| Important steps |
How to do it |
| 1. Choose a correct injection site |
Choose either:
- the belly (but not the navel) OR
- the front of the thigh.
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| 2. Mix the solution |
- After washing hands, open the pouch and take out the injection device.
- Hold the device by the port (not the cap) and shake it hard for about 30 seconds. Make sure the solution is completely mixed.
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| 3. Push the cap and the port together to close the gap |
- Point the needle upward.
- Hold the cap with one hand and the port with the other hand.
- Press the cap down firmly until the gap is closed.
|
| 4. Pinch your skin into a "tent" |
- Take the cap off the needle. Hold the device by the port.
- With the other hand pinch about 4 cm (1½ inches) of skin.
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| 5. Put the needle into the skin, and squeeze the reservoir slowly |
- Press the needle straight into the skin with the needle pointing downward.
- Press the needle in until the port touches the skin completely.
- Squeeze the reservoir slowly, for 5 to 7 seconds.
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| 6. Dispose of the needle safely |
- Pull the needle out and then let go of the skin.
- Put the device in a container that can be closed and cannot be punctured.
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| 7. Plan for your next injection |
- Mark a calendar or other reminder for the same day of the month 3 months from today.
- You can give yourself the next injection as early as 2 weeks before that date or as late as 4 weeks after.
- If more than 4 weeks late, use another contraceptive method and see a health worker.
- Make sure you have another device for the next injection and that it will not expire before then.
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