Learn the ideal storage, usage life, injection locations and handling procedures for compounded semaglutide shots. Follow these steps to safely administer your weekly GLP-1 medication.
Compounded semaglutide injections is an increasingly popular injectable prescription medication used for sustainable weight management and appetite control.
However, as with any injectable drug, understanding correct storage, shelf life, administration guidelines and safe handling practices is essential.
This guide will cover proper techniques to store and inject your weekly semaglutide shots to maximize both safety and medication effectiveness.
Storing Your Compounded Semaglutide
Unlike commercial preparations, compounded medications like semaglutide have specialized storage requirements:
- Keep refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F once received in the mail. Do NOT freeze or expose to extreme heat.
- After first use, semaglutide remains stable for 60 days refrigerated or 21 days at room temperature below 77°F.
- Write date opened on vial label and discard after designated days above.
- Store vials in original packaging away from light until first dose withdrawn.
- Do NOT use if liquid appears discolored, cloudy or contains particles – this indicates contamination.
Adhering to these compounded semaglutide storage conditions preserves medication integrity and prevents premature degradation.
Understanding Injection Volumes
Compounded semaglutide dosing allows customization based on individual weight loss goals:
- Starting dose typically 0.25-0.5mg injected weekly
- Maintenance dose ranges 0.5-2.0mg weekly
Your prescribing provider will direct appropriate injection volume for your weight, BMI, other health conditions and intended weight loss outcomes.
For example:
- 150 lb patient may take 0.25mg (0.1mL of 2.5mg/mL vial)
- 250 lb patient often prescribed 1mg (0.2mL of 5mg/mL vial)
Follow the prescriber’s exact dosing directions for best results.
Injection Site Selection and Rotation
Proper injection technique is vital to minimize side effects and irregular absorption.
Compounded semaglutide shots should be rotated weekly between recommended abdomen injection sites:
- Administer injections at least 1 inch from the belly button
- Rotate sites each week – left/right and upper/lower quadrants
- Avoid injecting into moles, scars, bruises or irritated skin
Rotating sites gives previous injection points time to heal while maximizing intended medication effects.
Step-By-Step Injection Procedure
Follow these key steps for safe and effective semaglutide injection administration:
Gather supplies:
- Semaglutide vial + sterile syringe + alcohol swabs
- Sharps container for safe disposal
Prepare injection dose:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Wipe vial stopper with alcohol swab; allow to dry
- Withdraw prescribed dose into syringe
Select and clean injection site:
- Choose abdomen quadrant avoiding previous injection site
- Clean selected area with alcohol swab; let dry
Insert needle and administer medication:
- Gently pinch 1-2 inches of skin between fingers
- Insert needle quickly at 45 degree angle
- Once needle fully inserted, release pinched skin
- Slowly inject entire contents of syringe
- Allow 10 seconds before removing needle
Finish up:
- Gently press site with gauze, no rubbing
- Safely dispose syringe into sharps container
- Store semaglutide vial refrigerated
Repeat process weekly, rotating sites to sustain consistent GLP-1 absorption and weight reduction effects.
Additional Safe Handling Tips
- Report signs of infection or irritation to medical provider
- Never share needles or allow needle to touch any surfaces
- Follow local regulations for sharps waste disposal
- Ensure proper refrigeration if transporting vial for travel
- Keep all equipment out of reach of children and pets
