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Injection Steps

1
Prepare
Wash hands thoroughly. If pen was refrigerated, let it warm to room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Gather alcohol swab and sharps container.
2
Inspect Medication
Check that the solution is clear and colorless. Do not use if cloudy, discolored, or has particles.
3
Attach Needle (if applicable)
For Ozempic/Wegovy pens, attach a new needle tip. Mounjaro pens have built-in needles.
4
Prime the Pen
For new pens: dial to the flow check symbol, point up, and press until a drop appears. This removes air bubbles.
5
Select Dose
Turn the dose selector to your prescribed dose. You'll hear/feel clicks as you dial.
6
Clean Injection Site
Wipe the chosen area (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) with an alcohol swab. Let dry completely.
7
Pinch and Insert
Pinch a fold of skin. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (straight in). Don't inject into muscle.
8
Inject
Press and hold the injection button. Count slowly to 6 (Ozempic/Wegovy) or 10 (Mounjaro) seconds before removing.
9
Remove and Dispose
Pull needle straight out. Place in sharps container. Replace pen cap (no needle cap needed for disposal).

Tips for Painless Injections

❄️

Ice the Area

Apply an ice cube for 30 seconds before injecting to numb the skin.

🌡️

Room Temp Medication

Cold medication stings more. Let the pen warm up before injecting.

😮‍💨

Exhale While Injecting

Breathe out slowly as you insert the needle. This relaxes your muscles.

⚡

Quick, Confident Motion

Insert the needle with one swift motion—hesitation causes more pain.

🔄

Rotate Sites

Overused areas become sensitive. Always rotate to fresh tissue.

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Let Alcohol Dry

Injecting through wet alcohol causes stinging. Wait until it evaporates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Injecting into muscle: GLP-1s are subcutaneous (into fat), not intramuscular. Pinch the skin to ensure you're in the right layer.
  • ❌ Removing too quickly: Wait the full 6-10 seconds after pressing the button. Early removal means incomplete dosing.
  • ❌ Reusing needles: Use a new needle tip for each injection. Reused needles are duller and increase infection risk.
  • ❌ Injecting through clothing: Always inject on bare, clean skin.
  • ❌ Rubbing the injection site: Don't massage after. Light pressure is fine if bleeding, but rubbing can affect absorption.

FAQ

What if I see blood after injecting?

A small amount of blood is normal—you may have hit a tiny capillary. Apply gentle pressure. The medication still works.

Do I need to aspirate (pull back) before injecting?

No. Aspiration is not needed for subcutaneous injections. Just insert and inject.

What if medication leaks out after I remove the needle?

A tiny drop at the injection site is normal. If significant leakage occurs, you may be removing too quickly. Count the full 6-10 seconds.

Track Your Injections

Log each injection in Shotlee to track sites, timing, and any side effects.

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