Where should a patient self-administer desmopressin subcutaneously?

Self-administration of desmopressin subcutaneously is ideally performed in the abdomen. The abdomen is a preferred site for subcutaneous injections for several reasons. It has a large surface area, allowing for effective absorption of the medication. Additionally, the subcutaneous fat layer in the abdomen is typically thicker compared to other areas, which helps in the proper delivery of the medication without the risk of hitting muscle tissue that can occur in sites like the ventrogluteal, forearm, or deltoid.

The abdomen is also generally less sensitive to injections, making it more comfortable for patients to self-administer their medication. Furthermore, gradually rotating the injection sites within the abdominal area can prevent tissue irritation and improve the patient's experience with self-administration.