How to Read a Steroid Vial

Steroids are used for numerous medical uses, including growth stimulation, bone marrow stimulation, induction of male puberty and as a hormone replacement therapy for men with low levels of testosterone. Steroids are available in oral tablets, skin patches and an injectable form. The injectable form is stored in vials.

Instructions

• 1

  Note the steroid name and dosage listed on the prescription from your MD and compare this with the vial that you receive in order to ensure that you have received the proper vial. The brand and/or generic name of the steroid is always listed on the label. Examples of brand names include Andro LA 200, Deprandro 100 and Delatestryl. An example of a generic name is "testosterone."

• 2

  Review the steroids bottle for dosing information. Something similar to "10ml for intramuscular injection" is typically listed for the dosing information. A larger quantity is also typically written on the bottle (i.e. 50mg/ml). This quantity refers to the amount in the entire vial.

• 3

  Note any abbreviations on the bottle. A common abbreviation on steroid vials is "I.M." which means "take intramuscularly". Another abbreviation that may be listed is "q" followed by a time period, such as "q 2 weeks". In this context, "q" refers to every, so "q 2 weeks" means "every two weeks".

• 4

  Read the label for an expiration date. Steroids typically last a long time before expiring, so it is unlikely an individual would have an expired vial of steroids. However, if you do, do not take them.