Best semaglutide injection sites: How to inject Ozempic and Wegovy

Key Points

• Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite
• The best semaglutide injection sites are your belly, thighs, and back of your upper arms
• Rotating between different injection sites each week helps prevent skin irritation
• Following proper injection and needle disposal steps can help you take semaglutide safely

If you've been prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy, you might feel anxious about injecting yourself or worry if you’re injecting the drug in the right location.

Luckily, subcutaneous injections like Ozempic and Wegovy are relatively easy to learn, and with the right guidance, you may soon feel comfortable with the process.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide on semaglutide injection sites and how to inject the weight loss drug. If you are still hesitant after reading more about it, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for assistance.

What is semaglutide and how does it work?

Semaglutide is a lab-made version of a hormone called GLP-1 which your body makes naturally and helps control blood sugar and appetite.

Semaglutide tells your brain that you’re satisfied with less food and helps your body better manage blood sugar levels after meals.

Originally created to treat diabetes, doctors discovered it also causes significant weight loss because people simply feel full faster and eat less. 

The medication strengthens your body's natural ability to control blood sugar and appetite, making it effective for treating type 2 diabetes and weight loss.

Using the semaglutide injector pen: what to expect

Semaglutide is a subcutaneous injection, designed to be delivered under the skin.

Best sites to inject semaglutide

The recommended semaglutide injection sites are:

• Belly
• Thighs
• Backs of your upper arms

It is recommended that you rotate injection sites to minimize irritation, changes in skin, or discomfort.

One way to rotate injection sites is to:

• Rotate entire locations each week: For example, if you inject in your upper arm on week 1, consider trying your thigh on week 2, and the belly on week 3
• Change locations within the same region: If you choose to repeat an injection site, please ensure you do not use the exact location you’ve used before.

Why choose the belly, thigh, and upper arm?

Semaglutide is a subcutaneous injection, which means it is intended to be delivered under the skin. 

So, selecting injection sites with more fat, like the upper arms, belly, and thighs, helps you avoid injecting into muscles and veins. 

This is also designed for a slower and sustained release of the drug in your body, whereas, injecting in muscles (intramuscular) results in faster delivery of the medication.

How to inject semaglutide

To help you, here are step-by-step directions from Gia Eapen, MD, an experienced Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) physician.

Step 1: Gather your materials

Before you start, make sure you have:

• Sterile alcohol wipe
• Take the semaglutide pre-filled injector pen or vial out of the refrigerator

Step 2: Verify your dose

• Look at the medicine in your pen (or vial) and make sure it is colorless
• Verify that the semaglutide dose on the pen is as prescribed

Step 3: Prepare the injector

• Attach a new needle to the prefilled injector by pulling off the paper tab (leave the plastic white cap on)
• Turn the needle (with the cap on) on the pen until it is tight
• Now remove the outer and inner plastic caps
• For a new pen, check the flow: Turn the dose selector till you see the flow check symbol
• Click on the bottom of the pen and hold till the dose shows 0 mg (the number 0 has to line up with the dose pointer)
• When you see a little drop of the drug on the needle, you’ll know that the flow is ok
• Now, turn the dose selector until the dose you have been prescribed aligns with the dose pointer

👉 Remember to use a new needle for each time you inject.

Step 4: Inject the dose

• Wipe the injection site with the alcohol swap
• Make sure you can see the dose counter. Insert the needle into the skin (you can gently pinch a bit of your skin for a firmer grip, if you prefer)
• Press and hold the dose button till the dose counter shows 0

Step 5: Dispose needles carefully

• Dispose of the sharps (needles) carefully
• You can use an FDA-approved sharps container OR use a thick container with a lid (like an empty laundry detergent bottle) or a coffee can (or any container that will prevent the sharps from poking through it)
• Mark the container (so everyone in your home knows it contains needles)

What happens if your dose is too high?

It’s best to verify the dose of semaglutide before you inject it. However, mistakes happen.

What if you inject yourself twice in a day or week?

What if you use a higher dose than what’s prescribed for that week?

Eapen, MD advises, “If you take a higher dose than your prescribed one, please contact an emergency center immediately. Also, let your healthcare provider know.”

Get the best semaglutide diet plan for you, covered by your insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best place to inject semaglutide?

Aim to inject semaglutide in your abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. If injecting into your belly, stay at least two inches away from your belly button. On your upper arms, consider injecting into the back portion (the fatty area) to help you avoid muscles and veins.

Does it hurt to inject semaglutide?

The semaglutide needle is quite small and while it is a pinprick and may seem daunting at first, you may get used to it over time. To help you inject it properly, make sure you inject only into the fatty portions of your abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. Other things you could do is to let your semaglutide pen reach room temperature (since it’s stored in the refrigerator). If you are anxious about injecting the drug, try taking a few deep breaths to help you relax.

Can I inject semaglutide wrong?

Some mistakes to avoid when injecting semaglutide include not injecting it into the recommended sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms). Other errors may include not rotating injection sites, reusing the same needle, not verifying that the dose is as prescribed, not holding the dose button down until the dose counter shows zero.

What happens if I inject semaglutide close to my belly button?

Eaepen, MD says, “Generally, it is recommended that you inject away from your belly button because that area has less fat and you may risk hitting a nerve or muscle.”

What if I miss a semaglutide dose?

If you miss a semaglutide dose, it’s okay. It happens. If you’ve missed your scheduled Ozempic dose by a few hours or a few days (less than 5 days), take the shot as soon as you remember. Continue taking your next dose as scheduled. If it has been more than 5 days since you forgot your dose, skip it and just take your next dose as planned.

For Wegovy, if you miss a dose and your next dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled Wegovy dose is less than 2 days away, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Find a GLP-1 weight loss dietitian near you, covered by insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.