Understanding GLP-1 Injectables for Obesity: A Guide to Administration and Options

Many people living with obesity now use GLP-1 medications to help manage their health. These drugs help you feel full and lose weight. Most of these medicines are given as a shot. It is helpful to know how these shots work and what choices you have.^1,2

How GLP-1 injections work for you

GLP-1 medications stand for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic a hormone in your body. This hormone tells your brain that you are full. It also slows down how fast your stomach empties.^1,2

Most of these drugs come as a liquid. You must put the liquid into your body so it can start working. This is why many of these drugs are injections.^1,2

The difference between subcutaneous and intravenous injections

There are different ways to give a shot. GLP-1 drugs for weight loss are subcutaneous injections. This means the needle goes into the fatty layer just under your skin.^1,2

Intravenous injections are different. These go directly into a vein. Doctors or nurses usually give intravenous shots in a clinic.

Subcutaneous shots are much easier to do at home. The needles are very short and thin. You can give these shots to yourself in the belly, thigh, or back of the arm.^1,2

Comparing injection options for your medicine

You may have a couple of choices for how you take your GLP-1, depending on which drug you are prescribed. They typically include:^2-4

• Single-use, autoinjector pens – These are the most common. The needle is hidden inside the pen. These pens have a spring system inside. This means that when you press the pen against your skin and click a button, it triggers the needle to insert and the medicine to be injected. This is a great choice if you do not like needles.
• Multi-dose pens – These pens hold enough medicine for 4 doses. You must attach a new, sterilized needle each time you use it. You turn a dial on the pen to set the right dose.

For both the single-use and multi-dose injection pens, be sure to hold the needle in for 5 to 10 seconds after pressing the button to ensure the full dose is delivered.^2,3

Tips for self-injections

Self-injections can feel scary at first. These tips can help you feel ready:^1,5

• Check the temperature of your medicine. Most GLP-1 drugs must stay cold. Take the pen out of the fridge about 30 minutes before your shot. This lets it reach room temperature. Cold medicine can sometimes sting when you inject it.
• Choose your site carefully. The belly is a popular spot. Stay at least 2 inches away from your belly button. You can also use the front of your thighs as well.
• Use the pinch technique. For subcutaneous shots, some people find it easier to gently pinch an inch of skin/fat to ensure the needle does not hit muscle, though with today's ultra-short needles, this is often optional.
• Rotate where you inject. Do not use the exact same spot every week. Moving the site helps prevent skin problems. You can use a calendar to track where you had your last shot.

GLP-1s may cause nausea or an upset stomach. These side effects usually go away as your body gets used to the drug. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you may have.^1,2

How to dispose of needles safely

It is very important to throw away your needles the right way. You should never put a loose needle into the trash. This can cause injury to other people. You should place your used needles in a strong container. Most people use a red sharps container. You can buy these at a drug store.⁶

If you do not have a sharps container, you can use a heavy plastic bottle. An empty laundry detergent bottle is a good choice. Make sure the lid is tight. Do not put your needles into the recycling bin. Keep your sharps container away from children and pets. When the container is almost full, follow local rules for how to dispose of it.⁶

The future of GLP-1 drugs

Science is always changing. New options are becoming available. Some GLP-1 drugs now come in a pill form. This is called an oral medication.²

Oral versions require a different kind of commitment. You must take the pill on an empty stomach (usually as soon as you wake up). You must wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything. You also cannot take other pills during this wait time. You should only drink a small amount of plain water with the pill. If you eat too soon, the drug will not work well.²

Talk to your doctor

GLP-1 medications offer a new way to treat obesity. Whether you use a self-injection pen or a pill, these drugs can help you reach your goals. Talk to your doctor about whether a GLP-1 is right for you. They can help you choose the best option for your weight loss goals.^1,2