Most medications are simple to take. Some come in the form of a pill, with the only thing to worry about being timing and whether or not you take it with food. Others might be topical, and can be applied without even looking. GLP-1 medication is different.
What you have in front of you is the hardest part of taking GLP-1 medications, but that’s only because it might look scary. Once you’ve done your first injection, you’ll realize it’s a simple and quick process that really isn’t an issue. Get comfortable, grab a cup of tea, and put on a calming playlist (we made one for you). Let’s make this first one as easy as the rest of them will be.
Step 1: Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you have washed your hands thoroughly. Cleanliness is crucial to prevent any risk of infection.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
You will need:
Alcohol wipes
Syringe for injection
Vial of semaglutide medication
If you feel nervous, many people find it helpful to administer their medication in a calming and cozy environment. Put on a relaxing playlist, light a candle, and pour a cup of soothing tea.
Step 3: Preparing the Injection
Take an alcohol wipe and rub the top of the medication vial to sterilize it.
Remove the protective cap from the needle and the back from the plunger of the syringe. Be cautious not to touch the needle.
Insert the needle into the top of the vial, ensuring it penetrates fully.
Turn the vial upside down and withdraw the required amount of medication as prescribed by Willow.
Remove the needle from the vial, being careful not to touch the tip.
If you encounter air bubbles in the syringe, flick the syringe gently to remove them.
Step 4: Injection
Choose a clean injection site, preferably your abdomen.
Clean the selected area with an alcohol wipe and let it dry.
Pinch the skin lightly to create a small fold.
Insert the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle and press the plunger to administer the medication.
Once injected, withdraw the needle swiftly and discard it safely.
To avoid irritation, rotate injection sites each week.
Step 5: Disposal
It's essential to dispose of needles properly to prevent accidental injury. Do not dispose of the needle directly into the trash but instead use a wide mouth, puncture-proof container.
For the safest and easiest disposal, we recommend using a needle clipper like the BD Safe-Clip.
Helpful Tips:
Keep track of your dosage schedule and ensure you only administer the medication once a week.
Use a puncture-proof container such as an empty Gatorade bottle or empty soy sauce container to safely dispose of the used needle.
What Not to Do:
Avoid touching sterilized surfaces or the needle tip to prevent contamination.
Never share needles or reuse them.
Do not inject into muscle; the medication should be administered subcutaneously.
Congratulations, you’ve now taken your first (and hardest) step on your weight loss journey. The path to follow only gets easier from here as this becomes a routine, and you see your health, energy, and confidence improve. We’re here with you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the Willow Care Team with any questions.