Where to inject semaglutide
This covers where people place a Semaglutide injection below the skin, how to rotate the location and what the label says if there is one.
- usual areas beneath the skin
- Upper arm, thigh, belly
- clear of the belly button
- 2 inches
- a different place for each dose
- Rotate
Semaglutide shot locations
According to the labels for Wegovy and Ozempic, give the injection below the skin once a week in your belly, thigh, or upper arm, and switch locations each time.
- Belly: choose a point at least 2 inches from the belly button, in skin you can pinch.
- Thigh: use the middle of the front or outer area, between your knee and hip.
- Upper arm: another person can give the injection more easily at the rear.
Steps for giving a Semaglutide injection
- Clean your hands with soap and water, and clean the spot with an alcohol swab.
- Draw up your dose to the right line; if you're unsure, check the units with the calculator.
- Pinch a fold of skin, then put the needle in at the angle shown to you by your prescriber and push the plunger slowly.
- Take out the needle and press lightly on the spot with a cotton ball; put the syringe in a sharps container.
Changing where you inject
Each time, choose a new spot at least an inch from the previous one. Changing spots lowers the chance of lumps or pits forming under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is sore, has bruises, looks red or has scars.
Further technique help: subq injection and the MedlinePlus guide for injections below the skin.
Questions people often ask
Does the injection location for Semaglutide matter?
The usual places for injection under the skin are your belly, thigh and upper arm. Stay with one area and rotate within it, unless your label or prescriber tells you otherwise.
Should the skin be pinched?
Check with your prescriber; the labels we list leave that choice to them. Quite a few people pinch a fold of skin when using short insulin needles.