How to inject a GLP-1 medicine correctly

Overview

GLP-1 medicines are injected into the fat just under the skin, not into muscle. Good technique reduces bruising, lumps and inconsistent absorption.

Why it's done and who it helps

• Inject into abdomen, front of thigh or back of upper arm.
• Rotate sites weekly to avoid lipohypertrophy.
• Never inject into a dialysis fistula arm.
• Dispose of pens in an approved sharps bin, not household waste.

Step by step

Wash hands, check the pen and expiry, choose a clean site at least 2 cm from a previous injection, hold the pen flat to the skin and press until the dose counter completes, then hold for the recommended seconds before withdrawing.

Fistula and catheter safety

If you have an arteriovenous fistula or graft, that arm is off-limits for injections. If you have a peritoneal dialysis catheter, keep at least 5 cm away from the exit site.

Storage

Store pens in the fridge at 2-8C until first use, keep away from the freezer compartment, and follow the in-use room-temperature limit printed on the carton.

Preparing for your appointment

Does it hurt?

Most people describe a brief sting; a room-temperature pen and a relaxed site help.

What if I see a drop of liquid afterwards?

A tiny bead is normal — do not re-dose.

When to contact your care team

Contact the clinic promptly if you have any of the following:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours, or you cannot keep fluids down
• Passing much less urine than usual, or new swelling of the legs or face
• Severe pain in the upper abdomen that spreads to your back, with or without vomiting
• A weight change of more than 2 kg in a week that is not explained by fluid
• A missed weekly weight, a missed dose, or any hospital admission

If you are seriously unwell, contact NHS 111 or your renal unit directly rather than waiting for your next review.

Your care at KidneyWeight Clinic

Every dose change, weekly weight and kidney blood test is recorded in your clinical monitoring record, reviewed by Professor Mohammed Mahdi Althaf at six-weekly intervals and formally reassessed at 26 weeks. Booking and your initial payment are handled by professoralthaf.co.uk, medication supply by Healist Pharmacy, and follow-up appointment payments by Carebit.

References

• NICE TA1026: tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity
• NICE TA875: semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity
• NICE CG189: obesity identification, assessment and management
• NHS: weight-loss medicines

This article is general patient information reviewed by a consultant nephrologist. It is not individual medical advice; treatment decisions are made at a face-to-face consultation.