How to Use / Administration Methods
Semaglutide is administered via subcutaneous injection once weekly, on the same day each week, with or without food. Injection sites include the abdomen (avoiding the 2-inch radius around the navel), front of thighs, or upper arms. Rotation of injection sites is recommended to prevent the unnatural redistribution of fat tissue.
Injection Procedure:
- Allow refrigerated semaglutide to reach room temperature (15–30 minutes)
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab
- Pinch skin fold at the chosen site
- Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (45 degrees for very lean individuals)
- Inject slowly and hold for 5–10 seconds before withdrawal
- Do not rub the injection site
Flexibility in the timing of doses allows administration up to four days before or after the scheduled day if a dose is missed. If more than five days have elapsed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. The injection day may be changed, provided that at least 48 hours separate each dose.
An oral formulation (Rybelsus) is available for diabetes management at doses of 7, 14, and 21 mg daily. Oral delivery of a peptide this size is a pharmaceutical achievement — semaglutide has a molecular weight of approximately 4,114 Da, well above the roughly 500 Da threshold where molecules begin struggling to cross biological membranes. The SNAC (sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl) amino caprylate]) co-formulation solves this by creating a transient localized pH increase in the stomach, shielding semaglutide from enzymatic degradation and enhancing absorption through the gastric epithelium. Even so, oral bioavailability remains roughly 1% compared to injectable forms, which is why oral doses are measured in milligrams while injectable doses use micrograms. Rybelsus must be taken on an empty stomach with no more than 4 ounces of water, and patients must wait at least 30 minutes before eating — requirements driven by the narrow absorption window the SNAC system creates.
Reconstitution, Storage & Prep
Pharmaceutical semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) comes in pre-filled pens requiring no reconstitution. Store refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F) until first use. After initial use, Ozempic pens may be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C/86°F) or refrigerated for up to 56 days, and they contain multiple doses. Wegovy pens are single use, but may be stored outside the refrigerator for up to 28 days. Protect from light and do not freeze.