Instructions for use: Preparing and administering an injection with a pre-filled Enbrel syringe
This information sheet is intended to help you remember the various steps involved in safely injecting this medication. The instructions below can be used by patients who self-inject, or by those who administer injections to others.
 | - Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Prepare what you will need: the pre-filled syringe, an alcohol wipe, and a cotton ball.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe. The thighs, upper arms, and abdomen are the preferred injection sites. If the chosen injection site is the abdomen, make sure that it is at least 5 cm away from the belly button. Each new injection should be given at least 2.5 cm from the last injection site.
- Enbrel should be injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
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 | - Visually inspect the solution in the syringe. Do not use if it is cloudy, discoloured, or contains large lumps or coloured particles.
- Remove the cap from the needle.
- Holding the syringe with the needle pointing up, check the syringe for air bubbles. If air bubbles are visible, gently tap the syringe until they rise to the top of the syringe. Slowly push the plunger up to force the air bubbles out of the syringe.
- Gently pinch either side of the area that has been disinfected and hold the skin firmly.
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 | - With the other hand, hold the pre-filled syringe at a 45 degree with the skin. With a quick motion, push the needle into the skin.
- When the needle is inserted into the skin, release the skin that you are holding and slowly push the plunger to inject all the contents.
- Gently pull the pre-filled syringe out of the skin, keeping it at a 45 degree angle and press a cotton ball on the injection site for about 10 seconds.
- Dispose of the pre-filled syringe in a sharps container.
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