How to Inject Ozempic: A Beginner’s Guide

Quick Guide

• The prescribed Ozempic only needs one weekly injection.
• You can either inject it into your abdomen, your thigh, or upper arm.
• Begin by washing your hands, and clean the area with an alcohol swab and air dry the area.
• Place used needles in a sharps container.
• Observe any side effects after injecting Ozempic.

 

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a type of drug called a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, is a prescription drug for type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar levels, and can help with weight loss by reducing appetite and helping you eat less.

Check out our guide to Understanding GLP-1 Receptor Agonists.

 

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic imitates the hormone your body already makes, the GLP-1. It can regulate blood sugar and decrease appetite. By copying it, Ozempic accomplishes more than aiding to keep blood sugar in check. It may also over time help you control your weight.

 

Storing your Ozempic pen

• Keep in a refrigerator for 2 to 8°C until ready to use for the first time.
• Once you open it, you can store it at room temperature for 6 weeks.
• Do not put it in the sun or in a freezer.

 

Checking your pen

• Make sure to always check the expiration date.
• Check the side window to see how much liquid is left.
• The liquid should be colourless and clear. If it looks cloudy, has particles in it or seems off, do not use it.

 

Where to inject Ozempic?

To make the injection a lot easier and less painful, choosing a good spot is essential before starting.

• Abdomen is the most common area, Inject somewhere minimum 5 cm away from your belly button.
• Thigh is a good option if you want to inject yourself while seated.
• You can choose the upper arm, but it is often easier if someone does it for you.

Tip: Rotate your injection area from one week to the next. This can cause lumps, or irritation, if injected in the same area.

Read more in our Semaglutide: A New Era in Weight Management article.

 

 

How to inject Ozempic: Step by step

And here is your easy guide to giving yourself a semaglutide injection.

• Wash your hands with soap and water already.
• Wipe the skin with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry.
• Change the needle, use a fresh one, every time. Remove both caps.
• Prime your pen if it is new to expel air bubbles.
• Turn the dose selector to select your dose.
• Gather a fold of skin at the selected area.
• You should insert the needle straight in (90° angle).
• Press the dose button until dose counter shows zero. Continue to hold it there for at least 6 seconds to ensure you receive the full dose.
• Withdraw the needle and discard it in a sharps container.

 

Managing common side effects

These are the common side effects:

• Mild nausea.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Redness and mild swelling on the injection site.

These mild reactions will improve as your body gets used to the medicine.

 

Monitoring for adverse reactions

Call your healthcare professional if you have:

• Stomach pain that does not go away
• non stop vomiting
• Symptoms of severe allergic reaction like swelling face, rashes and difficulty in breathing.

Please be sure to have the Safe Medication Practices on hand.

 

Tips for first time users

• Overcoming needle anxiety

It is ok to worry about needles. If it makes you anxious, take long deep breaths, or be around somebody you trust.

• Establishing a routine

Choose a certain day and a time each week. And checking it once in a while on your phone is also a lot easier to track your schedule.

• When to seek medical advise

If you are not sure about injecting Ozempic or you have any other questions about side effects, talk with your doctor.

 

FAQs

• How quickly does Ozempic work after injection?

Ozempic acts quite immediately after it is injected though, blood sugar and weight changes might take a few weeks.

• Is it ok to inject Ozempic in the same spot every time?

No, it is best to change injection spots weekly to prevent but at the same time ensure good absorption.

• What if I forget the prescribed dose of Ozempic injection?

Less than 5 days late, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it has been over 5 days, do not take it and just wait for your next one.

• Can the injection site impact how well Ozempic works?

No, but site rotation is critical to good skin care and avoiding skin problems.

• Can Ozempic be used with other medicines?

Ask your doctor if Ozempic can be taken in addition to other medications for drug interactions to be avoided.

 

Conclusion

Correct use of Ozempic is important according to the needs of our body and you need to use the proper dosage, and injecting it properly is very crucial for your diabetes management and effective weight control. Preparation, rotating where you inject and just following each step on this treatment will make you feel confident on these once a week injections.

The bottom line is, if you are looking for blood sugar control or lower your weight or both, Ozempic can certainly be an effective tool for reaching those goals when used appropriately. If you are interested in exploring broader treatment options, check out our guide to Weight Loss Injections and The Science Behind Appetite Suppressants.