Semaglutide Injection Sites: Where and How to Inject

Both Ozempic and Wegovy are once-weekly subcutaneous injections — meaning the medication goes into the fatty tissue just below the skin, not into muscle or a vein. The technique is straightforward, but a few specifics make a meaningful difference in comfort and consistent delivery.

Approved injection sites

The FDA-approved sites for semaglutide injection are:

• Abdomen — the most commonly used site. Inject in the fatty area of the belly, at least 2 inches (5 cm) from the navel. Avoid the area directly around the belly button.
• Front of the thigh — the upper outer portion of each thigh. Avoid the inner thigh and the area immediately above the knee.
• Upper arm — the back or outer portion of the upper arm. This site typically requires someone else to administer if you cannot reach comfortably.

Why rotation matters

Injecting repeatedly into the same spot can cause lipohypertrophy — a thickening and hardening of the subcutaneous tissue that impairs drug absorption. Over time, this leads to unpredictable dosing despite consistent injection technique. Rotate sites within and across locations on a consistent schedule. A simple approach: rotate weekly between abdomen, left thigh, and right thigh, moving to a new spot within each area each time.

Step-by-step injection technique

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the pen.
2. Check the pen — confirm the medication is clear and colourless (or slightly yellow), and that the pen is within its expiry date.
3. Allow to reach room temperature — a refrigerated pen injected cold is more uncomfortable than one that has been out for 15–30 minutes. Most pens can be stored unrefrigerated for up to 56 days once opened (check your specific product's labelling).
4. Clean the site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely before injecting.
5. Pinch the skin gently if recommended for your pen or site — this lifts the subcutaneous layer away from muscle. For most people with adequate abdominal tissue, this is not necessary.
6. Insert at 90° for most sites (45° for very lean individuals with limited subcutaneous tissue).
7. Hold the pen in place for the full count specified in your pen's instructions — usually 6–10 seconds — to ensure the full dose is delivered before withdrawing.
8. Do not rub the site after injection; this can affect absorption.
9. Dispose of the needle in an approved sharps container immediately after use. Never recap a used needle.

Common mistakes that reduce comfort or efficacy

• Injecting a cold pen directly from the refrigerator
• Not waiting long enough before withdrawing (full dose not delivered)
• Re-using the same injection spot week after week
• Injecting into an area with existing bruising, scarring, or lipohypertrophy
• Rubbing the site after injection

What if there is no click or the dose window does not change?

Most Ozempic and Wegovy pens use a dose counter or flow indicator. If the injection does not complete as expected, do not inject again without guidance. Contact your prescriber or pharmacist — they can walk you through what happened and whether a replacement dose is appropriate.

Always follow the instructions included with your specific pen. They take precedence over general advice. If you are uncertain about your technique, ask your pharmacist to demonstrate the first injection in person.