How do you inject a GLP-1 pen?
A GLP-1 medication is usually given with a pre-filled injection pen, just under the skin (subcutaneously) in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. How often you inject depends on the product: most are weekly, while Saxenda is daily. You will receive the correct technique, dosing and guidance from your doctor and pharmacy; always follow the patient leaflet and their instructions.
The pre-filled pen
Most GLP-1 medications come as a pre-filled injection pen with a fine needle for use just under the skin. The pen is intended for administration after instruction by a healthcare professional. When you start, you will usually receive instruction from the pharmacy or the clinic (or its nurse) on how to prepare the pen, set the dose and inject.
Injection sites and rotating them
According to the patient leaflets, you inject just under the skin at one of these sites:
- Abdomen (around the navel, keeping some distance from it)
- Thigh (upper leg)
- Upper arm
The patient leaflets advise rotating the injection site each time. This reduces the chance of skin reactions or hardening of the skin in one spot. Your doctor or pharmacy will explain how best to alternate.
Weekly or daily
The dosing frequency differs by product:
| Product | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro | once a week |
| Saxenda | once a day |
| Rybelsus (tablet) | once a day, orally (not an injection) |
With a weekly product you choose a fixed day; if needed, that day may be moved in consultation, within the margin stated in the patient leaflet. Rybelsus is not an injection but a tablet.
Storing the pen
According to the patient leaflets, unused pens are stored in the refrigerator (2–8 °C), not in the freezer. Many pens may be kept at room temperature for a limited period once in use; the exact time and temperature are given for each product in the patient leaflet. Keep the medication out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I inject a GLP-1 pen?
How often should I inject?
How do I store the pen?
Official sources on this topic
Independent, authoritative information from official bodies: