Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. In some cases, it can also aid in weight management. It works by mimicking a natural hormone, GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar, slows digestion, and can reduce appetite. Administering this medication involves a weekly injection, and understanding the correct technique is important for effective treatment. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for self-administering an Ozempic injection, focusing on the stomach area.
Preparing for Your Ozempic Injection
Before administering an Ozempic injection, gather all necessary supplies. You will need your Ozempic pen, a new disposable pen needle, an alcohol swab, and an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Begin by thoroughly washing and drying your hands with soap and water to maintain hygiene.
Inspect your Ozempic pen. Confirm it is the correct medication and dosage prescribed. The medication inside should appear clear and colorless; do not use it if it looks cloudy, discolored, or contains particles. Verify the expiration date and ensure the pen is free of cracks or damage. If refrigerated, allow it to warm to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before injection to reduce discomfort.
Attach a new, sterile needle to the pen for each injection. Remove the paper tab, push it onto the pen, and turn until tight. Pull off both the outer and inner needle caps. For a new pen, “prime” it by turning the dose selector to the flow-check symbol and pressing the dose button until a drop appears at the needle tip. This ensures the pen is ready and helps remove any trapped air.
The stomach (abdomen) is a common injection site due to its accessibility and ample subcutaneous fat. When injecting into the abdomen, choose a spot at least two inches away from your belly button. Rotate your injection site each week, either within different areas of the abdomen or by alternating with other approved sites like the thigh or upper arm. This rotation helps prevent skin irritation, lumps, or hardened tissue, which could affect medication absorption.
Administering the Ozempic Shot in Your Stomach
Once your pen is prepared and you have selected an injection site, clean the area with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry completely. This reduces the risk of infection. Dial the dose selector on your pen until the dose counter shows your prescribed dose.
To ensure the medication is delivered into the fatty tissue, gently pinch a fold of skin at the cleaned injection site. Insert the needle straight into this pinched skin fold at a 90-degree angle. After the needle is inserted, position the pen so you can clearly see the dose counter.
Press and hold the dose button firmly until the dose counter returns to “0”. Continue holding the button and keep the needle inserted for a slow count of six seconds. This ensures the full dose is delivered into the subcutaneous tissue and prevents leakage. Removing the needle too quickly may cause medication to leak, indicating an incomplete dose. After counting, release the button and carefully withdraw the needle straight out.
Post-Injection Care and Disposal
After injection, carefully remove the needle from the pen. Immediately dispose of the used needle into an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Never dispose of needles in household trash or recycling bins. If a sharps container is unavailable, a heavy-duty plastic household container with a tight-fitting lid, like an empty laundry detergent bottle, can serve as a temporary alternative.
Store your Ozempic pen to maintain effectiveness. Unused pens should be kept refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until their expiration date. Once opened, a pen can be stored for up to 56 days either refrigerated or at room temperature (59°F to 86°F / 15°C to 30°C). Keep the pen cap on when not in use and protect the medication from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Do not freeze Ozempic, and do not use it if frozen.
Minor reactions at the injection site, such as small amounts of bleeding, bruising, redness, or itching, are common and usually resolve on their own. Avoid rubbing the injection area. Rotating injection sites each week helps minimize these reactions.
Key Safety Information and Troubleshooting
A consistent injection schedule helps manage type 2 diabetes with Ozempic. If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible, provided it is within five days of the regularly scheduled dose. If more than five days have passed, skip that dose and resume the regular weekly schedule on the next scheduled day. Never take two doses within 48 hours to make up for a missed dose.
Small air bubbles in the Ozempic pen are not a concern. If larger bubbles are present, priming the pen before first use can help remove them. If liquid leaks from the injection site after administering the dose, it may indicate the needle was removed too quickly. Holding the dose button down and keeping the needle in for six seconds helps prevent leakage.
Never share your Ozempic pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed, as this carries a risk of serious infection. Contact a healthcare professional if you experience severe pain, signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash). Also, reach out to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have persistent injection site issues, concerns about the injection process, or bothersome side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.