Semaglutide: How to Inject

Semaglutide injection is used in correspondence with a diet and exercise program to control blood sugar and levels in individuals with diabetes and to help other individuals lose weight. Semaglutide can lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in individuals with heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This medication works by slowing the movement of food through the stomach, decreasing appetite which causes weight loss. Before beginning semaglutide injections, it is imperative to consult with your doctor to discuss allergies, age, pregnancy, drug interactions, and family medical history that may exclude you from the usage.

Assemble supplies

You will need your medication vial, one provided syringe, and an alcohol swab.

Wash hands & prepare injection site

Clean the injection site with the alcohol swab and let the skin dry.

Draw up the medication

1. Remove the seal on the top of the vial and wipe with alcohol
2. Remove the orange cap off the needle
3. Hold the syringe like you hold a pen or a dart, inserting the needle into the middle of the rubber stopper perpendicular, so the needle does not bend.
4. Together, turn the vial and syringe upside down.
5. Make sure the tip of the needle is in the liquid.
6. Pull the plunger down, past the dosage prescribed. Then, push up to the prescribed dosage, as this will remove all air bubbles.
7. Once you have the correct amount of liquid, pull the entire syringe out of the vial.

Subcutaneous Injection

1. Pinch the injection site to create a firm surface.
   • Alternate injection sites between either side of the stomach, back of the arm, or thigh. Inject two inches from the belly button on either side.
2. Insert the needle into the skin between the index finger and thumb at 90 degrees.
3. Using a slow and constant pressure, push the plunger rod until it reaches the bottom.
4. Gently pull the syringe out of the skin.
5. Discard of the needle in a sharps container.

Subcutaneous injections will be very little pain because it is only injected directly under the skin. It can be injected into the stomach, thighs, and back of the upper arm.

Always check your medication to ensure it is clear and colorless. Discard and contact your pharmacy if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.

Dosage

Dosages will depend on each individual, as you will titrate up about every 4 weeks. The medication is administered once weekly, on the same day each week. Injections can be done at any time of the day, with or without meals. Avoid double dosing to prevent unwanted side effects. If a dose is missed, you can take the missed dose up to 5 days after you were originally supposed to take it. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and return to your original dosing schedule.

Storage

Keep semaglutide injections out of reach of children. Semaglutide will be dispensed by the pharmacy as a frozen product. Once you receive it, store in the refrigerator in-between doses. Dispose of needles in a sharps containers available at your retail pharmacy. If not assessable, place needles in a hard, closed container, such as a sealable detergent bottle.

It is important that your doctor check your progress in regular visits, they be monthly or every 3-6 months. As you show positive progress, doctors visits will become less frequent. Let your doctor know if your medications, supplements, or vitamins change, as well as if you are or plan to become pregnant. To be safe, it is recommended that injections stop 2 months before pregnancy. Also, inform your trusted health care provider of any changes in physical or mental health.

Possible side effects:

• loss of appetite
• light-headed or dizzy
• persistent lethargic feeling
• gastrointestinal discomfort
• diarrhea
• nausea or vomiting
• abdominal pain

Preston’s Pharmacy offers compounded semaglutide in two different strengths and variations for ease of titration:

In addition, Preston’s adds Vitamin B6 to the semaglutide injection in order to combat symptoms of diarrhea, gastrointestinal issues, and abdominal pain.

Call or email our pharmacy today for inquiries! Let us know if you need referrals on trusted practitioners with whom we work closely with. Continue to read about semaglutide on our websites’ blog page as well!