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There are many triggers that can lead to allergy symptoms, including certain over-the-counter and prescription medications. Like any type of allergic reaction, a drug allergy is the result of an immune response to a normally harmless substance — in this case, one or more ingredients in a medication.

Medication Allergies, Explained

Drug allergies range from mild to very severe. Generally speaking, the only way to prevent this type of allergic reaction is to avoid taking the medication in question. In some cases symptoms may require treatment with other medications. Make sure that all of your providers and your pharmacist are aware of any known or suspected medication allergies so that they can help you explore alternative options and prevent symptoms.

Below, we share how to recognize drug allergy symptoms and what steps to take if you experience them.

Drug allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly interprets a substance in a medication as an outside invader such as a virus or bacteria. As part of this reaction, your immune system produces antibodies that in turn release histamine, a chemical responsible for typical allergy symptoms.

You typically won’t experience symptoms the first time you take a medication you’re allergic to. This is because in order for an allergic reaction to occur, your immune system has to recognize a substance that it has previously identified as harmful.

Though drug allergy symptoms and medication side effects can sometimes overlap, there is an important distinction between the two, as ordinary side effects don’t involve an immune response.

Any medication can cause an allergic reaction, but certain medications are more frequently associated with them, including:

Antibiotics, particularly penicillin and sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Septra® and Bactrim®) and erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Pediazole®)

Seizure medications, particularly aromatic anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine (Tegretol®) and phenobarbital (Luminal®)

Over-the-counter pain relief medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen sodium (Aleve®)

Penicillin is the most frequently reported medication allergy. If you believe you are allergic to penicillin, it is important to seek proper evaluation and diagnosis. (Penicillin is the only medication allergy that can be diagnosed by a simple skin test.) While many people are indeed allergic to this class of antibiotics — and in some cases, to similar alternatives as well — studies have found that penicillin allergies are overreported. A significant percentage of all those who believe they are allergic don’t have the true immune reaction that characterizes a drug allergy. This often results in the unnecessary use of alternative medications that may be less effective or more expensive.

Another reason proper testing is important is that it’s possible to outgrow a penicillin allergy over time. Of all those with a documented penicillin allergy, only an estimated 20% remain allergic after 10 years. If you were diagnosed with a penicillin allergy more than 10 years ago, consult with an allergist to determine if you’re still allergic.

Mild drug allergy cases often produce typical allergy symptoms, which may develop anywhere from hours to weeks after you take the medication. The most common symptoms are itching of the eyes or skin, minor rashes, and hives. Swelling and wheezing may also occur. While these symptoms typically don’t require emergency medical care, seek evaluation from your provider as soon as possible.

Symptoms of severe drug allergies such as anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening reaction that blocks breathing — tend to develop more quickly, often immediately after you take a medication or within an hour.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Respiratory symptoms including wheezing and a persistent cough

Serious drug allergies require emergency medical care. Call 911 immediately if you experience the above signs of anaphylaxis or another severe reaction after taking a medication.

As noted above, penicillin is the only medication allergy that can be diagnosed by skin testing. This is a simple process conducted by an allergist in which your skin is exposed to a small amount of penicillin. A positive result is determined by a red, itchy bump.

It is also relatively easy to identify sensitivity to contrast dye — simply experiencing allergy symptoms after getting an x-ray is typically sufficient diagnostic criteria.

The process for diagnosing other drug allergies is often more complex, but a specialist called an allergist can help identify one through testing and an evaluation of your health history and symptoms.

Depending on the reaction you’re experiencing, your doctor may recommend treatment options to relieve discomfort and prevent your symptoms from worsening. Common treatments for drug allergy symptoms include:

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) for mild symptoms such as rash, hives, and itchiness - purchase these OTC medications from the Essentials store in the Alto app! 

Corticosteroids such as prednisone for itching and inflammation

Epinephrine is used in emergencies to treat anaphylaxis and other severe reactions. It is administered by injection.

A process called desensitization can gradually improve your tolerance of a medication you’re allergic to. During this treatment, which must be performed by an allergist, you are administered increasingly higher doses of the trigger medication. It is typically reserved for cases where there is no appropriate alternative to prescribe. It is often done in a hospital so that immediate medical care is available in the event of complications or a negative reaction.

There is no cure for a medication allergy, though a penicillin allergy may resolve itself with time. In other cases, the only way to prevent an allergic reaction is by avoiding the specific medication. Sometimes it is also necessary to avoid similar medications — for example, if several medications contain the substance that triggered your symptoms.

Given this, make sure that your medical records are up to date — any healthcare provider who treats you should be aware of your full medical history including any drug allergies. You should also inform your pharmacist of allergic reactions to medications.

If you’ve experienced anaphylaxis, it’s critical to wear a medical alert bracelet with information about your allergies, including the trigger, or allergen.

Our expert pharmacists can answer any questions you have about medication allergies, interactions, side effects, or release right in the Alto app. We also offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to help you stay on track with your treatment.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Limiting your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a leading cause of skin cancer, is the most impactful way to protect your skin. This can be easier said than done — a number of misconceptions about UV rays make it difficult to take appropriate precautions and practice true sun safety.

Five Myths About UV Radiation

In honor of UV Safety Awareness Month, observed every July, take a closer look at how this type of radiation actually affects the skin — and one other very important organ, too! 

Before we debunk common misconceptions about UV rays, let’s review what they are.

Radiation refers to the emission of electromagnetic energy from any source. There are many types of radiation, with varying intensity, or frequencies. At one end of the spectrum are the high-energy x-rays and gamma rays. At the other are the long-wavelength, low-energy radio waves. Visible light is also a form of electromagnetic energy — the only one that humans can see — and different colors have different wavelengths.

UV radiation sits in the middle of the spectrum. Since UV rays don’t have enough energy to penetrate the body more deeply, they primarily affect the skin. These rays come from the sun as well as artificial sources like tanning beds. Similar to how there are many colors with distinct wavelengths within the medium-frequency category of visible light, there are different types of UV radiation with different amounts of energy.

UVA and UVB rays are the main types to be mindful of as you consider how to limit your UV exposure. 

Lower-energy UVA rays are primarily associated with skin damage like wrinkles but can also contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Higher-energy UVB rays are the main source of sunburns and skin cancer.

UVC rays exist as well, but they have so much energy that sun-emitted UVC radiation reacts with ozone before it can even reach the ground, let alone your skin. This is why they don’t often surface in conversations about sun protection. However, it’s still possible to be exposed to these UV rays from artificial sources including lamps and lasers.

Myth: You don’t have to worry about UV radiation on cold or cloudy days

You may feel the sun less when temperatures drop, but UV protection is a year-round effort. The sun’s heat comes from infrared rays — another important form of electromagnetic energy — which don’t harm the skin. Lower temperatures might result in less infrared radiation, but not less UV radiation, so any change in the sun’s output on colder days does not affect your risk for sunburn or skin damage. In fact, winter brings an additional risk for UV radiation exposure, as bright snow reflects UV rays, sending them back in your direction.

Meanwhile, cloudy days also require vigilant UV protection. Though it’s true that UV levels are highest on clear, cloudless days, these rays can still make their way to the ground even under gloomy weather.

Myth: UV radiation only damages fair skin

It’s true that skin tone is a factor in your risk for skin cancer, and people with light, fair skin generally face the highest risk. However, skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender, or ethnicity, and the relationship between melanin — the pigment that produces different skin tones — and UV radiation is nuanced.

Darker skin has higher amounts of melanin than lighter skin. Since melanin blocks a certain amount of UV rays, a person with darker skin is less likely to get sunburned. At the same time, having more melanin does not make a person immune to the harmful effects of UV radiation, which can increase the risk of skin cancer without causing a sunburn.

Myth: Regular sunscreen usage causes vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium, is essential for strong bone health. It can also boost immunity and support a healthy nervous system. Sunlight is a primary source of vitamin D production, along with vitamin D-rich foods such as trout, salmon, egg yolks, and vitamin-D fortified milk and cereal, and nutritional supplements.

While more sunshine may increase vitamin D production, UV protection doesn’t equal vitamin D deficiency. With other options for consuming this important nutrient, you can practice sun safety and get those vitamins in.

Myth: High-SPF sunscreen alone will protect your skin from UV rays

That number on every bottle of sunscreen is often misunderstood. SPF, which stands for sun protection factor, is a measure of UV exposure rather than the duration of protection. An SPF number indicates how much UV radiation it would take to burn your skin when using that product as opposed to if you were not wearing any sunscreen.

A higher SPF does provide more protection than lower ones, in terms of the percentage of UV rays you are exposed to. What it won’t do is protect your skin for a longer duration of time, and simply applying an SPF 50 sunscreen or higher does not make you immune to the risks of sun exposure. Other factors affect how much a sunscreen protects you, including when you’re out in the sun — solar energy fluctuates throughout the day, and an hour of UV exposure at 9 am equals 15 minutes at 1 pm — and skin type.

In fact, the false sense of security offered by a higher number can sometimes lead to a sunburn: because of the confusion surrounding sunscreen and SPF numbers, many people spend longer time outdoors when wearing a higher SPF. It’s recommended to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside and again every two hours, or right after swimming.

One other consideration to be mindful of: standard sunscreen products — including some high SPF options — only protect you from UVB rays. To prevent the skin damage and premature aging caused by UVA rays, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which offers protection against both types of UV radiation.

Myth: UV ray protection is limited to skincare

Skin isn’t the only organ harmed by UV rays — high exposure can also increase your risk of eye health issues, including cataracts, eye cancers, non-cancerous growths, and snow blindness. Sunglasses are a great defense, but be sure to purchase a pair that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, general sun safety practices like wearing a hat, carefully planning your outdoor time, and avoiding tanning beds will protect your eyes as well as your skin.

It takes a strategy bigger than sunscreen to protect yourself from UV radiation. Here’s what the experts recommend.

Apply sunscreen every day, regardless of temperature or weather conditions. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. (Don’t forget to reapply every two hours no matter the SPF!)

Supplement sunscreen with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and sun protective-clothing like long-sleeved shirts with light fabrics. Also, some clothing offers even more effective sun protection — look for options with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) number.

Seek shade and try to stay out of direct sunlight between 10 am to 2 pm, when UV radiation peaks.

Opt for self-tanning products over tanning beds — when it comes to skin health, artificial UV radiation is no less harmful than the sun’s rays.

Be especially vigilant with both skin and eye protection when you’re near reflective surfaces like water, snow, and sand.

Delivering sun protection right to your doorstep

Get sun protection right from your Alto account! Purchase over-the-counter products including sunscreen from our Essentials Store at any time, or add them to your next prescription delivery.  

Summer may be a time to take it easy, but that doesn’t mean letting health and fitness goals slip by the wayside. Not only is the year’s halfway point an opportunity to recommit to your wellness — and perhaps check in with those New Year’s resolutions — there are seasonal health considerations to account for as temperatures rise and you spend more time outside. We’ve rounded up our top summer wellness tips to help you stay safe and healthy amidst the beach days, BBQs, and road trips.

Five Ways to Stay Healthy This Summer

Many of us are familiar with the discomfort of a sunburn after a long summer day outdoors. While the pain and redness are short-lasting, prolonged sun exposure may cause long-term damage to the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer.

Limiting your exposure to UV rays is the most impactful way to protect your skin. Here are several steps you can take.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher every day — up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. If you’re going to spend a lot of time outdoors, opt for an SPF of 30 or higher.

Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible between 10 am to 4 pm daylight savings time (9 am to 3 pm standard time), when UV radiation peaks.

Check the UV Index here for a daily forecast of local UV radiation strength on a scale of 0 to 11. Extra precautions against UV rays are recommended when the index is a three or higher.

Wear protective clothing like long-sleeve shirts and wide-brimmed hats.

Hydration is paramount during summer months, as hot, humid weather decreases the amount of fluid in your body. To prevent dehydration-related issues like heat injury, consume plenty of fluids and take extra precautions during extreme heat or strenuous exercise.

A glass of water isn’t your only option for staying hydrated — consuming water-rich foods like cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon, and other fruits and veggies will also increase your daily water intake.

If you take medication, ask your pharmacist if it can affect your body’s ability to cool itself, in which case you may need to double up those hydration efforts.

Regular physical activity is part of practicing a heart-healthy lifestyle, not to mention its numerous other benefits like better quality of sleep, good bone and digestive health, and reduced stress. 

Most health experts suggest aiming for 150 minutes each week. If you find it challenging to reach this target, you’re not alone: according to the New York Times, less than 5% of all US adults complete this weekly minimum. When it comes to exercise, there’s a big correlation between consistency and enjoyment, and one of the biggest barriers to starting and maintaining a routine is finding the right fitness activities for you.

Summer brings many new exercise options to explore, from hiking and mountain biking to transitioning from treadmill to trail. Whatever your preferred outdoor workout may be, let those warm, sunny days get you moving.

As you explore your outdoor exercise options, have a backup workout plan in place in case temperatures soar. Extreme heat is more than a discomfort, it’s a legitimate health risk to stay mindful of.

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body cannot regulate its temperature after exposure to intense heat. While everyone should avoid extremely high temperatures, some individuals are more susceptible to these reactions, including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with heart disease or poor circulation.

There is a spectrum of severity of heat illness. Heat exhaustion is less severe than heat stroke, which requires urgent medical attention. Symptoms of heat exhaustion to watch for include:

If you experience these symptoms, move to a cool, shaded location, rest, and drink cold water or sports drinks. Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or don’t improve within an hour.

Heat exhaustion may precede heat stroke, which affects the nervous system. Indicators that someone is experiencing heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion include disorientation or confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. A person with heat stroke requires emergency medical care. While waiting for medical services, they should remain in a cool, shaded area and try to lower their body temperature with cold cloths or water.

Fortunately, the skin protection tips above can prevent heat illness, too — a sunburn makes it more difficult for your body to stay cool. Staying hydrated and wearing loose, lightweight clothing also help.

5. Manage your medication while traveling - we can help!

During summer travel season, make sure you have everything you need to manage your health while away from home. Here are several quick tips from our guide on medication management while traveling.

If traveling internationally, research your destination’s medication laws. Many medications that are legal in the U.S. aren’t allowed in other countries, including some over-the-counter treatments. Some countries also require you to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your provider.

Always pack important medications in your carry-on when traveling by plane. Note that while there are medical exceptions to TSA limits on liquids, gels, and creams, you should allow for a longer screening process when traveling with these items.

Confirm the temperature your medications should be stored at and take it into account when packing. For example, if you take insulin, you can use an insulated medication bag to hold it at an appropriate temperature while traveling.

Want more tips for managing your health while traveling? We have additional resources tailored to specific health considerations:

A Guide to Traveling During Fertility Treatment

Last but not least: be sure you have enough medication for your whole trip. Need a refill before it’s covered by insurance? No problem! We’ve streamlined the steps to request a vacation override so that you can get your medication in a pinch.

Transfer your prescriptions to Alto for a better pharmacy experience, including support with insurance and savings opportunities and same-day delivery.

Every year, June marks Men’s Health Month, a reminder of the importance of prevention and healthy lifestyle habits. This June, take a minute to recommit to your health — or encourage the men in your life to do so! To help you start, we’ve rounded up several of the top health risks for men, along with key preventative steps. Read more!

How to Honor Men’s Health Month | Alto Pharmacy

Every year, June marks Men’s Health Month, a reminder of the importance of prevention and healthy lifestyle habits. U.S. men have a shorter life expectancy than women and are less likely to go to the doctor. Many leading men’s health issues are preventable, and even small actions can have a big impact.

This June, take a minute to recommit to your health — or encourage the men in your life to do so! To help you start, we’ve rounded up several of the top health risks for men, along with key preventative steps.

And if you haven’t been to the doctor in a while, you’re far from alone, so try not to feel discouraged. The important thing is to move forward on healthier footing — there’s no time like the present to make some positive changes.

Heart disease is one of the most prevalent health issues in the country and a leading preventable cause of death for U.S. men. The condition develops gradually as plaque accumulates in the arteries, hardening these important blood vessels and impairing blood flow to the heart.

The good news? Many common heart disease risk factors are manageable, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, and smoking. The first step to better heart health is to understand your personal risk factors. And that starts with — you guessed it — making that doctor’s appointment and staying up to date with screenings.

Your provider can advise you on the recommended frequency of key screenings based on your health history. In general, without accounting for other health factors, blood pressure screening is typically recommended at least once every 3 to 5 years for those under 39 and at least once a year for those 40 and older. Similarly, the CDC recommends cholesterol screenings at least once every 4 to 6 years as a baseline, but more frequent screenings may be necessary for those with additional heart health risks, like diabetes or obesity.

For more on heart-healthy living and heart disease prevention, read How to Prevent Heart Disease at Any Age.

While cancer mortality rates continue to decline among U.S. men, it remains a leading cause of death. Below are some of the most common cancers in men. In nearly all cases, early detection can allow for the most effective treatment approach and vastly improve prognosis, which is another reason to prioritize your health and build a relationship with a trusted provider.

Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. men. Your chances of developing it increase with age, and the majority of men with prostate cancer are over the age of 65. Other key risk factors include:

Race/ethnicity: Black men are more likely to both develop prostate cancer and to face more aggressive forms of it than men of other races.

Family history: Having an immediate relative who has had prostate cancer more than doubles your risk of developing it. The risk is higher if your relatives had it at a younger age.

With early detection, the survival rate of prostate cancer is high, so learn your risk and make informed decisions about screening. The American Cancer Society recommends discussing prostate cancer screening options with your provider at age 50 if you have an average risk and at age 45 if you have a high risk.

Colorectal cancer, which starts in the colon or rectum, is a common cancer in both men and women and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Screening is recommended for all adults from ages 45 to 75. There are a variety of screening options, including stool tests and several types of colonoscopies. Speak with your provider about your options and the recommended frequency of screenings based on your personal and family health history. 

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in U.S. men and the leading cause of cancer deaths in the country. Delayed diagnoses factor heavily into the high mortality rate — the five-year survival rate is about 60% when the disease is confined to one lung, but the majority of cases are diagnosed after it has spread to both lungs or other organs.

Lung cancer screening is recommended for anyone with a high risk, including individuals with a history of heavy smoking who are between the ages of 50-80.

While smoking contributes to the majority of lung cancer cases, there are additional risk factors to be mindful of, such as exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, or other carcinogens.

Men are both more likely to develop melanoma — the most serious type of skin cancer — and more likely to die from it than women. Fortunately, there are many ways to limit your exposure to UV rays and lower your risk of skin cancer.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day you spend outside. If you plan to be in the sun for long stretches of time, opt for an SPF of 30 or higher. Make sure you’re using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Additionally, check your skin regularly for potential issues. If you see anything new, changing, or unusual, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. Here are common signs of skin cancer to watch for:

A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, transparent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored

A mole, birthmark, or brown spot that increases in size or thickness, changes color or texture, or is bigger than a pencil eraser

A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, or bleed

An open sore that does not heal within three weeks

Even if you don’t see any new or unusual skin growths, be sure to visit the dermatologist at least once a year as part of your preventative care. 

As you prioritize your overall wellness, remember to account for your mental health, too. It’s estimated that more than 6 million men in the U.S. experience depression. While the condition affects all genders, men are less likely than women to acknowledge symptoms and seek treatment.

Mental health disorders like depression are medical conditions. Not only is there no shame in getting the support you need to feel your best, it takes strength to speak openly with a provider about your mental health.

Here are some common symptoms of depression to watch for: 

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

Feelings of low self-worth, guilt, or hopelessness

If you are having thoughts of suicide, need emotional support, or are concerned for a loved one, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Take charge of your health and wellness all year round

To live your healthiest life, take an active role in your well-being year round, not just during Men’s Health Month. That means learning more about your risk for men’s top health issues, staying up to date with recommended screenings, and prioritizing healthy lifestyle choices. Most men’s health issues are preventable or treatable, but staying proactive is key.

At Alto, a pharmacist is your partner in health. Our team of patient care pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up. Reach out any time via in-app messaging.

This June, take a minute to recommit to your health — or encourage the men in your life to do so! To help you start, we’ve rounded up several of the top health risks for men, along with key preventative steps. Read more!

How to Honor Men’s Health Month

Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) typically include injectable medications. If you’re anxious about self-administering your injections, you’re not alone. Nerves are common, especially the first few times.

Knowing what to expect often makes the process easier to navigate. To help you feel confident in following your treatment plan, we’ve compiled important information about the two types of injections commonly used during a cycle: subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. Here’s what to know.

The Difference Between Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injections During IVF

Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) typically include injectable medications. If you’re anxious about self-administering your injections, you’re not alone. Nerves are common, especially the first few times.

Knowing what to expect often makes the process easier to navigate. To help you feel confident in following your treatment plan, we’ve compiled important information about the two types of injections commonly used during a cycle: subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. Here’s what to know.

The majority of fertility medications are administered as subcutaneous injections. In this technique, a medication is injected into a layer of tissue between your skin and muscle.

Subcutaneous injections differ from intramuscular injections in several key ways:

Injection site: The most common subcutaneous injection site for fertility medication is in the lower abdomen, at least one to two inches away from your navel. The front of your thigh is another potential option. In both cases, the medication can be easily injected into the fatty tissue beneath the skin without the risk of being injected into the muscle.

Injection supplies: The needle used for subcutaneous injections is shorter and thinner than the one used for an intramuscular injection. Needle thickness ranges from 27 gauge to 31 gauge. (Thickness is inversely related to the size of the gauge, so a smaller gauge corresponds to a thicker needle and a larger gauge corresponds to a thinner needle.) The length can range from 0.3” to 0.5”.

In addition to fertility medications, these medications are also administered as subcutaneous injections:

How to administer a subcutaneous injection

1. Clean the injection site with an alcohol pad and allow the area to air dry.

2. Use your non-dominant hand to grasp a one to two-inch fold of skin between your thumb and index finger at the injection site.

3. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand like a pencil, and insert the entire length of the needle into the pinched skin at a 90-degree angle. You can insert the needle at a 45-degree angle if you have less fat on your body.

4. Push on the plunger in a slow and steady motion until all of the medication is injected. When done, release the pinched skin and gently withdraw the needle.

5. Discard the used needle and syringe into your sharps container.

You may see a small drop of liquid come out of the injection site. This is normal and not cause for concern. You can wipe it with gauze or a tissue if necessary.

Your fertility medication protocol may include intramuscular injections, which deliver a medication into your muscle. This technique is also commonly used for many vaccines.

Progesterone, a “transfer medication” that supports successful embryo implantation in IVF, is a good example of a fertility medication commonly administered as an intramuscular injection, though there are other progesterone formulations that can be used vaginally or orally.

Intramuscular injections differ from subcutaneous injections in several key ways:

Injection site: In this technique, a medication is injected deep into a muscle. The upper, outer part of the buttocks is the most common intramuscular injection site for fertility medications. (This can be difficult to reach when self-injecting — we have tips below to help!)

Injection supplies: The needle used for intramuscular injections is longer and thicker than the one used for a subcutaneous injection. Needle thickness ranges from 18 gauge to 25 gauge. (Thickness is inversely related to the size of the gauge, so a smaller gauge corresponds to a thicker needle and a larger gauge corresponds to a thinner needle.) The length can range from 1” to 2” depending on your body mass index (BMI).

In addition to fertility medications and vaccines, these medications are also administered as intramuscular injections:

Some hormones, including testosterone and contraceptive hormones

How to administer an intramuscular injection

2. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand between your thumb and fingers, as if you were holding a pen.

3. Firmly stretch the skin at the injection site with your thumb and index finger on your non-dominant hand.

4. Insert the entire length of the needle into the stretched skin at a 90-degree angle with one swift motion, similar to a dart.

5. Stabilize the syringe with your free hand and pull back slightly on the plunger. If you see blood return, do not inject the medication and withdraw the needle. Remove the needle and change to a new one. Repeat the injection process at another injection site.

6. If there is no blood return, the needle is inserted properly and you can slowly inject the medication.

7. Push on the plunger in a slow and steady motion until all of the medication is injected. When done, quickly withdraw the needle and dispose of the used needle and syringe into the sharps container.

8. Apply pressure to the injection site with gauze or a tissue. You may see some light bleeding.

9. Gently massage the skin afterwards to reduce discomfort and help your body absorb the medication.

Injection site reactions are one of the most common side effects during IVF, and you should expect to experience some soreness, redness, or bruising at the site of injection. This reaction will typically resolve itself within a few days.

If you are self-administering an intramuscular injection, ice the skin beforehand to keep soreness and bruising to a minimum. Massaging the area afterwards can help reduce soreness. For medications injected daily, such as progesterone, using a light heating pad after the injection can also alleviate discomfort.

Icing is not necessary for subcutaneous injections.

Intramuscular injections are typically administered in the upper, outer part of the buttocks. Since this can be difficult to reach, consider asking for assistance from your partner, a friend, or a family member. If you need to self-inject, try standing in front of a mirror for a better view of the injection site. You can also ask a nurse or another clinic staff member to circle the injection site on your body so that you can find it more easily.

With both injection techniques, it is best practice to rotate the injection site.

Want personalized injection guides at your fingertips?

Alto is more than just a pharmacy — we’re a partner in your fertility journey, and we offer a variety of resources to ensure that you’re never alone in navigating treatment.

In our injection guide videos, experienced pharmacists from our fertility team walk you through the entire process, from preparation to proper injection technique and safe sharps disposal. And you won’t have to sift through dozens of videos: as an Alto customer, you have your own unique playlist in the app, with videos for your specific medications.

Interested in learning more about how Alto can support your treatment? Request a price quote online or reach out through in-app messaging.

With the discovery of antibiotics in the 1920s, once fatal illnesses including bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and strep throat became curable. These life-saving medications remain in wide use today, treating severe infections or reducing the severity of symptoms.  

It’s very important to take antibiotics as prescribed. Like many powerful treatments, they have both benefits and risks. Improper or unnecessary use can cause avoidable side effects or make an antibiotic ineffective over the long term.

Read on to learn more about antibiotics and how to take them safely. 

How Do Antibiotics Work?

With the discovery of antibiotics in the 1920s, once fatal illnesses including bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and strep throat became curable. These life-saving medications remain in wide use today, treating severe infections or reducing the severity of symptoms.  

It’s very important to take antibiotics as prescribed. Like many powerful treatments, they have both benefits and risks. Improper or unnecessary use can cause avoidable side effects or make an antibiotic ineffective over the long term.

Read on to learn more about antibiotics and how to take them safely. 

Antibiotics help your body fight a bacterial infection. Some completely kill the bacteria that caused the infection while others slow the bacteria’s growth. They are primarily derived from bacteria and fungi.

The age of antibiotics began with the Scottish physician Alexander Fleming’s accidental discovery of penicillin in 1928. Upon returning to his lab after a vacation, he observed that the emergence of mold appeared to inhibit the growth of staphylococcus, the bacteria that causes staph infections.

That mold was the origin of penicillin, the first type of antibiotic used in medicine. It became available for treatment in 1942, ushering in a new era of public health.

Antibiotics may be taken orally, as a tablet, capsule, or liquid; topically, as a cream or ointment; or intravenously. The majority are only available with prescription, but some topical antibiotics are available over the counter.

Most antibiotics are taken for 7-14 days. They begin to work immediately, but it typically takes at least several days before their benefits are experienced. The specific timing varies by antibiotic.

While antibiotics are a powerful treatment for bacterial infections, they are not appropriate for all illnesses. Overuse of antibiotics has become a growing concern in recent decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about one-third of all antibiotic use in the U.S. is unnecessary.

Antibiotics are only effective against infections caused by bacteria. This includes many ear infections, strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and some sinus infections.

They are not effective against viral infections, including:

All cases of a sore throat except strep throat

The symptoms of viruses and bacterial infections frequently overlap. Receiving an accurate diagnosis is important for reducing antibiotic overuse. Your healthcare provider can identify the cause of your illness and recommend appropriate treatment.

Examples of commonly prescribed antibiotics

There are more than 100 antibiotics currently available to treat bacterial infections. Here’s an overview of the most commonly prescribed antibiotic classes, as well as potential side effects and medication interactions.

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