Ozempic is a medication that helps improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing how much insulin your body produces, which lowers the amount of glucose in your bloodstream.
It can be injected under the skin of your thigh or stomach. However, the body absorbs it slightly differently when injected into the thigh compared to when injected in the stomach.
Injection site
When you inject Ozempic, it should be under the skin (subcutaneously). Don’t inject into a muscle or vein. It should also not be injected into damaged, swollen, or scarred skin. This may affect how well your body absorbs the drug and cause side effects.
When taking Ozempic, you should use a new needle each time you inject it. Using a used needle can make it harder for you to get the right dose and can lead to serious infections.
You should also follow all the instructions on your pen. These include priming your new pen, using a new needle each time, and correctly administering the dose. This can help you keep track of your dose and prevent errors.
The best place to inject Ozempic is under the skin on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It’s important to change your injection sites each week, so that you don’t develop lipohypertrophy, a lump of fat under your skin.
If you’re unsure where to inject Ozempic, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can answer your questions and help you choose the best injection site for you.
Injecting into a healthy area of your skin can help the medication absorb better and cause less pain. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin, such as those with rashes or eczema.
You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to clean the area where you inject Ozempic. It’s a good idea to rinse the area with water and soap. If you have trouble finding a clean, dry area, you can use hand sanitizer or wipe it down with a paper towel.
It’s also important to keep your dose of Ozempic the same each week. Taking it too close together or too far apart can affect how the drug works in your body and may lead to side effects. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and on your next regularly scheduled day.
Preparation
Ozempic, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is a medication prescribed to help patients who are overweight and have diabetes lose weight. It helps the pancreas produce enough insulin when blood sugar is high and delays the release of stomach contents, allowing people to feel fuller.
The medication is injected into the skin, which allows it to be absorbed slowly into the body and stay active for longer periods of time. The most common sites for injection are the abdomen, upper arm and thigh.
Before you inject, make sure that the area is free of lotion, oil or powder. Also, check that the area is not bruised, tender or red. If it is, swab it with an alcohol swab to get rid of any residue before you inject the medicine.
When you are ready to inject, use a new needle that came with your pen. If the needle is not a disposable one, prepare it for disposal by twisting off the cap and placing it in a sharps container that is FDA-cleared to hold medications like injections.
Once you have a clean, dry and sterile needle, turn the dial on your pen to the dose that your doctor prescribed. You may have to turn the dial a few times before it reaches the proper milligram (mg) amount. You can also back off a few clicks if you accidentally turn it too far.
After you inject, you should wait for about five seconds before removing the needle. This will ensure that the needle is not pulled out too quickly, preventing you from getting the entire dose of Ozempic.
If you have any questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance. They will be able to answer your questions and provide you with information about how to use Ozempic safely.
Ozempic should be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature until you are ready to use it. Keep it out of reach of children and away from pets.