Over the years, there have been countless quick fixes and solutions designed to target weight loss. Many of these are just passing fads with little effectiveness, but a new, unlikely medication has risen to the forefront–semaglutide. Unlike the other trends, semaglutide actually works. When it’s combined with a healthy weight loss routine, people can lose up to 20% of their body fat.

Originally created as a type 2 diabetes drug, semaglutide has skyrocketed in popularity as a weight loss treatment. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), it helps the body regulate blood sugar levels, which slows digestion, reduces appetite, and lowers cravings for food. It’s also known by brand names including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, but only Wegovy and the generic versions are approved for weight loss.

Semaglutide is a weekly medication that must be administered via self-injection. This can seem intimidating at first since many people are reluctant to give themselves shots. However, there’s no need to stress. We can help you conquer fears around self-administration so you can successfully begin your weight-loss journey and achieve your goals.

How and Where to Inject Semaglutide

Patients receiving semaglutide will have prepackaged kits sent right to their houses. Everything you need will be included, such as the medicine (which will already be measured to the right dose), needle, and alcohol swab. It may come in pre-loaded pen form or in a vial with a separate syringe, depending on your provider.

First, it’s important to note that you should only take semaglutide once a week. Taking it more or less often could make it less effective, so choose a day that you can regularly incorporate it into your routine.

To begin, use the alcohol wipe to sanitize the bottle and your preferred semaglutide injection site. You’ll want to inject it into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm, and it helps to rotate between injection sites to prevent soreness.

Next, insert the syringe into the bottle. Make sure the plunger is pushed all the way down to prevent any air from getting into the medication. After that, draw back the plunger on the syringe until the correct amount of liquid is loaded and ready to go. Make sure the liquid is clear and free of particles or air bubbles. If you have further questions about this process, your provider can demonstrate how to do this for you.

After removing the syringe from the bottle, use two fingers to pinch your preferred injection site and create a firm surface. Skipping this step could make it more challenging to insert the needle. You’ll then carefully push the needle under the skin’s surface and slowly press down on the needle’s plunger until all of the medication is inserted. Finally, remove the needle, and you’re done!

Be sure to dispose of the needle in a sealed container to avoid anyone coming into contact with it after use.

Overcoming Self-Administration Fears

Fortunately, injecting semaglutide is a fairly painless process since the needle only goes just under the skin. It’s less invasive than drawing blood or receiving other shots, such as vaccines.

Although it may seem scary at first, most patients overcome this anxiety after a couple of shots. People are often surprised and pleased at how quick, easy, and painless the process is. If you’re struggling with injection nerves, your healthcare provider can help walk you through the process and provide encouragement. You can also reach out to a loved one or support group to talk you through it until you feel more comfortable with self-administration.

Give yourself plenty of time to perform the self-administration to avoid feeling stressed or rushed. Make sure you’re in a comfortable, safe environment, such as your home. You can practice breathing exercises if you’re feeling anxious, or try listening to music or talking to a loved one to distract your mind from the process.

Applying an ice pack to the semaglutide injection site 15 minutes before administration can also help with any potential discomfort that may arise. You can use the same ice pack for a few minutes afterward if you notice any residual effects, however, most patients find that these are rare.

Most importantly, practice confidence! Even if you don’t feel confident at first, acting so can help trick your brain into feeling more comfortable with self-administration. Additionally, remind yourself why you’re taking semaglutide each time you perform the injection. Feeling healthier, stronger, and happier will be well worth any temporary nerves or discomfort.

If you’re still uncomfortable with the process, consult with your doctor. They will want to make sure that you’re receiving your medication and can help you with tips and tricks to overcome nerves or come up with a safety plan. They may be able to provide you with a shield, which will block the needle from your view, or recommend calming exercises that can help.

Soon enough, injecting semaglutide will be just another part of your weekly schedule.

To learn more about semaglutide and its potential benefits for weight loss, consult with one of our doctors today.

Citations 

1. Mahapatra, M. K., Karuppasamy, M., & Sahoo, B. M. (2022). Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of type 2 diabetes. Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders, 23(3), 521–539.

2. Ghusn, W., De la Rosa, A., Sacoto, D., Cifuentes, L., Campos, A., Feris, F., Hurtado, M. D., & Acosta, A. (2022). Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Network Open, 5(9), e2231982.

3. Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T. D., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., Kushner, R. F., & STEP 1 Study Group (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002.

4. Bradley, C. L., McMillin, S. M., Hwang, A. Y., & Sherrill, C. H. (2022). High-Dose Once-Weekly Semaglutide: A New Option for Obesity Management. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 56(8), 941–950.

5. Fornes, A., Huff, J., Pritchard, R. I., & Godfrey, M. (2022). Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Management: A Clinical Review. The Journal of Pharmacy Technology: Official Publication of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians, 38(4), 239–246.