skin at the abdomen (2 inches from the navel) or thigh. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
  • Deliver: Push the plunger steadily until empty. Wait 5 seconds, then withdraw the needle.
  • Discard: Place the needle immediately into your sharps container. Do not recap the needle.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Potential Issues

Air Bubbles

Small “pinhead” bubbles are okay. For large bubbles, tap the syringe and push them back into the vial before removing the needle.

Stinging

Ensure the alcohol on your skin is 100% dry before injecting. Let refrigerated medication sit out for 15 minutes to warm up.

Bruising

This usually happens if you hit a small capillary. Rotate your sites (left side, then right side) to prevent skin irritation.

Leakage

If a tiny drop appears after withdrawing, don’t worry. Apply light pressure with a tissue; do not rub the site.

Storage & Travel Guide

  • Refrigeration: Store vials in the main body of the fridge (36°F–46°F). Do not store in the door or the freezer.
  • Light Sensitivity: Keep the vial in its original box to protect it from light.
  • Travel: Use an insulated bag with a cold pack for trips. If flying, always keep medication in your carry-on; the luggage hold can freeze and ruin the medication.

Safe Sharps Disposal

Safety doesn’t end with the injection. You must dispose of your needles properly to protect yourself and others.

  • Approved Containers: Use a red medical sharps container or a puncture-resistant household container like a metal coffee can or a heavy-duty plastic milk/detergent carton.
  • Sealing: Once the container is 3/4 full, secure the lid with heavy-duty tape (like duct tape).
  • Labeling: Clearly write “SHARPS: DO NOT RECYCLE” on the outside.

Disposal: Check your local guidelines at SafeNeedleDisposal.org for drop-off locations in your area.