How to self-inject semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) subcutaneously: prep, choosing and rotating a site, inserting at 90 degrees. 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
Identify which semaglutide pen you have
Semaglutide is prescribed as Ozempic (a multi-dose pen with a dose selector) or Wegovy (a single-dose hidden-needle pen). Read the label and follow the procedure for your device. The steps below describe the multi-dose pen.
Pro tipAlways check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection. - 2
Attach a new needle and prime
On a multi-dose pen, screw on a fresh needle, remove both caps, and do the flow check on a new pen until a drop appears, as the Instructions for Use describe.
Pro tipAlways check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection. - 3
Dial the prescribed dose
Turn the dose selector until your prescribed dose shows in the window, and confirm the number before continuing.
Pro tipAlways check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection. - 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 tipAlways check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection. - 5
Insert and deliver the dose
Insert at a 90-degree angle, press and hold the 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 tipAlways check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection. - 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 tipAlways 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
- 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 semaglutide Important Safety Information.
- A site that becomes progressively red, warm, or swollen over 24 to 48 hours, possible infection.
Frequently asked questions
Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic and Wegovy?+
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy (and in the oral tablet Rybelsus, which is not injected). Ozempic is a multi-dose pen with a dose selector, and Wegovy is a single-dose hidden-needle pen. The injection technique follows each device's own Instructions for Use.
How do I inject semaglutide step by step?+
On a multi-dose pen: attach a needle, prime a new pen, dial the dose, clean a rotated site, insert at 90 degrees, hold until the window shows 0 and keep holding for the specified count, then withdraw and dispose of the needle. See how to inject Ozempic and where to inject Wegovy for the device-specific guides.
Where do I inject semaglutide?+
The Novo Nordisk Instructions for Use names the abdomen, front of the thigh, and upper arm (upper arm caregiver-only). Rotate the site each week, staying at least 2 inches (5 cm) from the navel.
What needle size do I use for semaglutide?+
For most adults, 32 gauge by 4 mm is the right default. See the pen needle size guide and the best pen needles for GLP-1 comparison.
Sources
- Novo Nordisk. Ozempic (semaglutide) Instructions for Use.
- Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) Instructions for Use.
- FDA. Drugs@FDA, semaglutide labeling (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus).
- Frid AH et al. 2016. New Insulin Delivery Recommendations. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 91(9):1231-1255.
- FDA. Best Way to Get Rid of Used Needles and Other Sharps.
