Nebido is a long-acting injectable form of testosterone used in hormone replacement therapy.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for Nebido injections. If you’re giving yourself or someone else a Nebido injection, how to give it correctly is essential for safety and effectiveness.
Preparing for the Injection
Before you get started, you’ll want to gather all your supplies. You’ll need:
- A Nebido vial
- A syringe (5ml is a common size)
- Appropriate needles (a green needle may be used)
- Alcohol swabs
- A sharps container
Gunns Pharmacy may be a source for some of these items.
Double-check that the Nebido vial is the correct medication and dosage that your doctor prescribed.
Next, choose an appropriate injection site, usually the gluteus medius muscle in the buttock. Clean the injection site well with an alcohol swab.
Injection Technique
Draw the correct dose of Nebido into the syringe, taking care to remove any air bubbles. Insert the needle into the prepared injection site at a 90-degree angle. Before injecting, pull back slightly on the plunger to make sure the needle isn’t in a blood vessel. If blood appears, remove the needle and find a new injection site. Inject the medication slowly to minimize any discomfort.
What do I do after the injection?
After you remove the needle, immediately apply pressure to the injection site using a clean cotton ball or gauze pad. Dispose of the needle and syringe in a sharps container. Watch the injection site for any signs of infection or a bad reaction. Contact your doctor if you experience redness, irritation, or pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nebido available in the USA?
No, Nebido (testosterone undecanoate) is not currently approved for use in the United States. If you’re in the US and considering testosterone replacement therapy, you’ll need to discuss alternative options with your doctor, such as FDA approved testosterone gel.
How long does it take for Nebido to kick in?
It varies from person to person, but generally, it takes several weeks for the effects of Nebido to become noticeable. You might start to feel some changes in energy levels and mood within a month or two, but it can take longer for full effects on things like muscle mass and libido.
Where not to inject testosterone?
Avoid injecting testosterone into areas with visible veins, scars, or skin issues. Also, never inject into a joint or directly into a blood vessel. If you are using an intramuscular injection, ensure you are not hitting a nerve.
How to give a shot?
Giving yourself or someone else an intramuscular injection needs to be done properly. You’ll need to gather your supplies (needle, syringe, alcohol swabs, medication), choose an injection site (like the gluteus medius), clean the area, insert the needle at the correct angle, aspirate to check for blood, inject slowly, and then dispose of everything safely. Your doctor or a healthcare professional should always provide training on proper injection technique.
What is the protocol for Nebido?
The typical protocol for Nebido involves an initial injection, followed by a second injection after six weeks. After that, maintenance injections are usually given every 10-14 weeks, depending on individual testosterone levels and how you’re responding to the treatment. Monitoring your free testosterone index is crucial to understanding if your testosterone is low. Your doctor will monitor your levels to determine the best schedule for you, and it’s important to understand if testosterone shows up on a 10-panel drug test.
Putting It All Together
Giving yourself Nebido injections takes practice, precision, and careful attention to the steps your doctor or other healthcare provider has outlined for you.
Using the right technique and following up appropriately after the injection can help you avoid problems and get the most out of your treatment.