Blood thinning injections prevent new blood clots from forming and keep existing clots from getting bigger. Blood thinning injections should be administered once a day, unless your prescription tells you otherwise.
Before injecting yourself with blood thinners
- Check the expiry date on the medicine and do not use if the date has passed
- If the date has passed, please return the medicine to the pharmacy
- Check the syringe is not damaged and the liquid inside is clear
- If you notice damage, or if the liquid is not clear, use another syringe instead
- Always read the leaflet that comes in the pack with your medicine
How to inject yourself
The syringe is for single use only.
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Inject the side of your stomach in a place that is at least 5cm (2 inches) away from your belly button or any scars – change where you inject each time.
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Pull off the needle cap, being careful not to bend the needle. To ensure it stays clean, make sure the needle doesn’t touch anything. You can throw away the needle cap.
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Hold the syringe in one hand. Gently pinch your skin with your other hand to make a fold. Do not press the plunger yet.
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Holding the syringe with the needle pointing downwards at a 90-degree angle.
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Push the needle into the skin fold. Keep hold of the skin fold while injecting. Do not press the plunger until the whole needle is in the skin.
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Press down firmly on the plunger with your finger until it can’t go any further.
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Keep the plunger pressed down while pulling the needle out of your skin.
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When the needle is out, you can let go of the skin fold, but keep hold of the plunger.
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To help avoid bruising, do not rub the skin.
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Push the plunger down further. This will activate the protective needle cover.
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Put the used syringe into the sharps bin you have been provided with.
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When your sharps bin is full to the line, close and lock the sharps bin and return it to the hospital. We will dispose of the sharps bin and give you a new one. Be careful not to overfill the sharps bin.
Some GP surgeries may agree to dispose of your sharps bin. You can also contact your local council to see where else you can return your bin.
Your midwife, doctor or pharmacist will be able to help you if you have any questions or are unsure about how to inject your blood thinners.
It’s very important to close and make sure the sharp bin is locked before returning it to be disposed of, as this reduced the risk of a sharps injury.
Never put needles or sharp bins in your household waste.
If you get any side effects, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist or midwife, even if the side effects are not listed in the pack leaflet. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. This medicine is subject to additional monitoring.
Last reviewed: 26 January 2023