Millions of people successfully self-inject semaglutide every week—including plenty who started out thinking "I could never give myself a shot." The needles are tiny, the injection is shallow, and after your first time, it becomes completely routine.
This guide walks you through every step, from gathering supplies to disposing of needles safely. By the end, you'll feel confident and ready.
🎯 You've Got This
The needle is about the width of two human hairs. It goes into fatty tissue (not muscle), which has fewer nerve endings. Most people describe the sensation as less painful than a mosquito bite—or feel nothing at all.
What You'll Need
- Your semaglutide vial — refrigerated until use
- Insulin syringes — 30 or 31 gauge, 1mL (typically provided by your pharmacy)
- Alcohol swabs — for cleaning the vial top and injection site
- Sharps container — for safe needle disposal (or use a hard plastic container like a laundry detergent bottle)
Most providers include syringes and alcohol swabs with your medication. If not, these are inexpensive at any pharmacy.
Before Your First Injection
Calculate Your Dose
Your provider prescribes a dose in milligrams (like 0.25mg or 0.5mg). Your vial shows a concentration (like 2.5mg/mL). Use this formula:
Volume to inject = Prescribed dose ÷ Concentration
Example: If you're prescribed 0.5mg and your vial is 2.5mg/mL:
0.5mg ÷ 2.5mg/mL = 0.2mL (or 20 units on an insulin syringe)
Write this down so you don't have to recalculate each week.
Let the Vial Warm Slightly
Take your vial out of the fridge about 15-30 minutes before injecting. Room temperature medication is more comfortable to inject than cold medication. Don't heat it—just let it sit out briefly.
Step-by-Step Injection Guide
Wash Your Hands
Use soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel. This is your most important infection prevention step.
Clean the Vial Top
Wipe the rubber stopper on your vial with an alcohol swab. Let it air dry for a few seconds. This ensures no contaminants enter when you insert the needle.
Draw Air Into the Syringe
Pull back the plunger to draw air equal to the amount you'll withdraw (e.g., if injecting 20 units, draw 20 units of air). This makes withdrawing medication easier.
Insert Needle and Inject Air
Push the needle through the rubber stopper. Turn the vial upside down. Push the plunger to inject the air into the vial. This creates positive pressure that helps draw out the medication.
Withdraw Your Dose
With the vial upside down, slowly pull back the plunger to your dose line. Check for air bubbles—if you see any, tap the syringe gently to move them to the top, then push them back into the vial and redraw.
Choose Your Injection Site
Best spots for subcutaneous injection:
- Abdomen: 2+ inches from belly button (most popular)
- Thigh: Front or outer thigh
- Upper arm: Back of arm (easier if someone helps)
Rotate sites each week to prevent irritation.
Clean the Injection Site
Wipe a circular area with an alcohol swab, moving outward from center. Let it air dry completely—injecting through wet alcohol stings.
Pinch and Insert
Pinch an inch of skin to create a fold. Insert the needle at a 45-90° angle (90° is easiest for most people). Push it all the way in—it's a short needle and needs to reach the fatty tissue.
Inject Slowly
Push the plunger down slowly and steadily until all medication is delivered. There's no rush—take 5-10 seconds. Slow injection reduces any potential discomfort.
Remove and Dispose
Pull the needle straight out. If there's a small drop of blood, apply light pressure with a cotton ball—this is normal. Place the used syringe directly into your sharps container. Never recap needles.
That's it! You did it. The whole process takes about 2-3 minutes once you're comfortable with it.
Tips for a Better Experience
If You're Anxious
- Watch a few YouTube videos of people doing subcutaneous injections—seeing how simple it is helps
- Have someone with you for moral support the first time
- Take slow, deep breaths before you start
- Remember: millions of people do this every week, including diabetics who inject multiple times daily
To Minimize Discomfort
- Let medication reach room temperature
- Make sure alcohol is fully dry before injecting
- Inject slowly
- Ice the area beforehand if you're sensitive (optional)
- Relax your muscles—tension makes it more noticeable
If Something Goes Wrong
- Small amount of bleeding: Normal. Apply pressure.
- Bruising: Normal. Will resolve in a few days.
- Medication leaks out: You may have pulled the needle out too fast. Next time, pause 5 seconds before withdrawing.
- Air bubble in syringe: Small bubbles are harmless in subcutaneous injections, but try to minimize them.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Compare verified providers and find one that includes injection supplies and support.
Compare Providers →Sharps Disposal
Never throw used needles in regular trash. Options for safe disposal include:
- Using a commercial sharps container (available at pharmacies)
- Using a sturdy plastic container with a screw-top lid (like a laundry detergent bottle)
- Taking full containers to a pharmacy, hospital, or community sharps disposal site
Check your local regulations—many communities have free disposal programs.
Setting a Weekly Routine
Semaglutide is dosed once weekly. Pick a day that works for you and stick to it. Many people choose a weekend morning when they have time and aren't rushed.
Set a recurring reminder on your phone. Consistency helps you remember and builds the habit.
You're Now Equipped
Self-injection sounds intimidating until you do it once. Then it becomes as routine as taking a vitamin. Give yourself credit for taking this step toward your health goals—you've got this!