Nasal SprayFrom $166/mo
InjectionFrom $166/mo
Medically reviewed by Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G. —
The short answer
Wash your hands, clean the vial top and skin, draw your prescribed dose, pinch a fold of skin on the belly or thigh, insert the needle and press the plunger slowly. Put the needle straight into a sharps container and use a new spot next time.
- Always follow your pharmacy label and provider's instructions first.
- Use a new sterile needle and syringe every time.
- Inject slowly; going slower often means less flushing.
- Rotate sites at least an inch apart.
1. Get ready
Wash your hands. Let a refrigerated vial sit for a few minutes if your label allows. Wipe the vial's rubber top and your chosen site with alcohol and let them dry.
2. Draw your dose
MedlinePlus explains the basics: pull air into the syringe equal to your dose, push it into the vial so a vacuum doesn't form, turn the vial upside down and pull back to the line for your dose. Tap out air bubbles. One cc equals one mL.
Technique
Four steps, about a minute
Prepare, draw, inject, dispose. After the first few times most people find it quick and routine.
3. Inject under the skin
Pinch a fold of skin on your belly (away from the navel) or thigh, insert the needle at the angle you were shown and press the plunger slowly and steadily. Release the skin and remove the needle.
4. Clean up and record
Put the needle and syringe straight into a sharps container; the FDA says never to throw loose needles in the trash or flush them. Note the date, site and any side effects.
Questions
Questions people also ask
What size needle is used?
A short, fine needle meant for subcutaneous shots. Use the supplies and instructions your pharmacy sends.
Should I inject into muscle?
No. NADMedics injections are subcutaneous, into the fat layer under the skin.
There's a small bump after injecting. Is that normal?
Minor redness or a small bump is common and usually fades. Call your provider about spreading redness, warmth or pus.
How long does an injection take?
About a minute once you're used to it, including drawing the dose.
Can someone else give me the shot?
Yes, a partner or family member can, following the same steps your provider showed you.
How do I get rid of a full sharps container?
Follow your local rules. The FDA's sharps page lists options such as drop-off sites and mail-back programs.
Keep reading
Related NAD+ guides
- NAD+ Injection Dosage Calculator: Find Your Perfect Dose NowTurn your prescribed NAD+ dose into milliliters and U-100 syringe units in seconds, and see how many doses are in your vial. Always follow your label.NAD+ injections
- Are NAD+ Injections Safe? The Real Risks and Benefits SharedAre NAD+ injections safe? See the common side effects, what FDA alerts found about contaminated NAD+, who should avoid it and how to lower your risk.NAD+ injections
- How Often Should You Get NAD Injections? A Quick Time GuideHow often should you get NAD+ injections? Learn why schedules vary, what shapes how often your provider has you inject and why more often isn't always better.NAD+ injections
Official sources
Sources and official resources
Official government and research sources behind this page, so you can check the facts yourself.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)Drawing medicine out of a vial
Step-by-step guide to drawing a dose from a vial into a syringe.
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)Subcutaneous (SQ) injections
Step-by-step guide to giving a shot into the fatty tissue under the skin.
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSafely Using Sharps (Needles and Syringes) at Home, at Work and on Travel
How to store and throw away used needles and syringes safely.
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationDisposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know
Take-back locations and safe ways to get rid of medicine you no longer need.
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationFDA alerts about dosing errors with compounded injectable products (2024)
Mix-ups between milliliters, milligrams and syringe units led to overdoses.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G., on October 12, 2026. This article is general education, not medical advice. NAD+ has no FDA-approved use, and compounded NAD+ is not FDA-approved or evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Only your provider can set your dose.
Talk it through with a provider
Book a free online consultation. If NAD+ fits, a licensed U.S. provider prescribes the nasal spray or injection, with plans from $166 a month.
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