How to Inject Ozempic: The Right Way to Avoid Common Mistakes

Ever wonder about the famous medication the movie actors started using for weight loss?! Ozempic, yes I am sure you have heard of it!

Ozempic, generically known as semaglutide, is an injectable medication that is used in managing type 2 diabetes (only currently FDA approved for type 2) along with diet and exercise. Although, in my experience, even many type 1 diabetics (prescribed off label), who have started on this medication, have also seen great benefits from using it.

Ozempic has been shown to improve blood sugar, lower risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke, and may even help the user lose weight. 

It is very important for the prescribed user to use proper injection techniques for effectiveness and safety. In my experience, I have had several people prescribed Ozempic and never given the proper instructions. It has led to several wasted doses, over dosing, and failure to use as they became confused and gave up. 

Whether you’re a first-time Ozempic user or would like to improve technique or confirm you are using proper technique, this guide will walk you through step-by-step how to inject Ozempic.

What is Ozempic

Ozempic, or semaglutide helps in managing type 2 diabetes in a few different ways. It helps your pancreas produce more insulin when your glucose is high. It also helps to prevent the liver from making and moving too much glucose into the bloodstream. And it also slows down gastric emptying (food leaving the stomach) to enhance the feeling of fullness with less food.

The benefits usually seen for people using Ozempic are improved blood sugar control, feeling more satisfied and full with less food, and often people experience weight loss, which also helps with insulin sensitivity.   

It is very important to know the potential side effects of the medication and to be fully informed of the important safety information. Only use Ozempic as prescribed by your doctor.

Let's discuss how to inject Ozempic for diabetes management!

Preparing to Inject Ozempic

What do you need to get started?

• Ozempic pen

• Alcohol Swabs

• Pen needle (comes in Ozempic box)

• Dosing instructions

It is important to start off by checking the pen and confirming it is the correct medication and dose your doctor prescribed. Confirm the expiration date is within the correct timeframe and then inspect the cartridge and confirm clear and colorless  liquid and that nothing is broken on the pen. 

Tip: there is a leaflet in every box of Ozempic that has prescribing information with answers to many questions, instructions, side effects, and pictures to show what everything should look like.

How to choose an injection site.

Ozempic needs to be injected into subcutaneous tissue and the most common sites used are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The best sites to inject Ozempic are sites where you can “pinch an inch”. 

Also very important to rotate injection sites to avoid irritation and overuse. The alcohol swab is used to clean the site where you are going to inject. This is important to ensure a safe and sterile injection. It lowers the risk of injection site reactions and reduces skin contaminants. 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Inject Ozempic

Setting up the pen

• After inspecting the pen for expiration date and confirming the liquid is clear and colorless, check the dosing instructions from your doctor.

(Pro Tip: The proper dosing to start with, per the Ozempic manufacturer, is to inject 0.25 mg weekly for the first 4 doses. Then to increase to 0.5 mg starting on week 5 and staying on this dose until or unless your doctor tells you otherwise.)

• Now remove the pen cover and set aside. Attach a needle to the tip of the pen by tearing off the paper tab on the needle and pushing the needle onto the tip and then turn until it is securely on.

• If, and ONLY if, it is the FIRST use of a new pen, you must check the flow. Again, this is only for the first use of a new pen and does not need to be done for the consecutive doses given from the same pen.

• To do this, you will dial the pen up to the flow check line which is a symbol which is two dots and a dass. You then will point the needle tip up and press and hold the dose button until the dose counter goes back to 0. A drop of Ozempic should appear at the tip of the pen. If it does not, repeat this step up to 6 times. If still no drop, change the needle and repeat that step one time. If still no drop appears, do not use the pen and contact the manufacturer. 

• After successfully doing the flow check, for the first dose used in the pen, you will then dial up to the prescribed dose. You will turn the dose selector until it shows your dose. 

• Now you will choose your injection site and clean with the alcohol swab. You can jot down the injection site and date of injection to help you remember when and where you injected the Ozempic. 

• Now you will insert the needle into your skin at the injection site using proper technique, inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle while ensuring you can see the dose counter.

• You will now hold the dose button until the dose counter goes all the way back to 0.

• When it gets to 0, continue holding the dose button down with the needle still inserted in the skin for 6 additional seconds, to confirm full dose delivery. 

• Remove the needle and unscrew the needle and dispose into a sharps container. 

• Put the pen cover back onto the pen to protect the Ozempic from light. 

• Store new/unused pens in the refrigerator. You can store open/used pens either in the refrigerator also or at room temperature for up to 56 days. 

Tips for a Successful Injection of Ozempic

If you have questions, follow the step-by-step guide listed above to ensure proper steps and techniques are being followed. Also don’t hesitate to pull out the PI inserted in each Ozempic box or attached here.

By following the step-by-step instructions, you can avoid some common mistakes such as repeatedly using the same injection sites, or forgetting to do the flow check with each new pen. It may be more comfortable to let the medication warm to room temperature before use.

Most people report minimal to no pain as the needle used is very fine and small and injected very superficially into the subcutaneous tissue. If it hurts or you believe you are having an injection site reaction, call your doctor. 

Frequently asked Questions

How often should Ozempic be injected? Once weekly.

Can Ozempic be injected any time of the day? Yes

Do I have to take Ozempic with a meal? No

Can I change the day of the week I take my Ozempic? Yes, as long as it has been 2 or more days since the last injection. 

What if I forget to take my Ozempic? Take the missed dose as soon as possible within 5 days of the missed dose. 

What if more than 5 days has passed since my missed dose? Then wait until the next dose and resume then. Let your doctor know about the missed dose. 

What should I do if I experience side effects? Let your doctor know. 

It is important to ensure proper technique when injecting Ozempic. This will ensure maximum benefit and minimize any risks. If you have further questions or concerns about your Ozempic, don’t hesitate to reach out to your prescribing doctor.

Please share this article with others who may need help learning how to inject Ozempic. 

If you, or someone you know, needs assistance with your diabetes management, don't wait, get on a call and speak directly with me today. 

(Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)

Meet the Author

Hi! I’m Beth, a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator. I provide diabetes coaching for newly diagnosed people with diabetes and also work with people who have been living with diabetes for some time.

With 1:1 coaching, you will feel empowered and supported to confidently manage your diabetes effectively - without it controlling your life! I can help you make sure that you feel good, stay in optimal health and take care of your well-being at all times.

First call is on me! Let’s talk.