Injections, especially when they are commonplace in your life, can be extremely challenging. But there are some ways to help make them easier! 

There are some concrete strategies you can try before, during, and after injections to help them feel easier and go more smoothly. Some techniques work better for adults and some that work better for kids, but the majority of strategies can be used and tried for everyone! 

Please note, however, it is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions first and foremost! If you have not had self-injection training from a nurse for your medication, it’s also recommended to complete that before trying it yourself at home.  

For Everyone 

Before 

• If possible (and allowable by the manufacturer), try to have your medication at room temperature before injecting. 
• Try placing an ice pack or a topical anesthetic cream (cooling sprays, lidocaine) to numb your skin before injection.
• After you swab with alcohol to disinfect the area, wait for the alcohol to dry before continuing with your injection. 
• While it may sound counterintuitive, try to release tension from the part of your body you are injecting. 

During 

• Place pressure around the area you’re injecting. This can distract your brain a bit from the injection itself! 
• Play around with injection speed! If there is no medical necessity to inject fast or slow, try both and see which is more comfortable for you! 
• Remember why you are doing this injection! What will taking your medicine allow you to do, or help you to feel? Holding on to your “why” can help tremendously. 

After 

• Consider giving yourself a gentle massage around the injection site. 
• Play around with cool and warm compresses if you are feeling pain after to see which one gives you more relief! 
• For everyone (including, but not limited to kids!), think about what treats or rewards you can provide yourself with after a successful injection 

Just For Kids 

• A large study examined effective pain reducing techniques for childhood injections. They found having a child remain upright and stroking the skin around the injection site before and during injection to be effective techniques to reduce pain during injection! 
• Please know, for kids using false suggestion (“it won’t hurt!”) and repeated reassurance have not been shown to be helpful.  
• It is best to be clear and honest, yet supportive. You can try making a plan in advance with your child that may help make injections go more smoothly (distraction techniques, who does the injecting, etc.). However, not having the injection should never be an option! 

If injections are continuously a challenge for you or your child, don’t be afraid to ask for support! You can seek help from loved ones, support groups, etc. You also should consider speaking to medical professionals or your Care Team to see if they have suggestions that can help!