7 Best Practices for CD Injection Treatments

Preparation is important. If you are self-injecting, have everything you need on hand before you begin:

• a pre-filled medication syringe
• an alcohol swab to clean the injection site
• a sharps disposal container
• a cotton ball to apply pressure to the injection site after removing the syringe
• a bandage (optional)

If your medication has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it’s not cold when you inject it.

Check the expiration date and dose on your medication. Examine the syringe to ensure that it’s not broken. Look at the condition of the medication, checking for unusual coloration, sediment, or cloudiness.

Your medication injection is subcutaneous. That means it’s not going directly into your bloodstream. Instead, you inject the medication into the fatty layer between your skin and your muscle, where it will slowly be absorbed.

The best places for subcutaneous injections are the tops of your thighs, your abdomen, and the outer portion of your upper arms. If you choose your abdomen, avoid the 2-inch radius around your belly button.

Avoid areas of skin that have been damaged, such as those with:

• tenderness
• scarring
• redness
• bruising
• hard lumps
• stretch marks

When you choose a site, make sure it’s different from the previous injection site you used. It doesn’t have to be on a different body part, but it should be at least 1 inch away from where you last injected. If you don’t rotate locations, you’re more likely to bruise and develop scar tissue.

Try applying ice to the injection site before injecting to reduce the pain and stinging. Ice can also reduce post-treatment bruising by shrinking capillaries that you could puncture with the needle.

Let the alcohol-swabbed area dry before inserting the needle into your skin.

Choose a syringe rather than an auto-injector pen. A syringe plunger can be pressed slowly, which reduces the pain associated with injection.

Anxiety can make pain worse, so try using a calming ritual before you inject. If you self-inject at home, this ritual could involve taking a warm bath and listening to soothing music. If you go to a clinic, you might want to try breathing exercises that target anxiety.

Ensure that your injection site is swabbed with alcohol before injecting. If a healthcare professional performs the injection, they should wear gloves. If you’re self-injecting, wash your hands first.

Also, make sure the needle is placed directly into the sharps disposal container immediately after you remove it from your skin. Any attempt to replace the cap can put the user at risk for a needle poke.

Medication often has side effects. Some are of no concern, while others should be checked by a doctor. Possible side effects include:

• itching
• redness
• swelling
• discomfort
• bruising
• fever
• headache
• chills
• hives

Ask your doctor when you should be concerned about side effects. Also, monitor your injection site and how you feel in case you experience any changes.

Infection is another possible side effect of Crohn’s treatment because your treatment involves reducing your immune system activity, so make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Also, tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infection.

Injections are a big part of treatment for Crohn’s disease. Many people with Crohn’s choose to self-inject once they’ve been trained by a healthcare professional. You can, too, or you can choose to have your injections administered by a nurse or doctor.

Regardless of your decision, knowing what to expect can help you feel less anxious about needles. And once you’ve had some experience, getting injections becomes easier.