Choose the right site
Three FDA-approved sites: abdomen (avoid 2 inches around the navel), upper thigh, back of upper arm. Pick the fattiest available — fewer nerve endings, slower absorption, less sting.
Most patients prefer the abdomen for self-injection. Back of arm requires a partner or contortionist skills.
Warm the pen before injection
Cold liquid burns going in. Pull the pen from the fridge 15-20 minutes before your injection. Don't microwave or heat it — just room-temp rest.
This single change drops injection pain reports by ~50% in my clinic.
Technique: slow, steady, perpendicular
Clean skin with alcohol pad, let it air-dry (alcohol stings going in). Pinch a 1-inch fold of skin. Insert pen at 90 degrees (not angled). Push plunger slowly — count to 5.
Hold the pen in place for 5-10 seconds after the click. Releasing too fast lets a small amount of medication leak back, which can sting and reduce dose.
Rotate sites every week
Same spot 4 weeks in a row → lipohypertrophy (fat thickening that reduces absorption) and persistent bruising.
Rotation pattern: week 1 left belly, week 2 right belly, week 3 left thigh, week 4 right thigh. Then back to week 1.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does my GLP-1 injection sting so much?
- Usually one of three things: cold medication, fast plunger push, or injecting into a thin/lean area. Address each in order.
- Should I inject in the morning or evening?
- No medical preference — pick a time you'll remember every week. Most patients pick Sunday morning so it's ritualized.
- Is it normal to bruise after a GLP-1 injection?
- A small bruise (dime-sized) is normal occasionally. Large bruises every week suggest hitting a small vessel — rotate sites and consider thinner needles if your pen allows.
- Can I reuse a GLP-1 needle?
- No. Each pen needle is single-use. Reusing dulls the tip (more pain) and risks infection.
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