How to Inject Semaglutide
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
In the world of medical weight loss, semaglutide has emerged as a game-changer. But to enjoy the benefits of this medication, you must administer it properly. Whether you’re new to using semaglutide or seeking to refine your technique, this article will break down the process of injecting semaglutide so you can administer the drug safely and effectively.
How to Inject Semaglutide for Weight Loss Step By Step
1. Preparation
- Start by washing your hands and gathering your supplies.
- Remove the seal on the top of the vial and disinfect the top of the vile using one of the alcohol wipes.
- Remove the cap and pull back plunger to the required dose marked on the syringe, filling the syringe with air.
2. Drawing the Medication
- Your dosage will be indicated on the vile.
- Holding the syringe like a pen, inject the needle into the middle of the rubber stopper.
- Push the air into the vial.
- Turn the vial and syringe upside down and Pul plunger back just a little past the required dose. Then, push the excess back into the vial until you hit the mark of the required dose.
- remove the needle from the vial and pointing the needle up, flick the syringe to remove air bubbles.
3. Inject Your Semaglutide or Terzepitide
- Disinfect the site with alcohol wipes and let it dry for a few seconds.
- Pinch the injection site to create a firm surface.
- At a 45 degree angle, insert the needle into the skin between the index finger and thumb. With a slow, yet constant pressure, push the plunger until you’ve fully injected the medication.
- Gently pull the syringe out.
- Safely dispose of the syringe.
Things to Avoid When Injecting Semaglutide
When using semaglutide for weight loss, it’s crucial to follow best practices to ensure the drug’s effectiveness and minimize potential side effects. Here are some key things to avoid:
- Repeatedly Injecting into the Same Site: To reduce the risk of tissue damage and irritation,4 rotate injection sites between your abdomen, thigh, and upper arms.
- Ignoring Hygiene Practices: Always wash your hands before handling the injection, and ensure the injection site and the needle are clean to avoid infection.
- Skipping or Doubling Doses: Be sure to adhere to your prescribed dosage and injection schedule. If you miss a dose, don’t double the next one to “catch up.”
Where is the Best Place to Inject
The most common and accessible injection sites are the stomach area or the upper outer thigh. Semaglutide is typically administered through subcutaneous injection, meaning it’s injected into the fatty layer just beneath the skin. The most common and effective areas for semaglutide injections are parts of the body where this fatty layer is most accessible.
What Happens if You Inject Too Much Semaglutide?
Injecting too much semaglutide can lead to severe side effects. The symptoms of an overdose 5 include nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, rapid heart rate, and dizziness. In extreme cases, an overdose can also cause dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance due to excessive vomiting and diarrhea.
If you suspect you’ve overdosed on semaglutide, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away.
How Often Do You Inject Semaglutide?
When used for weight loss, the standard semaglutide dosing schedule calls for weekly subcutaneous injections 6. That said, be sure to consult your doctor to discuss your dosing schedule before using semaglutide for weight loss.
Should I Inject in the Morning or at Night?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer as to what time of day you should inject semaglutide for weight loss.
Injecting semaglutide in the morning could be advantageous for those who experience gastrointestinal side effects. Conversely, administering the medication at night might be preferable for individuals who observe minimal side effects or find that the drug helps mitigate their nighttime cravings.
Ultimately, it’s recommended you consult your doctor to determine what time you should inject semaglutide.
How Often Should You Rotate Injection Sites?
Rotating injection sites for semaglutide is crucial to ensuring the medication’s efficacy and minimizing your risk of tissue damage. It’s recommended you rotate sites with each dose 7, which means changing where you inject semaglutide each week.
Conclusion
Successfully losing weight with semaglutide involves more than just administering injections–it requires attention to detail and adherence to best practices. Remember–injection technique matters, as does the timing and location of your injections. Whether you’re just starting on your semaglutide journey or fine-tuning your approach, keep the aforementioned tips in mind to maximize the benefits of your treatment.
If you’re seeking to lose weight, the Sanctuary Wellness Institute can connect you with a weight loss doctor who can evaluate you for semaglutide. If they deem you eligible, we can deliver your medication directly to your home so you can administer it yourself. Better yet, the participants of our medical weight loss program enjoy ongoing physician supervision and support from our care team.
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How we reviewed this article:
- Mayo Clinic (2024). Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/semaglutide-subcutaneous-route/proper-use/drg-20406730 - Mayo Clinic (2024). Using your Ozempic pen
https://www.ozempic.com/how-to-take/ozempic-pen.html - Drugs.com (2023). Where and how should Ozempic be injected
https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/ozempic-injected-3544784/ - Catherine Crider (2023). Where Do You Inject Semaglutide
https://www.healthline.com/health/where-do-you-inject-semaglutide - Kaitlin Sullivan (2024). Ozempic, Wegovy Overdoses Have Drastically Increased—What Happens When You Take Too Much
https://www.health.com/ozempic-wegovy-overdose-8550146 - UCLA Health (2023). Semaglutide for weight loss – what you need to know
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/semaglutide-weight-loss-what-you-need-know - Cleveland Clinic (2024). Semaglutide Injection
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19011-semaglutide-injection
Current Version
April 17, 2024
Written By
John DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
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John DiBella is the co-founder and CEO at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute. His goal is to foster healthier lifestyles to improve individuals’ quality of life and health span through online medical and non-medical services. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping, surfing and sailing.