Ozempic is one of the most popular medications to help with weight loss. You inject it yourself at home, and it’s important you take it correctly to make sure you get the right dose. It’s equally important to rotate where you inject it to reduce discomfort and risk of scarring. Here’s our expert guide to where you should inject Ozempic.

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic contains semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This type of drug acts like a naturally occurring hormone in your body that:

• Regulates your blood sugar levels
• Reduces food cravings
• Slows gastric emptying, making you feel full for longer

Ozempic is typically prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes, but clinical trials have found it can aid weight loss. One study found that it can help people lose up to 7% of their body weight in 68 weeks. [1]

Where to inject Ozempic 

You take Ozempic as a weekly injection into your subcutaneous tissue — that’s the layer of fatty tissue just below your skin.

The best places to inject Ozempic are:

• Stomach — Stay at least two inches away from your belly button. Avoid scar tissue.
• Upper arm — Inject into the back of your arm. You may need someone to help you.
• Thigh — Choose a different area each dose.

If you’re self-injecting, make sure the site you choose is easily accessible and you can see the dose window. 

How often should you rotate injection sites?

You should choose a different injection site every time you take a dose of Ozempic. This is to minimise the risk of hard lumps developing under your skin. It also helps prevent injection site reactions, such as redness, bruising and swelling. If you experience an injection site reaction, a cold compress and antihistamines can help soothe irritation.  

How to inject Ozempic 

It’s important you use the proper technique to inject Ozempic to prevent discomfort and ensure you get the correct dose.

1. Check your pen to make sure it hasn’t expired and contains the correct medication. The medicine should be clear and colourless — if it’s cloudy or discoloured, don’t use it.
2. Wash your hands with hot water and soap to reduce the risk of infection. 
3. Choose your injection site: stomach, upper arm or thigh. Remember to choose a different place from your last dose. Wipe the area with an alcohol swab. 
4. Tear off the paper tab from your new needle. Push it straight onto the end of the pen and turn it until tightly attached. Pull off the outer needle shield and keep it to one side — you need it later. Remove the inner needle shield and throw it away. 
5. If you’ve used your pen before, go to step 6. If you’re starting a new pen, you need to check the flow before use. Twist the dose selector past the ‘0’ until the flow check symbol in the dose window lines up with the pointer. Holding the pen with the needle up, press and hold the dose button until you see the ‘0’. A drop of solution should appear at the needle tip. 
6. Turn the dose selector until you see the correct dose in the counter window.
7. Insert the needle into your skin and press the dose button until the dose counter shows a ‘0’. Slowly count to six, then remove the needle. If there’s any blood, use a cotton ball to apply gentle pressure.
8. Replace the outer needle shield and remove the needle from the pen. Carefully dispose of the used needle in a sharps container.

Not started your weight loss journey yet?

Ozempic should be prescribed by a healthcare professional who can review your medical history and monitor your treatment to make sure it’s the right medication for you.

Learn more about Ozempic and other weight loss medications here.

References 

1. Davies M, Færch L, Jeppesen OK, Pakseresht A, Pedersen SD, Perreault L, et al. Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet [Internet]. 2021 Mar;397(10278):971–84. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33667417/