How to Administer Semaglutide: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Semaglutide, the active component in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist typically administered through a once-weekly injection. This involves using a small needle to penetrate the top layer of the skin. Once you understand the process of injecting semaglutide, you’ll find it relatively simple and almost painless.
Injecting semaglutide may seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Feeling nervous is entirely normal. However, with clear guidance, you can feel more ready and self-assured.
Let’s provide you with a detailed breakdown of the procedure. Continue reading to discover how to safely and comfortably administer semaglutide at home.
This guide has been reviewed by Dr. Craig Primack, a specialist in obesity medicine and the Senior Vice President of Weight Loss at Hims & Hers.
Where to Inject Semaglutide
When it comes to injection sites for semaglutide, you can choose from the abdomen, front of the thigh, or upper arm. It’s advisable to rotate the injection site each week to prevent bruising and reduce the risk of infection.
Semaglutide Injection Instructions: Step-by-Step
Now that you know where to administer semaglutide, let’s go through the steps with Dr. Craig Primack.
1. Gather Supplies and Wash Your Hands
Ensure you have the following items ready:
– The vial of your prescribed medication
– A sterile syringe and needle (use a new needle for each injection)
– An alcohol swab or wipe
Wash your hands with soap and water and ensure your surroundings are clean.
2. Know Your Dose
Your healthcare provider will guide you on your semaglutide dosing regimen. Typically, individuals begin with a low introductory dose (0.25 milligrams) and gradually increase it as their bodies adapt to the medication. While the syringes are marked in units, your provider’s instructions will specify the number of units for each dose.
3. Prepare the Injection
This step may take some time initially but will become quicker with practice. Follow these steps:
– Remove the sterile cap from the medication vial and wipe the top with an alcohol swab.
– Remove the protective caps from the syringe and needle.
– Draw air into the syringe by pulling back the plunger to the prescribed dose volume.
– Pierce the vial’s top with the needle and push the air into the vial to break the vacuum seal.
– Invert the vial and syringe, withdraw the correct semaglutide dose.
– Remove the needle, check for air bubbles, and adjust if necessary.
4. Insert the Medication
Your injection…
Here are the revised instructions for injecting semaglutide:
When you are ready to proceed, ensure that you do not touch the needle or allow it to make contact with any other surface. Injection should be done directly into bare skin, without any clothing obstruction.
To inject your semaglutide medication, follow these steps:
1. Optionally, pinch a section of skin at the chosen injection site to make it easier to insert the needle.
2. Hold the syringe between your index and middle finger, with your thumb on the plunger.
3. Position the needle at a 90-degree angle to your body, then carefully insert it all the way into your skin.
4. Slowly push the plunger down until all the medication has been injected.
5. Once done, gently remove the needle from your skin.
Discard the used needle in a secure container such as a sharps container, empty laundry detergent canister, or food container. Do not attempt to put the cap back on the syringe. Store the medication vial in the refrigerator for future use.
Regarding injection site rotation, alternate between different areas like the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm to prevent discomfort or skin changes. Inject your semaglutide once a week at a consistent time for better absorption and steady blood sugar levels.
If you miss a dose, take it within five days of the missed dose. For any allergic reactions or unusual side effects, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Dispose of the vial after 28 days from when it is first punctured, regardless of whether there is medication remaining. Common side effects of semaglutide may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Stomach discomfort
Constipation
Other potential side effects of semaglutide that are less common include:
– Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
– Redness or discomfort at the injection site
– Increased levels of amylase and lipase (enzymes that break down carbohydrates and fats)
– Gallstones
– Increased heart rate
– Fatigue
– Changes in taste perception
– Dizziness
Serious and rare side effects of semaglutide include:
– Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
– Complications of diabetic retinopathy
– Hypoglycemia when used with insulin secretagogues or insulin
– Acute kidney injury
– Hypersensitivity reactions
There is a black box warning regarding the potential for semaglutide to cause thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. It is uncertain whether this risk extends to humans. However, individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should avoid using semaglutide.
There is limited research on the safety of semaglutide for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. If you fall into one of these categories, it is important to inform your healthcare provider.
How long until semaglutide takes effect varies for each individual. According to Novo Nordisk, the concentration of semaglutide in the bloodstream typically stabilizes after four to five weeks of use. Changes in appetite may be noticed before this time frame.
In a clinical trial involving nearly 2,000 adults without diabetes who received weekly semaglutide injections, made dietary improvements, and increased physical activity, the following results were observed:
– On average, participants lost over four percent of their body weight after eight weeks.
– Those on the highest dose lost an average of 10.6 percent of their total body weight after 20 weeks.
– After 68 weeks, they had shed nearly 15 percent of their body weight.
Injecting semaglutide may initially seem intimidating, but with a clear step-by-step guide, you can confidently administer the medication yourself. Remember to rotate injection sites weekly, choosing from the stomach, upper arm, or thigh. When in doubt, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
