Intramuscular injection
IM injection · shot in the buttock · injection in the arm · muscle shot
Medicine is injected into a muscle with a syringe, usually in the buttock, thigh, or upper arm. From the muscle, it quickly gets into the blood.
When a medicine only comes as an injection, or needs to work faster than a tablet.
⏱ Duration: usually 2 to 5 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Prescription. Injections are given only as prescribed by a doctor. If you bought the medicine yourself, bring it and check the expiry date.
- Clothes. Wear comfortable clothes so the injection site is easy to reach.
What to bring
- Your doctor's prescription
- The medicine and syringe, if you were asked to bring your own
How it goes
- The nurse checks the medicine and dose against the prescription
- You lie on your stomach or bare your upper arm
- The skin is wiped with an alcohol pad
- The needle goes in quickly, and the medicine is injected slowly
- The needle is removed, and the spot is pressed with a pad
What you'll feel
- The needle prick: a quick, sharp pain
- While the medicine goes in, you may feel pressure or burning. It depends on the medicine
- Relax the muscle. It hurts less that way
Afterwards
- The spot may be a little sore for a day or two
- If it is your first injection of a new medicine, you are usually asked to wait 15 to 30 minutes at the clinic
- Do not rub the spot hard, unless the nurse says otherwise
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Trouble breathing, a swollen face or lips, a rash all over, or weakness right after the injection: tell the staff right away or call emergency services
- The injection site is red, hot, or swollen, or you have a fever
Common questions
Why is there a lump after an injection?
Sometimes the medicine is absorbed slowly, or a tiny blood vessel is hit. If the lump hurts, gets red, or grows, show your doctor.
Can I give myself an injection at home?
Some injections are given at home after training. A doctor or nurse should show you how and where to inject.