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How do I measure and administer my injectable medication dosage?

Properly measuring and administering injectable medication ensures accurate dosing and effectiveness. This guide provides general instructions for preparing, measuring, and injecting your medication based on common practices derived from multiple standard prescriptions.

Always check your prescriptions and accompanying notes through your provider's patient portal for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions.

Understanding Dosage Measurements

Medication dosages typically include two elements: the milligram (mg) prescription from your healthcare provider and the corresponding units or milliliters (mL) on your syringe. Accuracy in converting and measuring these is crucial. For example:

Differences Between Dosage and Concentration

Dosage refers to the total amount of medication prescribed for administration over a defined timeframe (e.g., weekly injection of 2.5 mg).

Concentration refers to the amount of active ingredient in a given volume of medication solution (e.g., 5 mg per 0.5 mL).

1 unit on a syringe corresponds to 0.01mL. Therefore, 10 units equal 0.1mL. - Reference: ,

Step-by-Step Instructions for Measuring Medication

1. Check the Prescribed Dosage and Concentration

Your healthcare provider will prescribe a dosage such as 0.25mg weekly with a specific medication concentration (e.g., 3.4mg/mL). This prescription determines how many units to draw into your syringe. For example:

To administer 0.25mg with a 3.4mg/mL concentration, draw 7 units (or 0.07mL). - Reference: ,

To calculate dosage from a different concentration, use proportional calculation:

For 2.5 mg weekly dosage with a concentration of 5 mg/0.5 mL:

(2.5 mg ÷ 5 mg) × 0.5 mL = 0.25 mL

Administer 0.25 mL as per this calculated dose.

2. Calibrate the Syringe Accurately

To measure your dose:

Ensure the syringe is scaled to the required capacity (commonly 1mL or 0.3mL).

Pull the plunger until the liquid reaches the specified unit mark. For instance: - For 12.5 units (0.125mL), draw to the 12.5 mark. - Reference: ,

3. Administer the Medication

Administer the medication subcutaneously, typically into the abdomen or thigh.

Inject the prescribed amount once per week unless directed otherwise by your provider. - Reference:

4. Discard the Vial Appropriately

Opened medication vials are often designed for 4 weekly doses.

Discard the used vial after the fourth dose or after 28 days from first puncture, whichever comes first, even if medication remains.

Resources for Additional Guidance

Medication Injection Tutorial Video

Some providers also include detailed instructions or FAQs in patient portals.

Visit the Fridays Patient Portal (https://app.joinfridays.com/home) for detailed prescription information, dosage guidelines, and provider notes under the Document Center or My Meds page.

Schedule video consultations with your healthcare provider if you have specific dosage or administration concerns.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Incorrect Measurement: Double-check dosage instructions and syringe unit labels. Consult your provider if unclear.

Insufficient Medication: Ensure proper vial handling and dosage tracking. Overdrawing may result in premature depletion.

This guide offers general advice for measuring and administering injectable medications. Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions and consult them when in doubt.