Subcutaneous injection instructions for GLP-1 medication

Watch a step-by-step video demonstrating how to inject this medication here or read below for more details.

Your medication will arrive in a temperature-safe package with ice packs for transit. If the medication is warmer than room temperature when it arrives,
or if there has been a significant shipping delay, please contact your provider.

What should I know about the syringe?

The syringe holds up to 100 units (or 1 mL) of medication.

There are four parts parts of a syringe:

• Needle:
The needle goes into the skin to deliver the medication.
• Barrel:
The barrel holds the medicine—it is marked in units.
• Plunger:
The plunger is used to move medicine into and out of the syringe.
• Stopper:
The small, black rubber piece at the end of the plunger that seals and moves medication in and out of the barrel.

What is a subcutaneous injection?
A subcutaneous injection is used to administer medication given into the fat layer between the skin and muscle. It is used to give small amounts of certain medicines.

Preparing For the Injection

1. ​​Gather your supplies including:

• Alcohol wipe
• Medication vial
• Syringe
• Cotton swab or gauze pad

2. Wash hands

• Use soap and warm water
• Dry thoroughly

3. Check vial

• Make sure the liquid in the vial does not have
any particles (or floaters) in it and looks the way it
is described in the prescription handout.
• If the liquid looks different in any way, please reach
out to your provider for further assistance.

Where can I give my injections?

Using a different site for each injection can help to prevent scars and skin changes. However, it’s okay to inject in the same body area each week. Just make sure it’s not in the same spot.

It’s important that this medication is injected into the fat layer beneath the skin. You may inject into soft areas like your:


• Upper legs (front of the thighs)
• Lower stomach (2 inches away from your belly button)
• Lower back (sides / love handles)
• Back of upper arms

Please Note
DO NOT inject the medication too close to the outer skin (which may cause a lump, pain or a red spot).

DO NOT inject the medication deep into the muscle
(which may cause pain and rapid absorption). Injecting into the recommended areas increases the likelihood
that this won’t happen.

DO NOT inject into any skin that is tender, bruised, red,
or hard.

Drawing Up the Medication

Step 1

• Remove the foil from the vial.
• Wipe the rubber top with the alcohol wipe for at least 15 seconds.

Step 2

• Pull the plunger back to the number of units prescribed by your provider.
• For example, if you will be giving 10 units,
pull back the stopper so it is aligned with the dash next to 10.

Step 3

• Hold the syringe like a pencil or dart.
• Remove the cap from the needle.
• Insert the needle into the rubber top of
the vial.
• DO NOT touch or bend the needle.
• Push down the plunger to allow air into
the vial.
• Together turn the syringe and vial
upside down.

Step 4

• Pull back the plunger until the stopper reaches the number of units recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Once you have the correct amount of
liquid, remove the needle from the bottle.
• Avoid touching the needle prior to injecting the medication.

Please note:
If you notice air bubbles, don’t worry.
They are not harmful if injected under your
skin. However, they will affect the dose you receive. To fix this you can push the liquid back into the bottle and slowly redraw. You can do this as many times as needed until the bubbles are gone.

OR

Draw 2 more units of liquid than your designated dose. If bubbles are seen, gently tap (not flick) the barrel to make
the bubbles rise. Once the bubbles are
at the top, push the extra 2 units back
into the bottle.

Administering the Injection

1. Select injection site:
   • See the other side for recommended places to give an injection.
   • Wipe the area with an alcohol swab and let
it dry.
2. Position & insert:
   • Hold the syringe with your thumb, first, and middle finger.
   • Use your other hand to gently pinch the skin at the injection site.
   • Holding the needle at a slight angle
(45 degrees), push the needle in quickly
and smoothly into skin.
3. Inject the medication:
   • Push the plunger down slowly until all of the medication is administered.
   • Continue pushing the plunger for 10 seconds to allow the medication to absorb.
4. Remove the needle:


• Pull the needle out the same way it went in.
• Using gauze or a cotton ball, press gently on the injection site. It is normal to see a little blood and/or medication at the injection site.
• Throw the syringe/needle away in a designated sharps container (see below
for details).

Please note:

Syringes are intended for single patient use only. Patients should never reuse
or share syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission
of blood-borne pathogens.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is less than 48 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses within
48 hours of each other.

Throwing Away the Syringe/Needle

• Put used sharps in a strong plastic container. The FDA recommends that sharps be placed in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container.
• If you don’t have one available, you can use a laundry detergent or bleach bottle.
• The container should be leak resistant, remain upright during use, and have a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid.
• When the container is 3/4 full, put the lid on,
seal it with duct tape and label.
• DO NOT throw the syringe away loosely in the garbage or toilet.
• DO NOT recycle. Put the container in the household trash if local community guidelines allow.
• You can find state specific requirements
at safeneedledisposal.org.

Administering Your Injection with Confidence: Answering Immediate FAQ’s

• Put your medicine in the refrigerator as soon as
it arrives.
• Keep it in the original bottle.
• Store it in the refrigerator at 36º – 46º F (2º – 8º C).
• Throw away any unused medicine 28 days after you first open the vial or on the expiration date listed on
the vial and prescription label, whichever comes first.

Have questions on how to inject this medication? Please reach out directly to your Nurx provider for assistance here.

The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided here for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your medical provider.

Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality. Nurx compound drug offerings, including GLP-1 medications, are not available to patients in California or Hawaii