How to inject semaglutide

When you start using semaglutide, whether for weight management or blood sugar control, it may take some time to get used to giving yourself shots. We spoke with Dr. Felix Gussone, MD to learn more about how to inject semaglutide.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in diabetes and weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic (FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes), and Wegovy and Saxenda (FDA-approved for weight loss).

No matter what brand name drug or injection pen you’re prescribed, semaglutide is always injected subcutaneously, which means just under the skin. The needles on the injection pens are so tiny that the injection won’t go deeper than the fat right underneath the skin. The three best injection sites for semaglutide are your belly, thigh, and upper arm. If you inject semaglutide into the skin on your belly, it is important to avoid your belly button and inject your dose at least 2 inches away from it. Do not inject in the same site each week to avoid irritating the skin.

Keep in mind that Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda injection pens work differently. Your healthcare provider will teach you about the specifics of the specific injection pen they prescribed, and each drug comes with clear instructions on how to use the injection pen. 

Here are some of the basics about injecting semaglutide, regardless of the pen you’re using:

• Always inject it under your skin’s surface, not into veins or muscles.

• The best injection sites are the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh.

• Don’t inject semaglutide into areas that are inflamed, red, or bruised.

• Don’t inject semaglutide into areas with scars.

If you’d like more guidance when it comes to injecting semaglutide, speak with your prescribing physician and ask them to help guide you through your first injection. 

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Current version

November 07, 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.