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Injection Guide
The revolutionary once-weekly GLP-1 medication that helps your body feel full faster and longer, leading to significant weight loss while also protecting your heart—FDA approved and backed by some of the largest clinical trials in obesity medicine history.
Route
Subcutaneous
Sites
3 recommended
Frequency
Once weekly
Preparation
Pre-filled semaglutide pen (Ozempic or Wegovy)—no mixing required
Pen needles (usually provided or prescribed separately)
Alcohol swabs for injection site cleaning
Sharps container for safe needle disposal
Pro Tip
Prepare all supplies on a clean surface before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more sterile.
Mixing
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all supplies on a clean, flat surface.
Remove the plastic cap from the peptide vial and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Let it air dry.
Draw the appropriate amount of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Insert the needle into the vial at an angle, aiming at the inside wall of the vial. Slowly push the plunger to let the water trickle down the glass wall -- do NOT squirt directly onto the powder.
Once all water is added, gently swirl the vial in a slow circular motion. Never shake the vial, as this can damage the peptide bonds.
Continue swirling until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear. If particles remain, let the vial sit for a few minutes and swirl again.
Label the vial with the date of reconstitution, the peptide name, and the concentration (e.g. 250mcg per 0.1mL).
Example Calculation
Semaglutide comes in pre-filled, pre-measured pens. For Wegovy: Starter pens contain set doses (0.25mg, 0.5mg, etc.) that you select. For Ozempic: The pen dial lets you select your dose (0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, or 2mg). No calculations needed—the pen does the measuring for you.
Dose Calculation
Simply dial your prescribed dose on the pen. For example, if prescribed 0.5mg weekly, turn the dose selector to 0.5mg and inject. The pen window shows your selected dose. One pen typically contains multiple doses depending on your prescription.
Pro Tip
Always add the bacteriostatic water slowly, letting it run down the side of the vial. Never shake the vial -- swirl gently to avoid damaging the peptide.
Location
Site 01
Abdomen
Pinch the skin 2 inches from navel. Avoid the area directly around the belly button. Rotate between left and right sides.
Site 02
Outer Thigh
Middle third of the outer thigh. Keep at least 4 inches above the knee and below the hip. Alternate legs each injection.
Site 03
Upper Arm
Back or outer area of the upper arm. This site may require assistance from another person for proper technique.
Rotate between 3 sites to prevent tissue buildup and ensure consistent absorption.
Pro Tip
Rotate your injection sites with each dose to prevent lipohypertrophy (buildup of fatty tissue). Keep a simple log of where you last injected.
Step by Step
Remove pen cap and attach a new needle—never reuse needles
Clean injection site with alcohol swab and let it air dry
If using a new pen, prime it according to package instructions
Dial your prescribed dose on the pen
Pinch skin at injection site and insert needle straight in (90-degree angle)
Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter shows 0
Keep the button pressed and count slowly to 6 before removing needle
Remove needle, dispose in sharps container, and replace pen cap
Pro Tip
This peptide uses subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—quick, relatively painless, and can be self-administered at home. Inject at a 45-90 degree angle into pinched skin. Aspirate before injecting to ensure you haven't hit a blood vessel.
Timing
Optimal Timing
Best time
Choose any day of the week that works for your schedule and stick with it. Many people prefer Sunday or Monday to make it easy to remember. Take it at roughly the same time each week, though the exact hour doesn't matter much due to the long half-life.
With food?
Semaglutide injections can be taken with or without food—it doesn't affect absorption. However, because the medication slows stomach emptying, eating smaller meals will help reduce nausea. The oral version (Rybelsus) MUST be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water.
Stacking notes
Semaglutide is typically used as a standalone weight management therapy. If using with other diabetes medications, especially insulin or sulfonylureas, doses of those medications may need to be reduced to prevent low blood sugar. Always coordinate with your healthcare provider.
Sample Daily Schedule
Same day each week (e.g., every Sunday morning)
As prescribed (0.25mg to 2.4mg depending on phase) injection
Site: Rotate between abdomen, thigh, and arm weekly
Pick a day you'll remember. Many people choose a weekend day so they can rest if they experience nausea. The injection takes less than 30 seconds once you get the hang of it. If you miss a dose by less than 5 days, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 5 days late, skip that dose and take the next one on your regular day.
Dosing Tiers
Dose
0.25 mg
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
4 weeks
This starting dose is designed to let your body adjust to the medication and minimize nausea. You probably won't see much weight loss yet—that's normal. This phase is all about getting your GI system used to the medication.
Dose
0.5-1.0 mg
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
8+ weeks at each dose
After 4 weeks at 0.25mg, increase to 0.5mg. After another 4 weeks, move to 1.0mg. This gradual approach significantly reduces nausea and vomiting. Most people start seeing meaningful weight loss at the 0.5-1.0mg doses.
Dose
1.7-2.4 mg
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
Ongoing/maintenance
The 2.4mg dose (Wegovy) is the FDA-approved dose for chronic weight management. Continue increasing by 0.5mg increments every 4 weeks until reaching 2.4mg. This is where the most significant weight loss occurs—averaging 15% or more of body weight in trials.
Preservation
Before Mixing
Store new, unopened pens in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not freeze—freezing destroys the medication. Keep in original carton to protect from light. If needed, unopened pens can be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F/30°C) for up to 28 days before first use.
After Mixing
After first use, pens can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C). Use within 56 days of first injection. Always replace the pen cap after use to protect from light. Never store with needle attached.
Shelf Life After Mixing
56 days after first use
Signs of Degradation
Discard the vial immediately if you notice any of these:
Solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles (should be clear and colorless)
Pen has been frozen or exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C) for extended periods
Solution looks yellow or has changed color
Pen is damaged or the dose selector doesn't click properly
Important
When to Stop
Severe or persistent nausea and vomiting that prevents adequate nutrition despite dose adjustments
Signs of pancreatitis—severe abdominal pain radiating to the back
Allergic reaction—rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing
Signs of thyroid tumors—neck lump, hoarseness, trouble swallowing
Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (stop at least 2 months before conception)
Severe kidney problems or dehydration from GI symptoms
Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation
Semaglutide is a prescription medication that should only be started, adjusted, or stopped under medical supervision. This information is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Stopping suddenly is generally safe, but discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.
Clean Technique Checklist
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
Swab vial tops and injection site with alcohol and let dry
Never touch the needle tip or allow it to contact non-sterile surfaces
Use a new syringe and needle for each injection
Dispose of used sharps in a proper sharps container
Store reconstituted peptides according to the storage instructions above