Needle Advice

Free sterile needles, syringes, and sharps bins. No names, no judgement. Search “needle exchange near me” or ask at your pharmacy.

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220 locations across the UK. Click a pin for details.

Injection sites & preparation

We only recommend two injection sites: the glute (ventrogluteal) and the deltoid. Watch these videos to learn how to prepare and inject safely.

How to prepare for an injection

Where to inject: glute & deltoid

IM (intramuscular): Glute (ventrogluteal — safest) and deltoid (small volumes only). Use 23-25g needle, 1-1.5 inch.

SubQ (subcutaneous): Abdomen, outer thigh. Use 27-30g needle, 0.5 inch. Best for volumes under 0.5ml.

Rotate between sites. Never inject into the quads, inner thigh, calves, or near visible veins.

When something goes wrong

Normal

Soreness for 1-3 days (PIP), small amount of blood, minor bruising, small lump from subQ leak. All resolve on their own.

See a doctor

Swelling worsening after 48h, spreading redness, pain beyond 5 days, fever after injection.

A&E / call 999

Abscess (hard, hot, painful lump), red line tracking from injection site, difficulty breathing. Tell medical staff what you injected. They need to know.