How to Use Semaglutide

How to Use — Step-by-Step (Subcutaneous, Once Weekly)

Preparation

• Wash Your Hands – Soap and water.

• Gather Supplies – Vial/prefilled syringe, alcohol swabs, insulin syringe or pen needles (per label), sharps container.

• Choose a Day/Time – Same day each week (e.g., Sunday evenings).

Site Prep

• Select Site – Abdomen (avoid 2” around navel), thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites weekly.

• Clean Skin – Wipe with alcohol swab; allow to air-dry.

Draw / Prepare Dose

• Inspect – Solution should be clear and particle-free.

• Measure – Draw 0.75 ml (as labeled for your strength) with a sterile insulin syringe, or attach a new pen needle if using a pen device.

• De-air – Tap syringe gently and expel bubbles.

Inject

• Pinch Skin – Create a small fold.

• Insert – ~45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.

• Inject Slowly – Depress plunger fully; count to 5; withdraw.

• Press – Light pressure with gauze if needed (do not rub).

After

• Dispose Safely – Place needle/syringe in a sharps container.

• Stay Consistent – Repeat once weekly on your scheduled day.

Missed Dose (general guidance; follow your label):

• If <5 days late, take the dose as soon as you remember and resume weekly schedule.

• If >5 days late, skip and take the next dose on your regular day. Do not double.

Possible Side Effects

Possible Side Effects

Common (usually improve with time/titration)

• GI: Nausea, fullness, decreased appetite, reflux/heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal discomfort.

• General: Headache, fatigue, injection-site redness/itching.

Less Common / Monitor

• Dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea → dizziness, dark urine.

• Gallbladder issues: Upper-right abdominal pain, nausea, pale stools.

• Blood sugar: Hypoglycemia risk increases if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas (shakiness, sweating, confusion).

Serious (stop & seek care; call your clinician)

• Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent abdominal pain ± vomiting.

• Severe allergic reaction: Hives, facial swelling, wheeze.

• Kidney problems: Marked drop in urination with dehydration.

• Vision changes in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

• Thyroid C-cell tumor warning: Report a neck mass, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or persistent cough.

This is not exhaustive. If effects are severe, persistent, or unusual, stop use and contact your clinician.

Additional Information

Additional Information

What is Semaglutide?
A GLP-1 receptor agonist used under medical supervision for weight management and blood sugar control. It enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduces glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and increases satiety.

Why add Vitamin B12?
Some clinics co-formulate B12 (pyridoxine-free) to support micronutrient status during calorie restriction and to aid overall tolerability/energy within a supervised plan.

Who should not use it?

• Pregnancy/breastfeeding, planning pregnancy soon (stop before conception per clinician).

• Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2.

• Prior serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide.

• Use caution with history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe GI disease, advanced diabetic retinopathy, renal impairment (esp. with dehydration).

Program Tips

• Pair with nutrition, hydration, adequate protein, and resistance training for best outcomes.

• Your clinician may titrate strength (0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg) based on response.

Shipping Information

Shipping & Cold Storage

• Refrigerate 2–8 °C (35–46 °F); do not freeze; protect from light.

• Keep in original packaging.

• If supplied in a multi-dose vial/prefilled syringe, follow the pharmacy’s beyond-use date (BUD) after first puncture.

• Cold-chain shipping with ice packs. On arrival, refrigerate promptly and inspect for leaks or temperature breach.

Frequently Asked Questions