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How to inject Ozempic

The full guide to self-injecting Ozempic (semaglutide) per the Novo Nordisk IFU: prep, site, dialing, injecting, and disposal. Not medical advice.

SL
Sara Lin
RN, BSN · Author
Medically reviewed by Dr. Maya Okafor
Last updated June 28, 2026
How to inject Ozempic

The full guide to self-injecting Ozempic (semaglutide) per the Novo Nordisk IFU: prep, site, dialing, injecting, and disposal. Not medical advice.

Pre-injection checklist

  • ✓Check the label: right medication, right dose, not expired.
  • ✓Inspect the solution. It must be clear and colorless. Do not use a pen with cloudy or discolored liquid or with particles.
  • ✓Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • ✓Let a refrigerated pen reach room temperature for a short while before use, a cold dose stings more.

Step-by-step guide

  1. 1

    Attach a new needle

    Peel the paper tab off a new pen needle and screw it straight onto the pen. Pull off the outer then the inner needle cap. Use a fresh needle for every injection.

    Pro tip
    Always check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection.
  2. 2

    Prime the pen (flow check)

    Turn the dose selector to the flow-check symbol in the Instructions for Use, hold the pen needle-up, and press the button until a drop appears. Do this on every new pen as described in the Novo Nordisk Instructions for Use.

    Pro tip
    Always check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection.
  3. 3

    Dial the prescribed dose

    Turn the dose selector until your prescribed dose shows in the dose window. Confirm the number before continuing.

    Pro tip
    Always check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection.
  4. 4

    Choose and clean a site

    Pick the abdomen, front of the thigh, or upper arm (upper arm caregiver-only), rotating from last week. Wipe with an alcohol pad and let it air-dry.

    Pro tip
    Always check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection.
  5. 5

    Insert and deliver the dose

    Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle. Press and hold the dose button until the window shows 0, then keep holding for the count of seconds the Instructions for Use specify so the full dose delivers.

    Pro tip
    Always check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection.
  6. 6

    Withdraw and dispose safely

    Pull the needle straight out, press gauze gently if there is bleeding, do not rub. Unscrew the needle and drop it straight into an FDA-cleared sharps container.

    Pro tip
    Always check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection.

After the injection

  • Record the site used so the next dose moves to a different area.
  • Store the pen per the Instructions for Use, with the pen cap on and no needle attached.

Common mistakes

Pulling the needle out too soon
FixKeep the button held and leave the needle in for the full count of seconds the Instructions for Use specify, or you may not deliver the whole dose.
Skipping the priming step on a new pen
FixDo the flow check on every new pen until a drop appears, as described in the Instructions for Use.
Reusing a needle
FixUse a fresh needle each time. Reused needles are dull, hurt more, and raise infection risk.
When to call a clinician
  • Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, or hives, signs of a serious allergic reaction, call emergency services.
  • Severe, persistent abdominal pain, pancreatitis is listed in the Ozempic Important Safety Information.
  • A site that becomes progressively red, warm, or swollen over 24 to 48 hours, possible infection.

Frequently asked questions

How do I inject Ozempic step by step?+

Attach a needle, prime a new pen until a drop appears, dial the prescribed dose, clean a rotated site, insert at a 90-degree angle, hold the button until the window shows 0 and keep holding for the count the Instructions for Use specify, then withdraw and dispose of the needle in a sharps container. The Novo Nordisk Instructions for Use describe each step.

How long do I hold the needle in after injecting?+

The Novo Nordisk Instructions for Use direct you to hold the dose button until the window shows 0, then keep the needle in the skin for a set number of seconds so the full dose delivers. Check the exact count in your pen's Instructions for Use.

Do I need to prime the Ozempic pen before every injection?+

You do the flow check (priming) on each new pen before its first use, until a drop appears. You do not repeat it for the following doses from the same pen unless the Instructions for Use say otherwise.

What needle size do I use for Ozempic?+

For most adults, 32 gauge by 4 mm is the right default. See the needle-size guide and the best pen needles for GLP-1 comparison.

Sources

  1. Novo Nordisk. Ozempic (semaglutide) Instructions for Use.
  2. Novo Nordisk. Ozempic (semaglutide) Prescribing Information.
  3. FDA. Drugs@FDA, Ozempic labeling.
  4. Frid AH et al. 2016. New Insulin Delivery Recommendations. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 91(9):1231-1255.
  5. FDA. Best Way to Get Rid of Used Needles and Other Sharps.

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