Injection sites
IM (intramuscular): Ventrogluteal (safest), glutes, outer thigh, deltoid (small volumes). 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 4-6 sites. Never inject 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.
Test your gear
Roughly 1 in 4 UGL samples don't contain what the label states. You cannot tell by looking.
Minimum: Send a sample to Wedinos (free, anonymous). If your gear fails testing, do not use it.
UK needle exchanges
Using clean equipment every time is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Needle exchanges provide free sterile needles, syringes, sharps bins, and alcohol swabs. Confidential. No names required, no judgement.
Search “needle exchange near me” or ask at your pharmacy.
220 locations across the UK. Click a pin for details.