GLP-1 Injections: Complete Guide to GLP-1 Shots
How to inject, best injection sites, what to expect, and the cheapest legitimate way to get GLP-1 injections in 2026.
What Are GLP-1 Injections?
GLP-1 injections are subcutaneous (under-the-skin) shots delivered with auto-injector pens or pre-filled syringes. They contain GLP-1 receptor agonist medications — synthetic peptides that mimic the natural gut hormone GLP-1. The injection delivers the drug into the fatty layer just below the skin, where it is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream over hours to days.
The Approved GLP-1 Injections
| Drug | Frequency | Average Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Weekly | ~15% |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Weekly | ~21% |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Weekly | ~13-15% (off-label) |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Weekly | ~22% (off-label) |
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) | Weekly | ~3-5% |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | Daily | ~5-8% |
| Victoza (liraglutide) | Daily | ~3-5% |
Best GLP-1 Injection Sites
The FDA-approved injection sites for GLP-1 medications:
- Abdomen (most common) — anywhere except 2 inches around the belly button. Easiest to self-administer.
- Front or outer thigh — about hand-width above the knee, on the front or outer side.
- Back of the upper arm — usually requires another person to administer. Most absorbed area, may produce slightly faster onset.
Rotate sites each week to prevent lipohypertrophy (fatty buildup) and skin reactions. A common rotation: abdomen left → abdomen right → thigh left → thigh right → repeat.
How to Inject GLP-1 Step-by-Step
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Inspect the pen — solution should be clear or slightly yellow. Do not use if cloudy or particulate.
- Attach a new needle (some pens come pre-loaded; others require attachment).
- Select your site and clean with an alcohol swab. Let dry completely.
- Pinch the skin gently and insert the needle at 90 degrees.
- Press the button and hold for the count specified by the device (typically 5-10 seconds).
- Remove the needle straight out.
- Dispose of the needle in a sharps container.
For a weekly injection like Wegovy, choose a consistent day of the week and a consistent time. Many users find Sunday evening works well — gives a buffer for forgotten doses.
What to Expect After Your Injection
- Mild soreness or redness at the injection site for a few hours — normal.
- Nausea within 24-48 hours, especially after dose escalations — peaks in weeks 1-4 and improves.
- Reduced appetite within the first 24 hours.
- Slower digestion — heavy/fatty meals may cause discomfort. Eat smaller portions.
Storage
- Unopened pens: refrigerate at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not freeze.
- In-use pens: can be stored at room temperature (≤86°F / 30°C) — typically up to 56 days for Wegovy/Ozempic, 30 days for Mounjaro/Zepbound. Check your specific package insert.
- Travel: use insulated cooler bags with ice packs (not direct ice). TSA allows medication.
Where to Buy GLP-1 Injections
- Online telehealth ($179-249/mo) — compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide via licensed providers. Cheapest cash-pay path.
- In-person doctor + insurance ($25-100/mo copay) — best if your insurance covers Wegovy or Zepbound.
- LillyDirect ($349/mo) — Eli Lilly direct sales of Zepbound vials.