Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection that treats type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar. It’s injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
Clinical trials showed that there’s no difference in medication absorption between the different injection sites. However, if you inject in the same area again and again, you’re at risk of developing lipohypertrophy—a lump of fat under the skin that can affect how your body absorbs the drug.
Stomach
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection used to treat type 2 diabetes and help people lose weight. It’s a popular medication, but you may have questions about how to use it or where to inject it.
Your stomach is a large, hollow organ that contains a thin lining with lots of tiny glands that make digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid and mucus. The walls of your stomach can expand or contract depending on the amount of food you eat.
The inner lining of your stomach, called the mucosa, has many folds. The stomach also has a layer of muscle called the muscularis externa that contracts and relaxes to break down food.
When you’re injecting Ozempic, it is best to choose an area of your skin that is thick and fatty, as these areas are better for receiving the medication under the skin. It’s also important to change your injection site every week or so, as if you inject into the same spot again and again, it can cause a lump of fat called lipohypertrophy under the skin.
Upper arm
Injecting ozempic into the upper arm can be an effective and safe way to treat diabetes. It’s also easier to inject than into the stomach and thigh. However, it’s important to change injection sites every week.
This is because if you continue to inject the same area of your body with ozempic, it can build up fat tissue underneath your skin. This is called lipohypertrophy and can affect how your body absorbs the medication.
If you use ozempic, it should be injected under the skin (subcutaneously). It shouldn’t be injected in the muscle or veins.
Using an alcohol swab, wipe the injection site clean before injecting. Then, place the needle in a sharps container and dispose of it right away. Never reuse the needle.
Thigh
When it comes to self-injection, the best spot for ozempic (semaglutide) is the front of your thigh. This is because your thigh has some fat, which will help the drug absorb better.
Ozempic is injected under the skin, and it should never be injected into a vein or muscle. It is a once-weekly injection for people with Type 2 diabetes.
To inject ozempic, use the pen that your doctor gave you. Insert the needle into a spot that is easy to reach, and dial the pen to the dose your doctor prescribed.
If the dose counter stops before you’ve reached your full dose, start over with a new pen. This will give you a clean dose each time.
Some people prefer to inject into the stomach area, while others find that it is easier and more comfortable to inject in their thigh or upper arm. However, it is important to rotate injection sites so you don’t inject into the same spot each time. This can increase your risk of hard lumps or fatty deposits developing.
Upper back
The upper back, also called the thoracic spine, is one of the most stable parts of your body. This means that discs in this area are less likely to suffer from damage and wear like those in your neck or lower back.
But that doesn’t mean it’s free of pain or discomfort. Upper back pain can cause problems that impact your everyday life and affect your quality of life.
Ozempic is a prescription medicine that helps improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s also used to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, in people with diabetes and known heart disease.
Ozempic is injected right under your skin (subcutaneously). It’s best if you inject it into healthy skin that has some fat in it. But if the injection site is damaged, it may not be able to absorb the drug properly.