How to Use Ozempic Pen: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The Ozempic pen contains semaglutide, a prescription drug that can effectively help manage type 2 diabetes in adults. It has recently become popular in the UK for off-label use in weight management. Most users are amazed at how they lose weight because of this medication. Some who are new to this medication are wondering how they can use the pen properly. In this article, we will discuss every step you need to know on how to inject Ozempic.

 

Ozempic Pen: What is it?

The Ozempic pen is filled with a medication called semaglutide. It is typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes treatment and used off-label for managing weight loss. It is a weekly injectable that consists of different doses (e.g., 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg). The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg for 4 weeks and will increase gradually. The maximum dose is 2 mg. The increase in dose depends on your doctor’s prescription and your body’s reaction as well.

 

How Does It Work?

Our gut creates a natural hormone called GLP-1 receptor agonist every time we eat. This hormone is responsible for helping the pancreas to produce more insulin when our blood sugar spikes. It controls our liver to produce too much sugar and can make gastric emptying slow. Ozempic works by mimicking this hormone to help diabetes patients. Because of this effect, a patient with heart disease may avoid a stroke or heart attack. It can also reduce the risks of kidney failure.

People living with diabetes have a problem with that system, so Ozempic helps the body to:

• Enhanced insulin release
• Reduced glucagon production
• Slows down gastric emptying
• Regulate appetite

These effects of the drugs are the reason for a controlled blood sugar level and continuous weight loss. Living a good lifestyle will make Ozempic more effective.

 

The Ozempic pen’s significance in weight loss

Ozempic was initially manufactured and approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Most users lose weight while using Ozempic because of the drug’s effect on the brain to reduce hunger. They find it effective, so as of today, most doctors prescribe it off-label to treat obese or overweight patients.

Most people like the Ozempic pen due to the following reasons:

• Comfortable to use
• Hassle-free weekly injection
• Accurate and adjustable dosing
• Controls hunger

 

Ozempic Pen Preparation

Always check your pen before using it. The pen should be in good condition. No cracks, no damage, and not tampered with.

• Make sure the pen you are using is named Ozempic.
• Check the medicines’ expiration. An expired medicine is ineffective..
• The medication should be clear, not cloudy.

In case your pen is expired or damaged, do not use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a replacement.

 

Get All the Needed Materials

Have all the materials you need in one place. This will help you do the process comfortably.

What you need to do:

• An unused Ozempic pen should be stored in the refrigerator. Once you have used it, place it at room temperature.
• Use fresh needles every week.
• Sanitise the injection area.
• Properly discard the used needles using a sharps container for disposal.
• Get tissue ready for possible bleeding.

 

Make Your Hands and Surroundings Clean

To prevent the risks of infection, do not do the process in a dirty place with unwashed hands.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Dry your hands with a clean cloth.
• Put all your materials in a clean box or tray.
• For a first-time user, make sure the area is well-lit.

Preparing everything you need allows for a comfortable and safe procedure. If everything is ready and you are ready to self-inject as well, you may now begin the process of attaching the needle and priming the pen.

 

Guidelines on How to Use Ozempic Pen: Step-by-step

Attaching a New Needle

• Put on the new needle and just pull off the paper tab.
• Push the needle onto the pen and twist it on tight
• Pull off the outer cap and the inner cap.
• Set aside the outer cap and dispose of the inner cap.

The outer cap will then be used afterwards.

Remember to use a new needle after each injection. Also, you shouldn’t share needles or pens with others or reuse the needles because of the risks of serious infections.

 

 

Flow Checking

You need to check the flow if you are using a new pen.

What you need to do:

• Turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol.
• Press and hold in the dose button until the dose counter shows 0.
• The zero must be lined up in the dose pointer.
• Press the dose button.
• A drop of Ozempic will appear at the needle tip.
• Try again if a drop does not appear.

 

In case there are still no drops that appear, use a new pen and tell your doctor or pharmacist about it.

Setting the Correct Dose

• Turn the dose selector so that the dose you have been prescribed (e.g., 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg) is in the dose window.
• Check if the marker matches the dose.

Your pen must be empty if it does not give you your full dose.

 

Choosing the Site of Injection

For safety and effective absorption of the medication, you must administer Ozempic under your skin.

Recommended location:

• Thigh
• Abdomen (at least 2 inches away from the belly button)
• Upper arms (You will need a mirror or someone to help you)

In order to prevent having skin irritations or lumps, change your location once a week.

 

Administering the injection

• Choose your preferred area of injection.
• Sanitised using cotton balls with alcohol.
• Pinch your skin if needed.
• Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
• Press the button as you inject the drug and wait until the 0 appears on the counter dose.
• Count 1 to 10 before removing the needle to ensure full delivery of the dose.

Injection’s Aftercare

• Put mild pressure using a tissue when there’s bleeding.
• Avoid massaging the area.
• Use a sharps container to dispose of your used needles.
• Put the pen cap back.
• Place your pen at room temperature.

Keep away from the sun and do not refrigerate your used pen.

 

Tips for Using Ozempic Pen Effectively

Maintaining a Routine

• Choose the same weekly injection schedule that fits for you.
• Remind yourself weekly by setting your phone or Google calendar.
• Prepare a journal where you can write your weekly injection as well as your body’s reaction.

 

Store the Ozempic Pen Properly

• You need to keep the pen in the fridge (2°C to 8°C) before first use.
• After first use, store at room temperature not exceeding 30°C up to 56 days.
• Keep away from sunlight or heat. Do not refrigerate after use.

 

Disposing of Used Needles Safely

• Used an individualised sharps container.
• Do not dispose of needles in your household rubbish.
• Follow the Uk government instruction on how to dispose your used needles properly.

 

FAQs

• What are the things to consider as a first-time Ozempic user?

First time to inject an Ozempic pen? You have to learn first the process, from checking the pen itself and its filler. You need to be sure that the pen is in good condition, as well as the medication inside the pen. You can check the label for the complete instructions, or you may ask your doctor or pharmacist for a sample demo.

• Inspect the pen carefully for cracks or damage.
• Check the medication, and it should be clear.
• Attached a new needle.
• Prime the pen (for first-time use).
• Set the prescribed dose
• Select your injection site (abdomen, upper arm, thigh)
• Place the injection at a 90-degree angle.
• Inject under your skin and count 1 to 10 before removing the needle.
• Use a sharps container when discarding the used needles.

Do not use the injection if the pen is not in good condition. Have them replaced by your doctor or your pharmacist.

• Missed Dose: What should I do?

You can still do your injection within 5 days. In case of failure to take the dose for more than 5 days, omit that particular dose and take the next dose according to your regular schedule.

• When should I know that my Ozempic pen is empty?

Your Ozempic pen might already be empty if you can not set a dose or if the counter is not changing. Always check the dose counter before every injection.

• Should I reuse my Ozempic pen needle?

No, as much as possible, you have to avoid using the needle again on your next injection because it may carry the risk of infection. Using the needle many times can also make it blunt, which may cause a painful experience.

• What are the best locations to inject Ozempic?

The most recommended parts for the Ozempic injection are those with a lot of fatty tissue layer. These are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm because they allow a safe and proper absorption. Do not let the injection target your muscles or veins for your safety.