Injection Site Rotation
The practice of systematically changing the location of subcutaneous or intramuscular injections to prevent local tissue damage, lipodystrophy, or reduced absorption. Patients self-administering peptide drugs are advised to rotate between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm sites.
Technical Context
Systematic rotation prevents: lipohypertrophy (localised fatty tissue growth from repeated insulin/peptide exposure, which can reduce absorption predictability), lipoatrophy (localised fat loss, less common with modern formulations), injection site pain/induration, and nodule formation. Recommended approach: divide each site (abdomen, thigh, upper arm) into quadrants and systematically move through them, with at least 1cm between consecutive injection points. For monthly depot injections (octreotide LAR, lanreotide), alternating between left and right gluteal/SC sites is recommended. Proper rotation education is an important component of patient training for self-administered peptide drugs.