How to Administer Uzedy Injection
Uzedy (risperidone extended-release injectable suspension) should be administered as an intramuscular injection using proper sterile technique, with specific attention to needle selection, site preparation, and injection angle to ensure safe and effective delivery.
Preparation and Sterile Technique
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based waterless antiseptic hand rub before handling injection supplies 1, 2.
Gloves are not required unless you are likely to come into contact with potentially infectious body fluids or have open lesions on your hands 1, 3.
Use sterile, disposable needles and syringes for each injection—never reuse needles or syringes 1, 4, 5.
A separate needle and syringe must be used for each injection to prevent cross-contamination 4, 3.
Verify the medication label before drawing up the dose to avoid administering the wrong medication 2.
If drawing from a vial, draw air equal to the dose into the syringe and inject it into the vial first to avoid creating a vacuum 2.
Inspect the drawn medication for air bubbles and remove them by flicking the upright syringe 2.
Site Selection
For intramuscular injections, use the deltoid muscle or the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (vastus lateralis)—never use the buttock 1, 2, 3.
The buttock should be avoided due to potential risk of sciatic nerve injury and decreased medication efficacy from inadvertent subcutaneous injection 1, 3.
The deltoid muscle is the preferred site for adults and adolescents 3.
The anterolateral thigh is recommended for infants and younger children 3.
Inspect the injection site before administering to ensure it is clean and free from lipohypertrophy, inflammation, edema, ulceration, or infection—never inject into compromised sites 1, 2.
Site Preparation
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely before injecting 1, 2, 3.
The alcohol must be allowed to dry completely to prevent stinging and ensure proper disinfection 1.
Disinfection is required in institutional settings such as hospitals and nursing homes 1.
Needle Selection and Injection Technique
For intramuscular injections in adults, use a 1-1½ inch, 22-25 gauge needle 3.
The needle must be long enough to reach the muscle mass and prevent medication from seeping into subcutaneous tissue 1.
Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (perpendicular to the skin surface) for intramuscular injections 1, 3.
Do not touch the injection button or plunger until the needle is completely inserted into the tissue 1.
Push the plunger vertically along the axis of the syringe, not obliquely or at the edge, to ensure complete dose delivery 1.
Keep pressure on the plunger until the needle is completely withdrawn from the body to prevent aspiration of body fluid into the medication 1.
Post-Injection Care
Withdraw the needle smoothly after complete delivery of the medication 2.
Apply firm pressure to the site for at least 2 minutes without rubbing, especially important for patients with bleeding disorders 1.
Immediately dispose of the needle and syringe in a labeled, puncture-proof sharps container to prevent inadvertent needle-stick injury 1, 2, 4, 3.
Critical Safety Considerations
Never administer medications from the same syringe to more than one patient 5.
Never enter a vial with a used syringe or needle 5.
Maintain aseptic technique at all times 5.
An individual decision on needle size and injection site must be made for each person based on age, volume of material, muscle size, and depth of injection 1.
Changing needles between drawing medication from a vial and injecting it into a recipient is unnecessary 1.