The invention relates to an injection device (1) comprising a support housing (2), an activation sleeve (9), a carpule (3) with a medicament (14) contained therein, a first drive assembly (4), a safety device (5), a needle arrangement (6), a needle guard element (7) and a second, releasable drive assembly (8), wherein the latter moves the needle guard element (7) from the non-active position to the position in which it covers a needle end (21) of a needle (20). Along most of its longitudinal extent between its distal end (11) and proximal end (12), the support housing (2) is surrounded by the activation sleeve (9), and, seen in axial section, the needle guard element (7), together with the second drive assembly (8) cooperating therewith, is arranged radially between the support housing (2) and the activation sleeve (9).
