How to Prepare a Chemotherapy Injection

Chemotherapy medication can be administered in multiple forms. While the most common method is the use of an intravenous line, your physician may allow you to administer shots in the comfort of your own home. It is important to receive instructions from your physician on how to administer shots. How often you administer them is determined by your physician.

Things You'll Need

• Latex gloves
• Alcohol pads or rubbing alcohol and cotton balls
• Prescribed chemotherapy medication
• Disposable syringe needle

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Instructions

Preparation

• 1

  Handwashing with soap and water

  Wash your hands prior to administering your injection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should thoroughly scrub your hands with soap and warm water for up to 20 seconds.

• 2

  Pair of latex gloves

  Dry your hands thoroughly to remove all moisture. Put on a pair of latex gloves.

• 3

  Clean the injection site with an alcohol pad or a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. Allow the injection site to dry prior to administering the shot. This will reduce the amount of stinging you will feel when you are given the shot.

• 4

  Example of extracting medication

  Check the date on your medication before before giving yourself a shot. Once you have verified it is current, insert the syringe needle into your injection bottle. Take out the exact dosage of medication prescribed by your physician.

• 5

  A prepared injection

  Never use more medication than prescribed by your physician, as this can result in injury. Once you have measured the amount of medication, you are ready to administer your shot.