Semaglutide is a medication used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes and to support long-term weight management. It mimics a natural hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. Administered via subcutaneous injection into the fatty tissue beneath the skin, understanding the correct self-administration method is important for safe and effective use. This guide provides practical information on how to give yourself a semaglutide shot.
Selecting the Optimal Injection Site
Choosing the appropriate location for a semaglutide injection is important for medication absorption and to minimize discomfort. Recommended subcutaneous injection areas include the abdomen, the front of the thigh, and the upper arm. These sites have a subcutaneous fat layer, allowing for efficient, slow, and consistent medication absorption.
Rotate injection sites within these areas each week. This practice helps prevent issues like lipodystrophy (abnormal fat accumulation or atrophy) and reduces skin irritation or bruising. For abdominal injections, select a spot at least two inches away from the belly button. When injecting into the thigh, choose the front and avoid the inner thigh. If using the upper arm, select a fleshy area on the back or side, ensuring you can see the pen window. Always avoid injecting into skin that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or has scars or stretch marks.
Administering the Semaglutide Shot
Proper preparation and technique are necessary for administering a semaglutide injection to ensure correct dosing and hygiene. First, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent contamination. Before each use, inspect the semaglutide pen to ensure the liquid is clear and colorless; do not use it if cloudy, discolored, or containing particles. If using a pen, attach a new, sterile needle for each injection.
Next, clean the chosen injection site with an alcohol swab, wiping the area for about 15 seconds in a circular motion. Allow the skin to air dry completely before proceeding, as this reduces infection risk. If desired, gently pinch a section of skin at the injection site to create a firm surface for needle insertion. Hold the pen straight against your skin at a 90-degree angle.
Insert the needle all the way into the skin. To start, firmly press the dose button on the pen. Continue pressing the pen firmly against your skin for the entire injection, which takes several seconds, until the dose counter reaches zero or the yellow bar in the pen window stops moving. Once complete, slowly lift the pen away from your skin. Do not rub the injection site immediately after removing the needle, as this can affect medication absorption or cause irritation.
Safe Storage and Disposal Practices
Proper storage of semaglutide maintains its effectiveness and ensures safety. Unopened pens should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until their expiration date. Once opened or used, a pen can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature (59°F to 86°F / 15°C to 30°C) for a specified period, often up to 56 days. Always keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect the medication from light.
Protect semaglutide from excessive heat and direct sunlight; never freeze it. Discard medication if it has been frozen. After the specified duration (e.g., 56 days), discard the pen even if medication remains. Dispose of used needles and pens safely in a sharps container to prevent accidental needle sticks and injury. Never reuse needles or share pens, as this risks infection. Keep all medication and injection supplies out of reach of children and pets.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While self-administering semaglutide is straightforward, know when to contact a healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe rash or itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a rapid heartbeat, or fainting. These symptoms require urgent care.
Contact your doctor for persistent injection site reactions like unresolved redness, swelling, or pain. Also, discuss with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about the medication’s effectiveness or are not observing expected changes in blood sugar or weight. If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible within five days. If more than five days have passed, skip the dose and resume your regular schedule; never double doses. This information is general guidance and does not replace personalized advice from your healthcare team.