Injectable semaglutide is given under the skin in 3 areas: the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The 2022 FDA label for Ozempic lists these sites, and Wegovy uses the same general injection areas.
Do not inject semaglutide into a muscle or vein. Change the injection site regularly instead of using the same spot every time.
Semaglutide Injection Sites at a Glance
| Injection site | Practical guidance |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | Use the fatty area of the stomach, away from the belly button. A standard subcutaneous injection guide recommends staying at least 2 inches from the navel. |
| Thigh | Use the fatty area of the upper or outer thigh. |
| Upper arm | Use the fatty tissue at the back or side of the upper arm. You may need someone else to help you reach this area safely. |
The FDA-approved Ozempic and Wegovy labeling lists the abdomen, thigh and upper arm as injection sites. Follow the instructions for your specific product.
What Is the Easiest Place to Inject Semaglutide?
The abdomen or thigh is usually easiest for self-injection because you can see and reach both areas clearly. The upper arm is also an approved site, but you may need help to reach it accurately.
You do not have to use one particular site. Choose an area with suitable fatty tissue, then move to a different spot for the next injection.
Where Should You Not Inject Semaglutide?
Avoid injecting semaglutide into:
- A muscle or vein
- Skin that is bruised, red, swollen, painful, hard or scarred
- The exact spot used for the previous injection
- The area immediately around the belly button
- Skin with a wound, rash or infection
The official Ozempic instructions say to inject the medicine under the skin, not into a muscle or vein, and to change the injection site with each injection.
The FDA-approved Ozempic and Wegovy labels do not list the buttocks as an injection site. Use only the sites listed in your product instructions unless your prescriber tells you otherwise.
How to Rotate Semaglutide Injection Sites
A simple rotation pattern is:
- Right side of the abdomen
- Left side of the abdomen
- Right thigh
- Left thigh
- Upper arm, if appropriate
Move at least a small distance away from the previous injection point each time. This can reduce irritation and tenderness.
Basic Safety Steps Before Injecting
Before you inject semaglutide:
- Wash your hands.
- Check that the medication is clear and colorless and has no particles.
- Use the pen or syringe as directed.
- Use a new needle when the product requires a replaceable needle.
- Never share a semaglutide pen or needle.
- Put used needles in a puncture-resistant sharps container.
- Follow the Instructions for Use supplied with your medication.
If no one has shown you how to use the pen or syringe, ask your prescriber or pharmacist to demonstrate it before your first dose.
What If You Are Using Compounded Semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide may come in a vial with a syringe instead of a prefilled pen. The injection is generally given under the skin, but the dose measurement can differ between products.
Do not convert milligrams, milliliters or syringe "units" yourself. The FDA has reported dosing errors, including overdoses and hospitalizations, involving compounded semaglutide products with different concentrations and unclear unit conversions. Confirm the dose and syringe markings with your prescriber or dispensing pharmacy.
Rybelsus is an oral semaglutide tablet, so it should not be injected.
Bottom Line
If you are unsure where to inject or how to use your device, pause before taking the dose and ask your prescriber or pharmacist for instructions.