Where and how to inject steroids and other «drugs»?

Author: Yuri Klimishin - an iron enthusiast and veteran of the "chemical" front.
2015-08-06

Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

Injection Techniques

Let's talk about the proper approach to injecting the main substances we actively use in the process of bodybuilding. The topic may not seem complicated, but I've frequently observed various complications among my clients. I have also encountered certain problems related to a careless approach to this procedure. First, here are some basic and long-overdue rules that must be followed to avoid unnecessary (and quite painful) issues.

Precautions

1. Always disinfect the site where the injection will be made with a disinfectant or alcohol before performing the injection.
2. Press a sterile alcohol swab (or cotton ball) firmly against the injection site until the bleeding stops completely.
3. Never perform an injection if you are sweating (make sure to take a shower beforehand).
4. Under no circumstances reuse needles or syringes (there are still some people who do this).
5. If you are using vials containing ten milliliters of substance, always wipe the rubber surface with alcohol or disinfectant before drawing the solution.
6. Use different needles for drawing from the vial and for the injection, and ALWAYS use new ones.
7. When injecting into any area other than the glutes, insert the needle slowly to avoid hitting a nerve.
8. Before performing the injection, slightly pull back the syringe plunger to ensure you are not in a blood vessel.
9. Completely expel air bubbles from the syringe before injecting the solution (this is particularly important for subcutaneous injections).
10. Always warm oil-based solutions to body temperature in your hands or under your armpit. If there are crystals in the vial, place it in a cup of warm water, but not boiling water.
11. Never heat water-based suspensions (for example, injectable stanozolol). Always store ampoules containing them in the refrigerator or a cool place.
12. Before drawing water-based suspensions into the syringe, thoroughly shake the ampoule/vial (to evenly distribute the crystals in the water).

Types of Injections

Systemic Injections

These refer to injections in the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal muscles. Besides being the safest injection site, experimental findings show that in this case, almost 100% of the active substance enters the bloodstream (to be more precise, that’s 97/98%).

Local Injections

The goal of local injections is muscle growth in the injected area. Such AAS injections can be performed using either an insulin syringe or a syringe containing a 2ml volume. The most suitable for local injections are testosterone propionate, testosterone suspension, and stanozolol. However, to be honest, longer esters of testosterone and nandrolone can also be quite suitable. It is strongly advised to avoid such experiments with the esters of trenbolone, boldenone, and methenolone enanthate.

Common areas for such injections include the quadriceps (outer side) as well as various bundles of the deltoid muscles. However, with certain experience (or with a qualified specialist), injections can also be administered to the triceps, latissimus dorsi, chest, trapezius, and—with utmost caution—the biceps and calves. In addition to AAS, IGF-1 and MGF can also be injected locally. Some athletes even use Growth Hormone locally (but personally, I consider this approach completely pointless).

Subcutaneous Injections

Growth Hormone, IGF-1, MGF (pegylated), insulin, and most peptides are typically administered subcutaneously. Traditionally, this is done in the fold under the navel (it can also be injected into the skin of the thigh/shoulder). As for insulin, it can be injected intramuscularly or even intravenously (drip). Subcutaneous injections can also be made for Chorionic Gonadotropin (although I believe intramuscular injections of this medication are more justified). Naturally, insulin syringes are the best choice for subcutaneous injections. Also, make sure to rotate injection sites constantly to avoid atrophy/hypertrophy of the subcutaneous fat tissue in that area.

What Complications Can Occur

Tumors

Not infrequently, injections into the muscles are accompanied by the formation of tumors (nodules/lumps). The body seems to encapsulate the injected drug in something like a capsule. The causes of such issues may include excessively thick oils (the most vivid example is Primobolan), frequent injections in the same spot, rapid injection, a large volume of oil injected at once, as well as steroids from subpar manufacturers.

Keep in mind that if you continue injecting into a tumor, it may burst and develop an abscess within hours. Additionally, if oil enters an already formed tumor, it will not be absorbed and will enter the bloodstream. The capsule will then increase in size. Electrophoresis and heating (compresses/yellow iodine grids/warming gels) will help with this issue.

Hematomas

I don’t think it’s necessary to explain that these are blood clots of varying sizes. They manifest if a blood vessel (usually a capillary) is damaged during the injection. Small hematomas dissolve on their own. But sometimes (for example, if another injection was made into the hematoma), a tumor as mentioned above may form. Occasionally, hematomas can be quite large. In such cases, apply ice for the first day, followed by heat (remember compresses/yellow iodine/warming gels).

Abscesses

This is the most unpleasant occurrence that can happen. An abscess is a localized purulent inflammation of the tissues (in our case, muscle or subcutaneous tissue). The most frequent causes include the use of non-sterile syringes, lack of disinfection of the vial's rubber cap, and infectious organisms present in the preparations. Additionally, toxic reagents and chemicals play a role. By the way, in my observations, the absolute leader in this regard is the manufacturer (if it can even be called that) British Dragon. Typically, an abscess is accompanied by SEVERE pain, increased temperature, and a rise in white blood cell count. For milder forms (non-advanced), electrophoresis and antibiotics are employed. However, if there is negligence concerning self-care, surgical intervention is INEVITABLY required (along with twice as many antibiotics).

That’s about all I can say on this matter. Use injectable medications wisely and take care of your body. Then pharmacological preparations will bring you nothing but pleasure and no headaches. Stay healthy.