Hello Gorgeous RX™ · Patient guide
How to inject GLP-1 subcutaneously
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are once-weekly injections into fatty tissue under the skin. Follow your prescribed dose — never adjust on your own.
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1 Choose your injection site
- Belly: at least 2 inches away from your belly button.
- Upper arm: the back of the arm, halfway between elbow and shoulder.
- Thigh: the upper, outer-front portion of the thigh.
- Rotate sites each week so the same spot is not used twice in a row.
2 Prepare your dose
- Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin.
- Allow the vial to thaw if refrigerated, then wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Remove the plastic cover from the needle. Hold the vial steady and push the needle through the center of the stopper at a 90° angle.
- Flip the vial over (needle still inserted) and pull the plunger just past your prescribed amount.
- Gently tap the syringe so air bubbles rise to the top, then push bubbles and extra fluid back into the vial until you reach your exact prescribed dose. Remove the needle from the vial.
3 Give the injection
- Wipe the injection site with a fresh alcohol swab and let it dry.
- With your non-dominant hand, gently pinch 1–2 inches of skin (do not touch the cleaned area).
- With a steady, continuous motion, insert the needle at a 90° angle until it is fully in.
- Press the plunger down with your thumb until the entire dose is injected.
- Remove the needle and press gently on the site with a swab for 3–5 minutes, or until any bleeding stops.
4 Dispose safely
- Place used needles and syringes in a sharps or other puncture-proof safety container — never in household trash.
- For medication disposal guidance, visit safe.pharmacy/drug-disposal.
- Contact us immediately for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration.