How to inject and store your medication

Before you start

Most GLP-1 medications and peptides are injected just under the skin, into the fatty layer. This is called a subcutaneous (sub-Q) injection. The needles are short and thin, and most people find it much easier than they expected.

Reading a U-100 syringe

U-100 means the syringe is marked for liquid with 100 units in every milliliter (mL). Your instructions give your dose in units, so you never need to convert on the spot.

• 1 mL syringe: holds 100 units. Each small line is usually 2 units.
• 0.5 mL syringe: holds 50 units. Each line is 1 unit.
• 0.3 mL syringe: holds 30 units. Each line is 1 unit, which is easiest for small doses.

Read the dose at the top edge of the black plunger, not the tip. Not sure how many units your dose is? Use the dose calculator.

Step by step

1. Gather your supplies

   Your vial, a new U-100 insulin syringe, alcohol pads, and a sharps container. Use a new syringe every time and never share needles.

2. Wash your hands

   Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds and dry them well.

3. Check the vial

   Look at the label for the medication name, strength, and beyond-use date. The liquid should be clear. Don't use it if it's cloudy, discolored, or has particles.

4. Clean the rubber stopper

   Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol pad and let it air-dry.

5. Draw air into the syringe

   Pull the plunger back to the same unit line as your dose. This fills the syringe with air.

6. Push the air into the vial

   Insert the needle through the stopper and push the air in. This makes the liquid easier to draw out.

7. Draw your dose

   Turn the vial upside down, keep the needle tip in the liquid, and pull the plunger slowly to your unit line.

8. Remove air bubbles

   Tap the syringe so bubbles rise, push them back into the vial, and re-check that the top of the plunger lines up with your dose.

9. Clean the injection site

   Choose a site (see below), wipe it with an alcohol pad, and let it dry so it doesn't sting.

10. Inject

    Pinch a fold of skin, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (or 45 degrees if you're lean), and press the plunger all the way down.

11. Hold, then remove

    Count to five before pulling the needle straight out. Press lightly with a cotton ball if needed. Don't rub the site.

12. Dispose safely

    Put the syringe straight into a sharps container. Never recap the needle or throw it in household trash.

Where to inject

Rotate your sites. Use a different spot each time, at least an inch from the last one. Avoid skin that's bruised, scarred, red, or tender.

Storing your medication

• Keep it cold. Store vials in the refrigerator at 36 to 46°F (2 to 8°C), in their box to protect them from light.
• Never freeze it. Don't use a vial that has been frozen, even after it thaws.
• Check the beyond-use date. Compounded vials have a beyond-use date on the label. Don't use the vial after that date, even if there's liquid left.
• Keep it clean. Wipe the stopper before every use and never put a used needle back into the vial.
• Keep it away from children and pets.

Traveling

• Pack vials in an insulated bag with a cold pack. Don't let the vial touch ice directly.
• Keep medication in your carry-on when flying. Checked bags can get too hot or cold.
• Bring your prescription label and enough syringes, alcohol pads, and a travel sharps container.
• Don't leave vials in a hot car.

If you miss a dose

Weekly GLP-1 medications. Brand-name labels say: take a missed semaglutide dose if it's within 5 days, and a missed tirzepatide dose if it's within 4 days. Otherwise, skip it and take your next dose on your usual day. Never take two doses to catch up.

Missed two weeks or more? Contact your prescriber before your next dose. You may need to restart at a lower dose to avoid stomach side effects.

Daily peptides. Skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule the next day. Don't double up.