At a glance

• Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is used to treat type 2 diabetes and helps control blood sugar levels. Dosage determination considers the individuals’ needs, medical history, and condition. Potential recipients should start with low dosage and increase gradually under their healthcare provider’s supervision.
• Semaglutide administration involves preparation, correct storage, gathering necessary supplies, ensuring clean hands, clean injection site, correct needle attachment and air shot, dose selection, rotating injection site, and following correct injection process. Patients should be aware of signs of low blood sugar, have a management plan, and conduct the injection once a week.
• Post-injection, patients should avoid tender, bruised or hard skin areas, monitor for allergic reactions, understand common side effects, and dispose of used needles safely. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are necessary.

Step-by-Step Guide to Administer Semaglutide Injection

I. Understanding Semaglutide and its Correct Dosage

Semaglutide is a medication commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the incretin hormones that the body usually produces to naturally stimulate insulin release in response to meals. This helps to control blood sugar levels. Semaglutide is also used for weight management in certain individuals. The correct dosage of semaglutide can vary depending on the individual’s needs, medical history, and the specific condition being treated. It is important to have a healthcare professional determine the correct dosage tailored to the patient’s individual circumstances.

The starting dosage of semaglutide is typically at a low level, such as 0.25 mg once a week, and gradually increased to minimize side effects and allow the patient’s body to adjust to the medication. The maintenance dosage can reach higher levels like 1 mg once a week, or as prescribed. Key factors that determine the appropriate dosage include the patient’s current treatment regimen, kidney function, and general tolerability of the medication. Adhering strictly to the healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and administration schedule is crucial for the treatment’s effectiveness and to minimize potential side effects.

II. Preparing for the Semaglutide Injection

Semaglutide is typically provided in a pre-filled, single-use injection pen, designed to make the self-administration process relatively simple for patients. The pens should be stored properly in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) prior to first use to maintain the medication’s effectiveness. After its initial use, the pen may be kept at room temperature, not exceeding 30°C (86°F), though it’s important to note that it should be used or discarded after 56 days to ensure safety and efficacy.

To prepare for administering the injection, the user should gather all necessary supplies which typically include the semaglutide pen, a new pen needle, alcohol wipes, and a sharps disposal container along with any additional materials recommended by the healthcare provider. It’s essential to perform hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water and making sure the injection site is clean and dry. Checking the medication label to ensure the correct drug is being used, and inspecting the solution in the pen for any particulate matter or discoloration is a critical safety step before administering the medication.

Safety measures before beginning the injection process are imperative. The individual administering the injection should be trained in the correct injection technique, understand the symptoms and signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and other potential adverse effects, and have an emergency plan in place in case hypoglycemia occurs.

III. Proper Administration of the Semaglutide Injection

Administering a semaglutide injection involves several critical steps to ensure the process is safe and the medication is delivered properly:

1. Start by removing the pen cap to check the expiration date of the medication. An expired medication should never be used.
2. Attach a new sterile needle to the pen by peeling off the paper tab from the outer needle cap. Screw the needle onto the pen until it is secure and then remove the outer needle cap to expose the needle.
3. Conduct an air shot, also known as a “prime,” by dialing two units on the pen and pressing the dose button until it stops moving. This step is important to ensure that the pen and needle are ready for the injection.
4. Set the pen to the dose prescribed by the healthcare provider, which should be clearly indicated on the prescription.
5. Select an appropriate injection site, which can be on the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotating the injection site with each administration is recommended to diminish the risk of developing fatty tissue abnormalities at the injection site, like lipohystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis.
6. Disinfect the injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow the area to air dry completely before proceeding to avoid stinging sensation and ensure sterilization.
7. Gently insert the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle for proper medication delivery. In patients with a smaller amount of subcutaneous fat, a 45-degree angle may be more appropriate to avoid intramuscular injection.
8. Press down on the dose button until it stops moving and then hold it down while you slowly count to six. Holding the button down after the injection ensures that the full dose is administered.
9. After the injection, carefully remove the needle from the skin and dispose of it immediately in a sharps container to prevent needle-stick injuries and contamination. If needed, apply gentle pressure with a clean cotton ball or gauze at the injection site. It is important not to rub the area as this can cause irritation.

Proper timing is also crucial: semaglutide should be injected once a week, on the same day each week, and can be done at any time of day, with or without meals depending on personal preference and routine.

IV. Safety Measures during and after Semaglutide Injection

During the administration of semaglutide, care should be taken to avoid injecting into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or contains stretch marks to prevent irritation and ensure effective absorption. Observing the injection site after the injection is important for detecting any immediate allergic reactions such as rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing which can be indications of a serious adverse effect called anaphylaxis, and would necessitate urgent medical attention.

While semaglutide is tolerated well by most patients, it is not uncommon to experience some side effects that are generally transient and diminish as the body adapts to the medication. Common side effects of semaglutide may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. These symptoms are typically self-limiting but should be reported to a healthcare provider if they persist or become bothersome or severe, as they may require medical evaluation and possibly a dosage adjustment.

V. Follow Up Care after Semaglutide Injection

Safe disposal of needles and other sharps after use is of paramount importance to prevent injury and transmission of infection. Used needles should be placed immediately in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. If a container is not available, patients should follow local guidelines or seek advice from a healthcare provider regarding proper disposal methods.

It is essential to perform regular monitoring of blood glucose levels to evaluate the therapeutic effect of semaglutide and to identify any need for dosage or treatment regimen adjustments. Keeping all scheduled follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider is important for ongoing assessment and management of the patient’s condition.

Adopting a comprehensive approach to diabetes management, including adherence to the prescribed semaglutide treatment plan, combined with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and ongoing monitoring of blood glucose levels, will contribute to optimal control of the condition and enhance overall health and well-being.