Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Injections: A Comprehensive Guide
by Dr. Sheila Nazarian

Managing chronic weight issues can be challenging, but advancements in medical treatments like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide offer promising options. These medications, used as an adjunct to a healthy diet and increased physical activity, help adults achieve sustainable weight management. Here’s a detailed guide to understanding these injections and administering them safely.

Uses

Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are designed to support chronic weight management in adults. These medications work best when combined with a nutritional diet and regular physical activity.

Dosage Guide

For Semaglutide:

• 0.25mg: Draw and inject 10 units weekly.
• 0.5mg: Draw and inject 20 units weekly.
• 1.0mg: Draw and inject 40 units weekly.
• 1.7mg: Draw and inject 68 units weekly.
• 2.4mg: Draw and inject 96 units weekly.

For Tirzepatide:

• 2.5mg: Draw and inject 25 units weekly.
• 5.0mg: Draw and inject 50 units weekly.
• 7.5mg: Draw and inject 75 units weekly.
• 10.0mg: Draw and inject 100 units weekly.

Refer to your healthcare provider for specific dosing instructions tailored to your needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Self-Injection

Administering your injections correctly ensures maximum efficacy and reduces discomfort. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Select Your Injection Site:

• Choose a site with a subcutaneous fat layer (where you can “pinch an inch”).
• Recommended areas:
• Outer side of upper arm
• Buttocks
• Top of the thighs
• Abdomen (avoid the waistline and navel)
• Flanks

2. Clean the Site:

• Disinfect the area with an alcohol pad or cotton ball treated with alcohol.
• Wait approximately 15 seconds for the area to dry. Avoid blowing on or fanning the area.

3. Prepare the Syringe:

• Remove the needle cap.
• Draw the prescribed dose into the syringe as per your dosage guidelines.

4. Administer the Injection:

• Pinch a 1-2 inch fold of skin between your index finger and thumb.
• Hold the syringe like a pencil or dart.
• Insert the needle quickly at a 90-degree angle into the pinched skin. Ensure the needle is fully covered by the skin.

5. Post-Injection Care:

• Remove the needle and hold an alcohol pad, gauze, or cotton ball gently to the injection site.
• If there’s minor bleeding, apply light pressure for 90 seconds.

6. Dispose of the Needle:

• Place the used needle and syringe into a puncture-resistant disposable container (e.g., a glass jar with a lid).
• Dispose of used needles responsibly at any commercial pharmacy or designated sharps disposal site. Visit Safe Needle Disposal to locate a disposal site near you.