Self-injection sounds intimidating until you've done it once. GLP-1 injections use tiny needles, go into fatty tissue (not muscle), and become routine quickly. Here's everything you need to know.
The Equipment
Pre-filled pens (Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro): These are the easiest option. The medication comes pre-loaded in a pen device. You attach a needle, dial the dose (or it's pre-set), and inject.
Vials with syringes (compounded medications): More common with compounded GLP-1s. You draw medication from a vial using an insulin syringe, then inject.
The core injection technique is identical for both.
Injection Sites: Where to Inject
GLP-1s are subcutaneous injections—into the fatty layer just below the skin, not into muscle. The three standard sites are:
1. Abdomen (most common):
- Anywhere on the belly except within 2 inches of the navel
- Avoid areas with visible veins, moles, or scars
- Men with more abdominal fat often find this site easiest
- Best absorption site for most patients
2. Thigh (front/outer):
- Front or outer thigh, middle third of the leg
- Avoid inner thigh and knee area
- Good alternative if abdominal site is irritated
3. Upper arm (back):
- Back of upper arm, between shoulder and elbow
- Difficult to self-inject unless you're very flexible
- Often used when a partner assists with injection
Site Rotation: Why It Matters
Rotate injection sites within and between areas. Injecting repeatedly in the same spot can cause lipodystrophy—hardened lumps of fatty tissue that affect medication absorption.
Rotation strategy:
- Move at least 1 inch from your previous injection
- Use a mental "clock" pattern around your abdomen (12 o'clock this week, 3 o'clock next week)
- Alternate between left and right sides
- Keep a simple log if you tend to forget which side you used
Step-by-Step Injection Process
Pre-injection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Allow refrigerated medication to reach room temperature (10-15 minutes)
- Inspect the medication—should be clear, not cloudy or discolored
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Let it dry completely (wet alcohol stings)
The injection:
- If using vials: Draw the prescribed amount into your insulin syringe
- If using pens: Attach the needle and dial the dose (if applicable)
- Pinch a fold of skin at your chosen site—this lifts the subcutaneous fat away from muscle
- Insert the needle at 90-degree angle (perpendicular to skin) in one smooth motion
- Release the skin pinch once the needle is fully inserted
- Push the plunger slowly and steadily to inject the medication
- Wait 5-10 seconds before withdrawing the needle (ensures full dose delivery)
- Remove needle straight out, don't angle it
- Apply light pressure with a cotton ball or gauze. Don't rub.
Avoiding Common Problems
Bruising:
- Avoid visible veins when selecting your site
- Don't inject into areas you've recently exercised
- Apply gentle pressure after injection—don't rub
- Ice the area before injection if you bruise easily
Pain:
- Let alcohol dry completely before injecting
- Use a quick, confident motion when inserting the needle
- Don't reuse needles—they dull after one use
- Ensure medication is at room temperature
Bleeding:
- Minor bleeding is normal—apply pressure for 30 seconds
- If you hit a small blood vessel, the medication still works
- Significant bleeding suggests you went too deep—use a shorter needle or shallower angle
Lumps or hardness:
- Usually indicates poor site rotation
- Avoid injecting into hardened areas—absorption is impaired
- Lumps typically resolve over weeks if you stop injecting in that area
Timing Your Injection
Weekly injections (Wegovy, Zepbound):
- Pick a consistent day and time (e.g., Sunday morning)
- Set a recurring phone reminder
- Can shift by 1-2 days if needed, then return to regular schedule
- Some patients inject before bed to sleep through initial side effects
With or without food: GLP-1 injections can be done regardless of meals. Unlike oral medications, there's no food timing requirement.
Needle Disposal
Used needles are medical sharps waste. Never throw them in regular trash.
- Use an FDA-cleared sharps container (often included with prescriptions)
- Alternatively: thick plastic containers like laundry detergent bottles
- When full, check local guidelines for disposal (pharmacies, hospitals, or community programs often accept sharps)
- Never recap needles—this is how most needlestick injuries occur
Men-Specific Considerations
Body hair: Hairy abdomens are fine for injection. You don't need to shave, but parting the hair to see the skin helps with site selection.
Larger needles aren't better: Insulin needles (31-32 gauge, 4-8mm) are ideal. Men sometimes assume they need larger needles—they don't.
Muscle vs. fat: Even lean men have sufficient subcutaneous fat in the abdomen for proper injection. If you're very lean, the thigh may be an easier site.
The first injection is the hardest. By the third or fourth, it becomes as routine as brushing your teeth.