Injection Day: A Simple Guide to Self-Injecting GLP-1 Medications

The idea of giving yourself a weekly injection can feel intimidating—especially if you've never done it before. You might be picturing a long needle, complicated techniques, and significant pain. Here's the good news: modern GLP-1 medication pens are designed to be simple, nearly painless, and completely manageable for people with zero medical experience.

By the second or third week, most people find injections to be a routine, unremarkable part of their week—something that takes about 30 seconds and barely registers. But getting to that comfort level starts with understanding exactly what to do and what to expect.

This guide walks you through everything: setup, technique, rotation sites, troubleshooting, and tips from people who've been there. By the end, you'll feel prepared and confident for injection day.

Understanding Your Injection Pen

GLP-1 medications come in pre-filled, single-use or multi-dose pens designed for home use by people without medical training. Whether you have Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro, or a compounded version, the basic concept is similar.

What's in the Box

When your medication arrives, you'll typically find:

• The pen(s): Pre-filled with medication, either single-use (one injection per pen) or multi-dose (multiple injections per pen)
• Needles: Small, thin needles that attach to the pen (some pens have built-in needles)
• Instructions: Manufacturer instructions specific to your device
• Sharps container or info: For safe needle disposal

About the Needle

Here's the part that surprises most people: the needles are tiny. We're talking 4-6mm long (about 1/4 inch) and extremely thin—much smaller than what you might imagine when you hear "injection." These are subcutaneous needles, meaning they go just under the skin into the fatty layer, not deep into muscle.

Most people describe the sensation as less than a mosquito bite. Some feel nothing at all. It's genuinely not the dramatic experience many people fear.

Before Your First Injection

Storage Matters

Proper storage keeps your medication effective:

• Refrigerate: Store unused pens in the refrigerator (36-46°F / 2-8°C)
• Don't freeze: Frozen medication is ruined and must be discarded
• Protect from light: Keep in the box until use
• In-use pens: Once you start using a multi-dose pen, it can typically be kept at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C) for a specified time (check your specific medication)

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, have everything ready:

• Your medication pen (removed from fridge 15-30 minutes before to reduce injection site discomfort)
• A new needle (if needles are separate)
• Alcohol swab (optional but recommended)
• Sharps container for disposal
• Good lighting so you can see what you're doing

Choose Your Day and Time

GLP-1 medications are taken once weekly. Pick a day and approximate time that works for you:

• Same day each week: Consistency helps you remember
• Consider side effects: Many people choose Friday evening or Saturday morning so any nausea happens over the weekend
• Set a reminder: Phone alarm or calendar notification to stay on track
• Flexibility exists: If you need to change your day, you can—just don't take doses closer than 3 days apart

Step-by-Step Injection Guide

Choosing and Rotating Injection Sites

Rotating where you inject is important. Using the same spot repeatedly can cause skin changes (lipodystrophy), affect absorption, and increase discomfort.

The Three Site Options

Abdomen

The most popular choice. Use the area around your belly button, staying at least 2 inches away from the navel. This area typically has adequate fat tissue and is easy to reach and see.

Front of Thighs

The middle third of the front and outer thigh. Good option if you have less abdominal fat or want to give your belly a break.

Back of Upper Arms

The fatty area on the back of your upper arm. This can be trickier to reach yourself—some people have a partner help with this site.

Rotation Strategy

A simple approach:

• Divide your preferred area into quadrants or sections
• Move to a new section each week
• Keep injections at least 1 inch apart from previous sites
• Alternate between left and right sides
• If using only abdomen, think of it as a clock face and rotate around

Managing Injection Anxiety

Nervous about needles? You're not alone. Here are strategies that help:

Before the Injection

• Let the pen warm up: Cold medication stings more
• Take deep breaths: Slow, calming breaths reduce tension
• Distraction: Watch TV or listen to a podcast while you inject
• Numb the area: Ice the injection site for 1-2 minutes beforehand (optional but effective)
• Remember: Anticipation is usually worse than the actual experience

During the Injection

• Go quick and confident: Hesitating makes it harder; a swift, smooth insertion is more comfortable
• Don't look if it helps: Many people look away during the actual injection
• Relax the muscle: Tense muscles make injections more uncomfortable
• Have someone with you: For your first few times, having support nearby can help

Reframing the Experience

It can help to remember:

• Millions of people self-inject medications every day
• The needle is extremely small—much smaller than blood draw needles
• Most people genuinely don't feel it after the first few times
• This momentary discomfort is enabling significant health benefits
• Your anxiety will decrease with each successful injection

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

"I saw a drop of medication on my skin after injecting. Did I get the full dose?"

A tiny drop on the skin surface is normal and doesn't mean you missed your dose. As long as you held the needle in for the recommended time and saw the dose counter change (on applicable pens), you received your medication. Don't try to re-inject or "make up" for this.

"There's a small bruise or red mark at the injection site."

Minor bruising or redness is common and harmless. It typically resolves within a few days. You may have nicked a tiny blood vessel. To minimize this: don't inject into visible veins, vary your sites, and don't rub the area after injection.

"I felt a sharp sting during injection."

Occasionally you'll hit a more sensitive spot—this is normal. The sensation passes quickly. Strategies to reduce this: let medication warm up, use a fresh needle (on multi-dose pens), and try a slightly different area next time.

"I forgot my injection day. What do I do?"

If you're within a few days of your regular schedule, take your dose as soon as you remember. Then resume your normal schedule. If it's been closer to your next scheduled dose (less than 3 days until your next dose would be due), skip the missed dose and take the next one on schedule. Don't double up.

"My pen seems to be jammed or not working."

First, ensure you're following the instructions correctly. If the pen genuinely seems defective, don't try to force it. Contact your pharmacy or provider for a replacement. Do not use medication from a compromised pen.

"Can I inject through clothing?"

No. Always inject into clean, bare skin.

"What if I'm traveling?"

Keep medication in insulated bags with ice packs when traveling. TSA allows medical injectables in carry-on luggage—bring your prescription documentation. Never put medication in checked luggage (cargo holds can freeze). Research refrigerator access at your destination.

Building Your Injection Routine

After a few weeks, injection day becomes just another part of your routine. Tips for making it seamless:

• Same time, same place: Consistency builds habit
• Create a ritual: Maybe it's after your morning coffee on Saturday, or Friday night while watching your favorite show
• Keep supplies organized: Designated spot for pens, needles, sharps container
• Reorder in advance: Don't wait until you're on your last pen to reorder
• Check expiration dates: Use medication before it expires; rotate stock

Sharps Disposal

Used needles and pens must be disposed of safely:

• Use a sharps container: Purpose-made containers are available at pharmacies, or use a thick plastic container like a laundry detergent bottle
• Never put needles in regular trash: This is dangerous for sanitation workers
• Don't recap needles: This increases risk of accidental sticks
• Disposal options: Many pharmacies accept sharps containers, some communities have drop-off programs, or mail-back services are available
• Keep out of reach: Store your sharps container safely away from children and pets

A Note for the Needle-Phobic

If you have a genuine needle phobia (not just nervousness, but a real phobic response), know that:

• These injections are substantially easier than blood draws or other needle procedures
• Many people with needle phobias successfully manage weekly GLP-1 injections
• Exposure often reduces phobia over time—your fear may decrease with practice
• Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) exists if injection truly isn't possible for you, though it's less commonly prescribed for weight loss
• A therapist specializing in phobias can help if needed

Give yourself credit for pushing through fear in service of your health. That takes courage.

You've Got This

Your first injection might feel like a big deal. By your tenth, it'll feel like nothing. The overwhelming majority of people find self-injection far easier than they anticipated—and the benefits make that brief weekly moment more than worthwhile.

Take it slow, follow the instructions, and trust that you can do this. Millions of people manage these injections successfully every week, and you can too.