Perhaps today’s most popular medication that healthcare professionals may recommend to promote weight loss in people with or without type 2 diabetes is semaglutide, which is sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Before you get started on this weight loss treatment, however, it’s important that you know the proper semaglutide injection how to instructions so you can inject it correctly and get the results you want.
How Semaglutide Works
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and it has gained a lot of attention for its dual benefits of blood sugar control and weight loss. This injectable drug works by mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Semaglutide Injection How To Instructions
Semaglutide is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which involves injecting the medication into a layer of fat right beneath the skin. This method is preferred over intramuscular injections due to its ease of administration and reduced risk of impacting the nerves and blood vessels. Your doctor will teach you how to properly inject yourself with semaglutide but if you want to have some idea on how to do this, here are the pieces of info you need to know:
1. Ready your supplies
First, you’ll need to gather all the items you need: your semaglutide medication, a syringe, a needle, alcohol swab and a sharps container for safe disposal of used needles.
2. Prepare the injection site
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and choose the area where you’ll inject—this could be your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Clean this spot with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely.
3. Draw the medication
Remove the top seal from the vial and wipe the top with an alcohol swab. Then take the needle’s orange cap off and hold the syringe like a pen or a dart and insert the needle into the center of the vial’s rubber stopper. Turn the vial and syringe upside down together and see to it that the needle tip remains in the liquid, then pull back the plunger to draw the prescribed dose. Once you’ve drawn the correct amount of medication, remove the syringe from the vial.
4. Inject it correctly
Grip the pen or syringe with your thumb on the injection button and take off the inner needle cap. Pinch a fold of skin at the prepared injection site then insert the needle at a 90-degree angle if injecting into your abdomen, or at a 45 to 90-degree angle if injecting into your thigh or upper arm. Firmly press the injection button and hold it until the dose counter reads “0.” Keep the needle in place for a few extra seconds to ensure you receive the full dose. Let go of the button and carefully remove the needle from your skin.
5. Dispose the pen and needle.
Put the outer needle cap back onto the pen and unscrew the needle. Safely dispose of the needle in a sharps container as per local guidelines and put the pen cap back on and store the pen safely.
How Should Semaglutide Be Used?
Semaglutide comes in a prefilled dosing pen that you inject under the skin. As far as I know, these medications will need to be injected once a week. Make sure to use semaglutide on the same day each week. You can switch your injection day if it’s been at least 48 hours since your last dose. Follow your prescription label instructions carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose and increase it after four weeks. They might adjust your dose again after another four weeks based on how your body responds.
What is the Correct Dose for Semaglutide?
The right dosage for semaglutide varies for each person. Based on experience, your health care practitioner will start you with a low dose and increase it every four weeks. You will inject it once a week on the same day. The injections can be administered at any time of the day, with or without food.
How to Store Semaglutide Injection?
Store semaglutide injections out of children’s reach. The pharmacy will provide it as a frozen product. After you receive it, keep it in the refrigerator between doses. Dispose of needles in a sharps container, which you can get at your local pharmacy. If a sharps container is not available, then just use a hard, sealed container like an empty detergent bottle.
What Side Effects Can Semaglutide Cause?
Semaglutide injections can cause side effects, so it’s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor. These visits may be monthly at the beginning and then every 3-6 months as you progress. Inform your doctor about any changes in your medications, supplements, or vitamins, and if you are or are planning to become pregnant. You’ll need to stop the injections two months before pregnancy.
The Common Side Effects of Semaglutide
Report these to your doctor if they are severe or persistent:
- Heartburn
- Burping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Serious Side Effects of Semaglutide
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent pain in the upper left or middle stomach area.
- Swelling of the eyes, rashes, itching or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Reduced urination
- Swelling of the feet, legs or ankles
- Fainting or dizziness
- Vision changes
- Upper stomach pain
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Unexplained fever
- Clay-colored stools
- Rapid heartbeat
- Other symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness, sweating, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness, anxiety, slurred speech, shakiness, irritability, mood changes, hunger, feeling jittery or weak.
Semaglutide injections might cause other side effects. If you experience any unusual issues while using this medication, contact your doctor.
How Fast Does Injected Semaglutide Work for Weight Loss?
Semaglutide can show rapid results. According to Mayo Clinic, people can experience weight loss in as early as 1-4 weeks. This trend continued with an average weight loss of 14.9% by the end of the 68-week study. However, individual experiences may vary and factors like diet, exercise, and the individual’s metabolism can influence his or her amount of weight loss.
It’s also worth noting that when it comes to semaglutide and other GLP-1 Ras, consistency is key for maintaining results. A 2022 study found that people who stopped using semaglutide and did not continue the injections for a year gained back two-thirds of the weight they had lost. To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to pair semaglutide with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Where is the Best Place to Inject Semaglutide?
There isn’t specific research suggesting that semaglutide works better when injected into a particular body part. However, you might prefer injecting into the fattier areas of your abdomen, buttocks, arm, or leg. You may find certain areas less painful than others for injections.
When is the Best Time to Take Semaglutide Injections?
Semaglutide is usually injected once a week, regardless of meals. Just make sure to use the injection on the same day each week, at any time of the day. You can change your injection day if at least 48 hours have passed since your last dose.
Is There an Oral Semaglutide?
Yes, there is an oral form of semaglutide known as Rybelsus, which is the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes treatment. A 2021 review of clinical studies found that once-daily oral semaglutide is as effective, if not more, for weight loss compared to injectable versions, and it also effectively reduces A1C levels in people with diabetes. The oral tablets have similar or better efficacy and similar tolerability compared to most injectable GLP-1s.
Real Patient Reviews for Semaglutide
chubbysnail_74
After countless years of struggling miserably with weight-loss I went from weighing 255lb to 171lb in less than 8 months with the help of semaglutide.
No, it’s not a miracle drug but gawd dang, it’s been nothing short of life-changing. If at any point in your life you’ve struggled with overeating, binging, and feeling like sh*t due to being overweight, you know how demoralizing and defeating things can get (low self esteem, social anxiety, no sex life, etc).For years I tried calorie counting, portion control, eating way healthier, etc etc. Nothing ever worked because I couldn’t stick to it or I was to busy with work/life responsibilities.
That’s basically all gone now. Semaglutide has helped reduce the food noise. I’m less hungry, I’m motivated, I can focus on self-development, going to the gym, and whenever stress pops up I don’t feel the need to stuff my face in junk food. It kinda feels great to have a normal relationship with food tbh.
Rawmilkandhoney
I was doing all the right things for years. I still struggled with losing and gaining weight in a stupid and frustrating cycle. My PCP put me on Ozempic and without changing my dietary approach or exercise habits I am now down to 150 lbs (my highest was 265) and 23% body fat down from 51%. I’d like to get to 20% but I’m happy here for now. I’m a 45 year old woman who has struggled with PCOS & weight loss for half my life. So yes. Ozempic is life changing for many of us.
Cynthia Jones
I didnt lose all the weight I needed to but I think I was on track to. I stayed on .25 for 5 months and lost 50 pounds. However, when they cut back on production I wasn’t able to get the medication because it was the starter dose. I gained 25 pounds back in the 10 months since. I’m pretty sad about it. I was able to get the .25 again in April and I’m planning on increasing my dose so I don’t get cut off again. I wish I didn’t need to do that but oh well.
the_anxiety_haver
Semaglutide – i god damn love it.
Just thought I’d share my own experience with Wegovy, since so many in this sub seem to look down on it.
I’m 9 weeks in and have lost about 20 lbs so far. I feel fantastic – barely any side effects at all other than some very minor “i feel like I just ate a brick” episodes.
At lot of you seem to frame it as nothing more than an appetite suppressant, but you’re wrong. It isn’t that simple. For ages I tried calorie counting, portion control, eating way healthier, etc etc. Nothing worked because I couldn’t stick to it. I obsessed over calories to the point that I would barely eat, felt absolute guilt if I allowed myself to have a “bad” food. And then I would absolutely binge, and feel guilt all over again.
That’s all gone. I’m not just less hungry. All the food noise is gone. I stop when I’m full, even when something is fucking delicious. I’m not absolutely craving sugar any more. I feel like a normal person with a normal relationship with food.
Jwillou
I have been taking Wegovy for 1 week and 2 days. Only had the 0.25 dosage. I have had no side effects and I have lost 8 lbs. I am hoping as I increase the dosage I remain free of side effects and the weight continues to fall off. I will continue to leave feedback so people can see how it is working and hopefully it will help them make a decision. I almost didn’t go through with the first injection because of all the negative reviews. I am glad that I did give it a try. If I start to get nasty side effects, I will ask my doctor if I can stay at the dosage prior where there were none. I am wanting to lose 100 lbs. I started at 250 @ 5’4″. So far, I am extremely happy!
How Much Does Semaglutide Cost?
Without insurance, a month’s supply of Rybelsus costs between $1,100 and $1,240. The semaglutide injection (Wegovy) for weight loss costs about $1,430 per month for all strengths with an online coupon if paying cash. These weight loss drugs are expensive which makes it difficult for many people with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and overweight issues to get a prescription. Also, these drugs are in high demand, so there’s always a waitlist.
If you want a more affordable option for semaglutide, consider online pharmacies and telehealth services like BrightMeds. They offer compounded semaglutide, which is prescribed and made for individual patients in licensed US pharmacies. These compounds are tested for potency, sterility, and purity, although they do not have FDA pre-market approval due to their personalized nature. They may vary in dosage, administration, and efficacy compared to commercial medications.