Reviewed by Dr. Chad Gilliam PA
Reading time: four minutes.
Semaglutide is a groundbreaking medication used for weight management and blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and adults managing body weight.
If your healthcare provider has prescribed semaglutide for your treatment plan, this blog will walk you through the proper administration of semaglutide injections.
Key Takeaway
To inject semaglutide for weight loss, follow these simple steps: Use a clean syringe, disinfect the rubber stopper of the vial with an alcohol swab, and draw up the prescribed dose. Pinch a fold of skin in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and inject the medication at a 45- or 90-degree angle into the “fatty tissue”. Dispose of the needle in a sharps container.
What Is Semaglutide, and Is It Safe?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 FDA-approved medication for managing blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of heart disease, and helping with weight-related health markers.
This injectable form of medication is considered safe when taken as prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.
Follow the medication guide and instructions to avoid common side effects like nausea, abdominal pain, or injection site reactions.
Preparing Your Semaglutide Shots
1. Receive and Store Your Medication
- Your semaglutide medication will arrive via overnight shipment in a package containing injectable supplies, including disposable needles, alcohol wipes, a sharps container, and semaglutide vials.
- Immediately store the medication in the refrigerator. Discolored medications or vials not kept cool lose their efficacy.
2. Organize Your Supplies
Gather the following on a clean surface:
- Semaglutide vials
- Alcohol swabs
- Disposable needles
- Sharps container
- Clean tissue or towel
3. Check the Prescription Details
Your healthcare professional will provide a prescribed dosage and frequency of injections. Make sure to verify your dose of semaglutide and confirm the correct dosage.
How to Inject Semaglutide
Step 1: Choose the Injection Site
Semaglutide injections are administered as subcutaneous injections into subcutaneous tissue.
Injection sites include:
- Lower abdomen (at least 2 inches away from the belly button)
- Thighs (front or outer area)
- The upper arm (back of the arm)
Tip: Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation or scar tissue buildup. Avoid areas with bruises, cuts, or stretch marks.
Step 2: Prepare the Vial and Syringe
- Clean the rubber stopper on the vial with an alcohol swab.
- Attach a disposable needle to your syringe or injection pen. Remove the outer needle cap carefully.
Step 3: Draw the Prescribed Dose
- Using the dose selector on your syringe, draw the exact prescribed dose.
- Remove any air bubbles by lightly tapping the syringe and pushing the plunger until they disappear.
Step 4: Clean the Injection Site
- Use an alcohol wipe to disinfect the chosen site.
- Allow the site to dry completely to prevent irritation.
Step 5: Administer the Semaglutide Injection
- Pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and index finger.
- Insert the needle into the subcutaneous tissue at a 45-degree or 90-degree angle, depending on the injection pen instructions.
- Push the plunger or dose button steadily until the medication is fully administered.
Step 6: Dispose of Used Supplies
- Place the used needle and syringe in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container.
- Never throw sharps into regular trash to avoid accidental needlesticks.
After the Injection
Place the vial or pen back in the refrigerator. Ensure that you label opened vials with the date, as they must be used within 30 days.
Follow the frequency of injections as prescribed. Regular injections ensure consistent blood sugar control and effective weight loss.
Monitor for Potential Side Effects
- Common side effects include nausea, blurred vision, and injection site reactions.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe adverse effects such as shortness of breath, slurred speech, or signs of allergic reactions.
Take Control of Your Weight with Semaglutide in Madison, AL
Along with a balanced diet and guidance from a healthcare professional, semaglutide can help improve weight management, blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart attack or cardiovascular events.If you would like to learn more about semaglutide for weight loss at our wellness clinic in Madison, call (256) 248-9524 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 844 Slaughter Rd Suite A, Madison, AL.
