Tag: Injection complications

According to a 2022 review, severe systemic toxicity from lidocaine is a rare but serious complication, occurring in as few as 1 in 10,000 epidural procedures. When professionals administer a lidocaine injection improperly—such as injecting it directly into a blood vessel—the drug enters the bloodstream, potentially leading to a life-threatening condition called Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST).

Medication errors at home, which include incorrect self-administration, can occur at rates between 2% and 23% [1.4.1]. Learning **how do you know if you did a bad injection** is crucial for identifying complications early and seeking appropriate medical care when necessary.

Millions of injections are administered daily, but not all are without risk. Accidentally hitting a blood vessel is a rare but serious concern. So, **what will happen if my injection hits the blood vessel?** The consequences vary based on the medication and vessel type.

According to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, localized injection site reactions are a very common side effect after receiving an injection. It is often normal to get a hard lump after an injection due to temporary tissue inflammation and irritation.

Globally, medication-related harm affects about 1 in 20 patients [1.4.1]. Improper injection techniques significantly contribute to these risks, raising the question: what happens if an injection is not given properly? The consequences can range from temporary discomfort to severe, long-term health problems.

Approximately 64% of people with diabetes will develop lipohypertrophy, a common complication from repeated injections, at some point in their life [1.4.3]. Understanding **what are the most common complications of subcutaneous injections** is the first step toward prevention and safe medication administration.

Subcutaneous injections are a common method for administering medications like insulin or heparin into the fatty tissue beneath the skin. However, improper technique is a leading cause of injection site reactions and other complications. Knowing what happens if you give a subcutaneous injection wrong is crucial for patient safety and effective medication delivery.

While intentional subcutaneous or intramuscular injections are common, accidental intravenous injections due to a 'missed hit' are also a concern, with over half of people who self-inject reporting they have missed a vein [1.12.1]. So, what happens if a needle hits your vein accidentally?

According to a study published on PubMed, intramuscular injection errors can lead to serious complications, including nerve injury and muscle contractures. This makes it essential for both practitioners and patients to recognize the signs of a improperly administered shot, answering the critical question: **how do you know if you did an intramuscular injection wrong?**

Studies show a significant percentage of intramuscular (IM) injections, especially in overweight individuals, may inadvertently end up in fat tissue [1.2.1]. So, **what happens if an IM injection goes into fat?** This error can alter medication effectiveness and cause local tissue reactions [1.2.1, 1.4.5].