Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are taken as a once weekly injection under the skin, not into muscle. Follow the dose on your own prescription.
Step 1. Preparation
Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin.
Step 2. Gather supplies
You will need your medication vial, an insulin syringe, alcohol prep pads, and a puncture proof container for the used needle.
Step 3. Check your dose
Read your prescription first.
The concentration of your medication can change from one shipment to the next, so check your instructions each time rather than going from memory.
The total amount in your vial is not your dose, since a vial holds several weeks' worth.
Your syringe carries two sets of markings, one in units and one in mL. Both measure the same barrel, so make sure you are reading the scale your prescription uses.
Step 4. Draw your dose
Clean the top of the vial with an alcohol prep pad.
Remove the needle cap without touching the needle.
Insert the needle into the top of the vial, making sure it goes fully through. Turn the vial upside down and draw back to your prescribed dose.
Remove the needle from the vial, being careful not to touch the tip.
If you see air bubbles in the syringe, flick it gently until they rise to the top, then push them out.
Step 5. Injection
Choose your injection site, either your stomach, your thigh, or the upper part of your arm. Clean the area with an alcohol prep pad and let it dry.
Pinch the skin lightly to create a small fold. Insert the needle at a 90 degree angle and press the plunger steadily.
Once injected, withdraw the needle and dispose of it safely.
Choose a different spot each time, and avoid injecting close to where you injected last.
Step 6. Disposal
Do not put the needle straight into the bin.
Use a wide mouth, puncture proof container.
A needle clipper such as the BD Safe-Clip also works well.
Storing your medication
For storage guidance, read Traveling with GLP-1 Medications, or message us if you are unsure.
Helpful tips
Inject once a week, on the same day each week. Any time of day works, and you can inject before or after eating.
If you need to change which day you inject, leave at least 72 hours between your last injection and the next one.
Rotate your injection site each week to protect your skin.
What not to do
Do not mix your medication with any other injectable, including insulin. If you take another injectable medication, give each one as a separate injection in a different spot.
Do not reuse or share needles.
Do not inject into muscle.
Questions about your treatment
Message your doctor from your Patient Portal for anything about your dose, a side effect, or how you are responding to treatment. The most common side effects are nausea and dizziness. Message Support for orders, billing, or your account.
If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe dizziness, or any other life threatening condition, call your local emergency number immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.