Ozempic comes as a pre-filled pen injector that needs to be used once weekly. This makes it a long-acting option in its drug class, compared to other medications that need to be administered once or twice a day.
Injecting ozempic is a straightforward process that can be done with minimal discomfort. Your doctor can help you learn how to use the injection pen correctly.
Stomach
The stomach is an important part of the digestive system, containing a thin mucous-membrane lining and many small gastric glands that secrete enzymes and hydrochloric acid to partially digest proteins and fats. The stomach can expand and contract, forming numerous folds (rugae), depending on how much food it contains.
The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, simulates a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which controls blood sugar. It is used in combination with diet and exercise to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their sugar levels.
Besides managing blood sugar, it also reduces appetite and promotes weight loss. It works best when used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Ozempic is injected into the skin (subcutaneously) in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Choosing different sites each time you inject it can help prevent injection site reactions and keep your skin healthy.
Thigh
The thigh is an excellent choice for injecting Ozempic, because it’s a convenient and painless injection site. It’s also the most common site for people who need insulin because it’s easier to access than the stomach or upper arm.
But before you inject, make sure that the area where you’re going to inject is clean and dry. Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands, then dry them with a clean towel or paper towel.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for where and when you should inject. You can also choose to stick with the same injection site each time or rotate through different areas.
The three best injection sites for Ozempic are your abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. However, you may want to use a different site each week to avoid irritation or bruising in the area.
Upper Arm
Ozempic is a medication that’s injected under the skin into fatty tissue. It’s prescribed to help you lose weight and manage your blood sugar. You can inject it into the stomach, thigh or upper arm.
It’s also used to lower certain risks in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease. It’s usually injected once per week, on the same day each week.
Each time you inject, make sure you’ve primped your pen and used a new needle. You can check the flow of the medicine by turning your dose selector until you see a “flow check” symbol (two dots).
After injecting, keep the needle in your skin for six seconds before removing it. This will ensure that you get the full dose.
After a dose, remove the needle and place it in an FDA-cleared sharps container. A household container that’s made of heavy-duty plastic, can be closed with a tight-fitting lid and is leak-resistant is a good choice. Label the container to warn of hazardous waste inside.
Back
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable drug used to manage blood sugar levels and lower HbA1c. It is injected into your stomach, thigh or upper arm (subcutaneously).
Your doctor may ask you to rotate injection sites every week. This can help reduce injection site reactions by letting your body adjust to the new area each time.
You should only inject ozempic into areas of your body where the skin is healthy, unbroken and free from damage or scarring. You should also avoid injecting it into a muscle or vein, as these locations can lead to a greater risk of injury.
Before you start injecting ozempic, read the full manufacturer’s instructions for use. You should always follow these guidelines to ensure you get the most out of your medication.