What to Do
What to Look for After an Injection
After giving an injection there are signs to look for:
- Normally the skin at the injection site becomes slightly reddened from the needle insertion.
- Allow 15 to 20 minutes after you give an injection, then ask the person how he or she feels. This allows you to be on the alert for side effects.
Side Effects
Every medicine can cause side effects. A side effect is a secondary effect of a medicine, different from the reason you give the medicine. Know what the side effects are for the medicine you give so that you can take the right action.
Insulin – When taking Insulin or other injectable medicines that affect the blood sugar levels such as Exenatide (Byetta™), Pramlintide (Symlin™), there is a risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is less likely to occur if you give the correct amount of medicine and if the person eats normal meals.
Signs of Hypoglycemia include:
- hunger
- nervousness and shakiness
- perspiration
- dizziness or light-headedness
- sleepiness
- confusion
- difficulty speaking
- feeling anxious or weak
Byetta™ - A person who takes Byetta can also develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if it is used with other diabetes medicines. Other side effects include:
Symlin™ – A person who takes Symlin can also develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if it is used with other diabetes medicines. Other side effects include:
- Nausea (sick to stomach)
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Indigestion
Enoxaparin – A person who takes heparin or low molecular weight heparin is at risk for bleeding problems. These might include:
- New or unusual bruising from the gums, cuts or wounds
- Excess nose bleed
- Black or bloody stools
- Blood in the urine
- Swollen ankle or feet
Forteo™ – A person who takes Forteo for osteoporosis can have these side effects:
- Dizziness
- Leg cramps
- Fast heartbeat
- Nausea (sick to stomach)
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Low energy
- Muscle weakness
- Indigestion
What to do if Side Effects Occur
If a person develops side effects for the first time, call their doctor. In most cases the person will continue the same medicine, if side effects are mild. Mild side effects will usually go away as the body becomes use to the medicine.
What to do for a low blood sugar
Most persons with diabetes know what to do if their blood sugar (glucose) levels fall. Their doctor will advise how low the level of blood glucose can fall before treatment is needed. Most persons can feel when their blood sugar falls.
For mild hypoglycemia give the person 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrate, which equals one of the following:
- 3-4 Glucose tablets or glucose gel (read package label for amount)
- 1/2 Cup of fruit juice
- 1/2 cup of regular soft drink (non diet)
- 8 ounces of skim milk
- 6 to 10 hard candies
- 4 teaspoons or 4 cubes of sugar
- 6 saltine crackers
If a diabetic shows signs of low blood sugar have the person sit down so as not to fall down. If the person is fully awake and alert, have him or her check their blood sugar.
If you find a person with diabetes unconscious or not responding to you, check their blood sugar and call 911.
Sometimes the doctor will recommend you learn how to give a glucagon injection. There are Glucagon ER kits available that require mixing of the powdered medicine with a solution. Your home health nurse will teach you when and how to use the Glucagon if it is appropriate for the person you care for.