How to use an Ozempic pen

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication that’s FDA-approved to help with blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. It can also promote substantial weight loss. We asked Dr. Felix Gussone, MD about how to inject Ozempic properly. 

Ozempic is self-injected weekly, on the same day each week. Your healthcare provider can show you how to use your Ozempic pen, but here’s the general breakdown of the steps you will take to administer your weekly dosage: 

1. Prepare your pen: First, take a look at the medicine in your pen. It should be clear and colorless. If you notice any cloudiness or change in color, do not use the pen. Next, attach a new needle to your pen and remove the outer and inner needle caps.

2. Prepare your dose: Use the dial at the far end of your pen so the prescribed dose lines up with the dose pointer. If it’s your first time using a new pen, you first need to check the flow of the pen using the flow check symbol on the dose selector.

3. Inject your dose: Pick an area on your body: either your belly, upper arm, or thigh. You can pick the same general area more than once but don’t inject in the exact same spot more than once. Clean a patch of skin where you will inject the medication using an alcohol pad. Then, put the Ozempic needle into your skin at the injection site and press the dose button until 0 mg lines up with the dose pointer. You may then hear or feel a click. With the needle still inserted in your skin and the button still pressed with your thumb, count for six seconds before removing the needle from your skin. 

4. Dispose of your needle: Remove the needle from the pen and throw it away in a sharps disposal container. Put the pen cap back on your pen. Until your next dose, you can store your pen at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

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Current version

October 03, 2023

Written by

Felix Gussone, MD

Fact checked by

Yael Cooperman, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro

Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.