Does injecting GLP-1 medications hurt?

Most people find the injections cause minimal discomfort. GLP-1 pens use very fine, short needles designed for subcutaneous injection. Many describe it as less painful than a blood test. The sensation is typically a brief pinch. If you're anxious about needles, speak to your healthcare provider about techniques to reduce anxiety.

Where is the best place to inject?

The recommended injection sites are the stomach (abdomen) at least 5cm from the belly button, the front of the thighs, or the back of the upper arms. The abdomen is often preferred as it's easy to access and usually has adequate fatty tissue. Rotate sites within each area to prevent lipodystrophy.

What time of day should I inject?

GLP-1 medications can be injected at any time of day, with or without food. Choose a time that's convenient and easy to remember - many people inject on the same day each week. Once you choose a day, try to be consistent, though the exact time doesn't matter.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it's within a certain window (usually 5 days for weekly injections). If it's been longer, skip the missed dose and take the next one on your regular day. Never take two doses to make up for a missed one. Check your specific medication's patient information leaflet for exact guidance.

How should I store my GLP-1 pen?

Before first use, store in the refrigerator (2-8°C). After first use, most pens can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) or refrigerated for up to 4-6 weeks depending on the medication. Never freeze, and protect from direct sunlight and heat. Check the specific storage instructions for your medication.

What if I see air bubbles in the pen?

Small air bubbles in pre-filled pens are normal and won't affect your dose or cause harm. The pen is designed to deliver the correct dose regardless of small bubbles. This is different from traditional syringes where air must be removed.

Practical Guide

GLP-1 Injection Guide

A step-by-step guide to self-injecting GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic. Proper technique, injection sites, storage, and troubleshooting.

This Guide Supplements Official Instructions

Always follow the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication and any instructions from your healthcare provider. This guide provides general information but specific pens may have different requirements.

Where to Inject

GLP-1 medications are injected subcutaneously (under the skin, not into muscle). These are the recommended injection sites:

Abdomen (Stomach)

At least 5cm away from the belly button

Why: Easy to access, usually has good fatty tissue

Tip: Avoid the area directly around your navel and any scars

Front of Thighs

Middle section of the front of the thigh

Why: Large area for rotation, easy to see

Tip: Avoid the inner thigh and areas near the knee

Back of Upper Arms

Fleshy area on the back of the upper arm

Why: Good alternative if other areas are sore

Tip: May need help reaching; ensure good pinch of skin

Rotate Your Injection Sites

Don't inject in the same spot each time. Rotate within each area (e.g., different parts of your stomach) and between areas. This prevents lipodystrophy (changes to fatty tissue under the skin) and helps ensure consistent absorption.

Step-by-Step Injection Guide

Check your pen

Check the expiry date - don't use if expired
Look at the medication through the window - should be clear and colourless
Don't use if cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles
If new pen, take out of fridge 30 minutes before to reach room temperature

Prepare your injection site

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
Choose your injection site - rotate from last time
Clean the area with an alcohol swab if desired (optional but recommended)
Let the area dry completely before injecting

Prepare the pen

Remove the pen cap
If required by your pen type, attach a new needle
For pens requiring priming (first use), follow the prime instructions
Dial your prescribed dose

Inject

Pinch a fold of skin at your chosen site
Insert the needle straight in at 90 degrees (or as instructed)
Press and hold the injection button
Keep holding for the specified time (usually 5-10 seconds after clicking)
Release the pinch and remove the needle

After injection

Don't rub the injection site
Apply gentle pressure if there's any bleeding
Safely dispose of any used needles in a sharps bin
Replace the pen cap and store correctly
Record your injection date if needed

Storage Guidelines

Before First Use

Store in refrigerator at 2-8°C
Keep in original packaging to protect from light
Never freeze - discard if frozen
Take out 30 mins before use for comfort

After First Use

Can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C)
Or continue to refrigerate if preferred
Use within 4-6 weeks (check your specific medication)
Protect from direct heat and sunlight

Safe Disposal

Used needles and pens must be disposed of safely:

Use a proper sharps bin (yellow container)
Free sharps bins available from pharmacies in the UK
When full, return to pharmacy for safe disposal
Never put needles in household waste bins
Never recap needles before disposal (risk of needle stick)

Common Concerns

"There's a small amount of liquid at the injection site"

A tiny amount of liquid at the site is normal. To minimise this, ensure you hold the button down for the full recommended time (usually 5-10 seconds) before removing the needle.

"There's a small bruise at the injection site"

Small bruises occasionally happen and are harmless. They occur if the needle nicks a small blood vessel. Applying gentle pressure after injection can help. If bruising is frequent, review your technique with a healthcare provider.

"I'm not sure if the full dose went in"

If you remove the needle too quickly or don't hold the button long enough, some medication may not be delivered. If this happens, don't take another dose. Note what happened and discuss with your healthcare provider. For the next injection, ensure you hold for the full time.

"The injection hurts more than usual"

Some spots may be more sensitive than others. Ensure you're rotating sites and injecting into fatty tissue (not muscle). Cold medication can sting more - let it warm to room temperature. If pain persists or you notice redness/swelling, consult a healthcare provider.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus
Allergic reaction: rash, hives, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness
Severe or persistent pain at injection sites
Lumps or hard areas that don't resolve
Any concerns about your technique or side effects

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Frequently Asked Questions

Wegovy UK Guide

Complete guide to Wegovy including dosing schedule and what to expect.

Mounjaro UK Guide

Everything about Mounjaro - how it works, dosing, and side effects.

GLP-1 Side Effects

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All GLP-1 Medications UK

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Medical Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and supplements, but does not replace, the instructions provided with your specific medication or guidance from your healthcare provider. Always follow the patient information leaflet and any instructions from your prescriber.

Last updated: December 2025