GLP-1 injection basics

Most GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, come in prefilled pens that you inject under your skin. Some GLP-1s like Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Foundayo, also come in the form of pills.

There are three main areas where you can inject GLP-1s:

the front or outer thigh
the back or side of the upper arm
the abdomen, at least 2 inches away in any direction from the belly button

What to know: There is no single best place to inject GLP-1s. As long as you inject it correctly into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, the drug should have the same effect.

Prefilled pens can contain either multiple or single doses of a GLP-1, depending on the brand you use.

Typically, prefilled pens have a hidden needle, and the needle size is 32 gauge, which is considered “very thin.”

How to inject yourself

Gather your supplies, including the medication, an alcohol swab, a cotton pad, and a sharps disposal container.
Check that the medication is clear and colorless, and that the expiration date hasn’t passed.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean the injection site with the alcohol swab.
Settle into a place where you feel relaxed.

Pinch a fold of skin at your chosen injection site to create a raised area.
If you are injecting a multidose pen, you will twist on a needle to the end of the pre-filled pen. Be sure to use a new needle with each dose.
Inject the medication.
If you are using a single-dose pen, hold the base at a 90-degree angle to the skin and press the button. This injects the medication automatically.

Gently remove the needle at the same angle at which you inserted it.
If you see a little blood, don’t worry — this is common. You can wipe it away with a cotton pad.
If the injection site is feeling sore, consider using a cool compress to reduce any pain or swelling.
Dispose of the pen in a sharps container that follows Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.

Learn more about injection sites by drug

Zepbound

Ozempic

Mounjaro

When and how often to inject

You will inject your GLP-1 dose once per week. You can inject the drug at whatever time of day works best for you, without regard to meals.

You may be able to safely change your weekly injection day for most GLP-1 medications, including those for type 2 diabetes.

Important: You must have 48 to 72 hours (depending on the brand) between doses to avoid side effects and significant blood sugar changes. Ask a doctor about this rule for your drug.

Missing a dose

If you miss a dose of a drug containing semaglutide, you should take it within 5 days of the scheduled dose. If more than 5 days have passed since the missed dose, skip it and resume the regular schedule.

If you miss a dose of a drug containing tirzepatide, you should take it within 4 days of the scheduled dose. If more than 4 days have passed since the last dose, skip it and resume the regular schedule.

»Go to topic:Dosage and safety

Injection site reactions

It can be common to experience a mild and temporary reaction at the injection site when taking GLP-1 medications. It can result in the following symptoms:

swelling
pain
skin discoloration
a rash

Try applying a cool compress or ice pack to the area to help reduce irritation or swelling.

Safety note: You should seek immediate medical support if the site reaction is spreading or if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis. These include dizziness, confusion, heart palpitations, sweating, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

“To help reduce the risk of injection site reactions, rotate injection sites weekly (lower stomach, upper arm, or front upper thigh). To reduce irritation, avoid injecting into irritated or scarred skin and let the injection pen reach room temperature before use. Using proper technique and not rubbing the area afterward can also help minimize redness or swelling.”
Alex Nguyen, PharmD, RPh, CPh

When and how often to take a GLP-1 pill

You will take oral GLP-1 tablets once per day.

Instructions by drug

Take your tablet whole. Do not split, crush, or chew your tablet.

Healthcare professionals typically recommend taking your tablet:

as soon as you wake up in the morning
on an empty stomach
at least 30 minutes before eating or taking other medications
with 4 ounces of water

Taking Wegovy or Rybelsus with more water, other liquids, or food will affect how your body absorbs the medication, making it less effective.

If you take other medications in the morning that require an empty stomach, you’ll want to discuss this with a doctor.

Handling and travel with GLP-1s

There are specific ways to handle GLP-1s to make sure they work effectively, are cleared for travel, and disposed of safely.

Tips for handling GLP-1s

Injectables

Keep pens in your carry-on to avoid the extreme temperatures and pressure changes of the flight.
Use an insulated travel case with a cooling gel pack for long flights or road trips.
Do not place your injectable GLP-1 pens next to an ice pack, as it may freeze the drug.

Pills

Store your GLP-1 pills in the original packaging at room temperature to protect them from moisture during travel.
Do not transfer them to a pill organizer.

Safe storage checklist:

Did you confirm how many days your medication can be kept at room temperature without refrigeration?
Are you adding a barrier between your GLP-1 injectable medication and your ice pack while traveling? (like a towel or fabric)
Is your medication in your carry-on or personal item?

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