TRT INJECTION SITE REACTIONS

You can minimise your chance of getting an injection site reaction by taking the following precautions:

• Ensure that unopened pens are refrigerated and opened pens are stored at room temperature, not exceeding 30 degrees
• Allow the medication to come to room temperature before you use it by taking it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before use
• Make sure there are no particles in the medication and that the medication is not cloudy
• Ensure you rotate your injection site every week
• Ensure the skin is clean and dry before injecting
• Ensure the pen is at a 90 degree angle to the skin when injecting. Press and hold the injection until the full dose has been completely administered

A reaction is unlikely, but if you were to get a reaction here is some guidance to follow:

• Avoid rubbing or massaging the area
• Apply a cold compress to the area for about 10 minutes
• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce redness and swelling
• Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the area once daily for up to one week
• Consider taking paracetamol if there is any pain

• If the site is becoming progressively more painful, or the swelling or redness is increasing
• If there is a pussy discharge from the site
• If the reactions are becoming very frequent or more serious, in which case you may need to consider alternative treatment

Injection site reactions when using weight loss injections are relatively common, affecting between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people at some point during their treatment.

They are most likely to occur during the first few weeks of using the medication. In general, they are mild and settle after a few days.

The common symptoms are:

• Redness or swelling at the injection site
• Itching
• Bruising
• Pain or discomfort at the injection site