From the Guidelines
Ozempic (semaglutide) should be injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttock, as these are the recommended injection sites for GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication. When injecting, it is essential to rotate the injection site each week to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy (fat tissue changes) and injection site reactions 1. The abdomen area should be at least 2 inches away from the navel. For the thigh, use the front or outer part of the thigh area. For the upper arm, use the outer back area where there is adequate subcutaneous tissue. The buttock area can also be used, specifically the posterior lateral aspect of both upper buttocks and flanks, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 1.
Some key points to consider when injecting Ozempic include:
- Using a 4-mm pen needle inserted at a 90-degree angle to ensure the injection is deposited into healthy subcutaneous fat tissue, avoiding the intradermal and IM spaces as well as scars and lipodystrophy 1
- Rotating the injection site regularly, using one zone quadrant/half per week, to prevent lipodystrophy and injection site reactions 1
- Injecting at least 1 cm from previous injections, rotating in a consistent direction, to minimize the risk of lipodystrophy and other complications 1
- Using proper injection technique, including cleaning the site with alcohol, pinching the skin if needed, and holding the pen in place for 6 seconds after pressing the button to ensure the full dose is delivered.
It is crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure the safe and effective use of Ozempic, as subcutaneous administration allows for proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication, which works by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon levels when blood glucose is high 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
• Administer OZEMPIC subcutaneously to the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Instruct patients to use a different injection site each week when injecting in the same body region. The approved injection sites for OZEMPIC are:
- Abdomen
- Thigh
- Upper arm 2
From the Research
Approved Injection Sites for OZEMPIC
There is no direct information provided in the given studies about the approved injection sites for OZEMPIC (semaglutide). However, the studies do mention the administration of semaglutide via subcutaneous injection.
- The studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 discuss the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for various indications, including weight loss, type 2 diabetes, and peripheral artery disease, but do not specifically address the approved injection sites.
- It is worth noting that the administration of semaglutide is typically done via subcutaneous injection, but the exact injection sites are not specified in the provided studies.
- Further information on the approved injection sites for OZEMPIC can be found in the prescribing information or by consulting with a healthcare professional.