More and more people are using semaglutide treatment to reach their weight loss goals. It’s a popular alternative to more expensive branded options like Wegovy and Ozempic, and it works in exactly the same way. A once-weekly semaglutide injection can boost your weight loss results, but you have to inject it using the proper technique to reduce discomfort and make sure you take the complete dose every time. Our experts have put together this step-by-step guide to help you become confident in taking regular injections at home. 

How does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide is a type of drug known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the action of a natural hormone in your gut, glucagon-like peptide-1, which regulates your blood sugar levels. Taking semaglutide helps you control food cravings, reduce your appetite and feel full for longer. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in popular weight loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic. 

Research shows semaglutide can help you lose 15% of your body weight, in combination with a healthy diet and physical activity. [1]

Where to inject semaglutide

You take a weekly dose of semaglutide via subcutaneous injection, which means you inject it into the fatty tissue just under your skin.

You should inject medication into your:

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

When to rotate injection sites

You should choose a different injection site every time you take a new dose of semaglutide. This reduces the risk of scar tissue or hard lumps developing under your skin, and minimises injection site reactions like redness, bruising or swelling. 

How to inject semaglutide

You take semaglutide once a week. It’s a good idea to take the injection at the same time, on the same day each week to create a routine and ensure you don’t miss your dose. Using the proper injection technique to take your semaglutide is important to minimise discomfort and ensure you receive the correct dose of medication. [1]

 Preparing your medication

1. Remove your medication from the refrigerator and lay all the items you need on a clean surface. This includes your medication pen, sharps bin and disposable needle.
2. Then, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and remove the pen cap.
3. Inspect your pen to make sure it isn’t expired or damaged and check that the medication is clear and colourless in the window of the pen. Do not use the medication if the pen is damaged or expired or if the solution is discoloured or cloudy. 
4. Select a new needle to use for your injection and inspect the paper tab and the outer needle cap for signs of damage. If you see any signs of damage, safely dispose of the needle in a sharps bin and select a new needle before continuing.
5. Tear off the paper tab from the bottom of the needle, push it onto the pen and twist until it’s secure. 
6. Remove both caps from the needle making sure to reserve the outer cap for later so that you can safely dispose of your medication. Be careful to not touch the needle itself at any point as this could lead to contamination.

Checking the flow of your pen

This step only needs to be completed before your first injection with a new pen.

1. Start by turning the dose selector until you see the flow check symbol in the window of the pen. Remember to make sure that the flow check symbol lines up with the dose pointer.
2. Then, with the needle pointing upwards, press the dose button until the dose counter shows ‘0’ and a small drop of medication appears at the tip of the needle. This means the needle is ready for use.
3. If a drop does not appear, you’ll need to check the flow again by completing the above steps. However, this process should only be done twice with the same needle. If there is still no drop you’ll need to change the needle and check the flow once more. Do not use the pen if a drop of Wegovy does not appear.

Choosing an injection site

When choosing an injection site remember to choose one where you can see the pen window and is easily accessible. Our MedExpress team also recommends rotating your injection sites each time you inject to reduce the possibility of injection site reactions.

1. Choose an injection site: upper arms, stomach or the front of your thighs. It doesn’t matter which site you choose — it’s entirely up to you.

Injecting your medication

1. Turn the dose selector until your prescribed dose lines up with the dose pointer.
2. Position the pen at the injection site you chose earlier, making sure not to cover the dose window with your hand. 
3. Insert the needle into your skin and inject the medication by holding down the dose knob while you count to 6. 
4. Make sure the  ‘0’ icon is visible in the dose window before removing the needle from the skin.
5. Remove the needle from your skin and if blood appears at the injection site, press on it lightly with a clean tissue without rubbing the area.

Disposing of your medication

1. Guide the used needle tip into the outer needle cap on a flat surface and once the needle is covered, carefully press the cap all the way on.
2. Then, carefully unscrew the needle, remove it from the pen, and dispose of it in your sharps bin.
3. Replace the pen cap on your pen after each use and store it safely in the refrigerator until your next dose.
4. Once you’ve taken all four doses from your pen, you can dispose of it in the sharps bin.

Need extra support? 

Our clinical team is here to help you through every stage of your treatment plan. If you have any questions about semaglutide injections, or any other type of GLP-1 medication, please reach out to us. 

Not started your weight loss journey yet? Learn more about weight loss medication here. 

References:

[1] GB -Wegovy PIL-Version 7 [Internet]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13799.pdf