If you’re not sure what you’re doing, please book an Injection Training Session with one of our nurses. You can do so as an add-on through the Treatment Recommendation form.
Injections, which deliver medication directly into the body, work best when administered at specific intervals. This consistency ensures that the drug maintains the right concentration in the bloodstream, providing the best benefits and minimising any side effects. If you miss an injection, take it as soon as possible without doubling the dose.
When planning for situations like holidays, make sure you have enough medication to take with you or plan to have your injection a bit early or a bit late, depending on the time it is due. Carrying a medical alert card explaining your medication needs can also be helpful in unforeseen circumstances. Keeping to your injection schedule is key to effectively managing your health.
Gender-Affirming Medication Management
Regarding the timing of injections for gender-affirming medication, it’s important to note that while adhering to a schedule is ideal, missing a dose is not immediately detrimental. Also, in the event of an accidental spill involving the injection substance, rest assured that there is no need to worry. If a testosterone injection is missed, your testosterone levels will typically return to their normal range after your next scheduled dose, without rapidly reversing the effects of masculinisation. Similarly, if a dose of puberty blockers is missed, the gonadal function may gradually resume, but this process is not immediate and takes time. If you know you are likely to miss a dose date, choose whether to have your injection early or late, depending on which is closest to your missed date.
Injection Pharmacology
Injections deliver medication directly into the body’s tissues, bypassing the digestive system. This method ensures a more direct route into the bloodstream, providing faster and more controlled effects. The pharmacokinetics of an injection – how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolises, and excretes the medication – is designed around a specific timing schedule to maintain a steady level of the drug in the bloodstream.
- Absorption: The rate at which a drug is absorbed depends on the injection site and the drug’s formulation. This influences how quickly the medication begins to work.
- Distribution: Once absorbed, the drug is distributed throughout the body. Regular injection intervals help maintain the drug concentration within a therapeutic range.
- Metabolism and Excretion: The body’s metabolism and excretion processes gradually eliminate the drug. Scheduled injections ensure that the drug doesn’t fall below effective levels or accumulate to toxic levels.
Importance of Regular Injection Intervals
Regular injection intervals are crucial for:
- Maintaining Drug Efficacy: Irregular timings can lead to suboptimal drug levels, reducing effectiveness.
- Avoiding Fluctuations in Drug Levels: Consistent schedules prevent peaks and troughs in drug concentration, reducing the risk of side effects and potential drug toxicity.
- Managing Chronic Conditions: For chronic conditions like diabetes or hormone replacement therapy, consistent intervals are essential for effective management.
Advice for Missed Injections or Schedule Disruptions
- If you miss an injection, it’s usually advised to take it as soon as possible unless it’s close to the time of your next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
- Planning for Holidays or Travel: If you’re going to be away:
- Plan your injection timing schedule in advance.
- Look in advance for alternatives solutions for injection administration in your travel destination.
- Consider time zone changes if relevant.
- Ensure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip.
- Learn about proper storage and handling of your medication while traveling.
- In situations where you cannot have your injection as planned:
- Consider having your injection early or late depending on which gives you the closest time to the injection.
- Carry a medical alert card or a note explaining your medication needs in case of emergencies.