How to Use Ozempic Pen: Complete Instructions 2026

To use an Ozempic pen, remove the pen cap, attach a new needle, and check that the medication is clear and colorless. Turn the dose selector to your prescribed dose, clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and inject subcutaneously into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm, hold for 6 seconds. Then, safely dispose of the needle in a sharps container.

Many people feel anxiety before their first Ozempic injection, which is completely normal. The good news is that with practice, giving yourself an Ozempic injection can become a quick, simple part of your weekly routine. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about using your Ozempic pen correctly, from priming your first injection to proper disposal.

TL;DR

• To use your Ozempic pen: attach a new needle and perform a flow check with new pens. 
• Turn the dose selector to your prescribed dose (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg). 
• Clean your injection site with an alcohol swab. 
• Insert the needle into fatty tissue (stomach, thigh, or upper arm) and press the dose button. 
• Slowly count to 6 seconds before removing. 
• Each pen contains four doses lasting four weeks. 
• Always use a new needle for each injection.
• Dispose of used needles in a sharps container immediately after use.

Ozempic Pen Instructions – Step by Step

Injection Process

A. Preparing Your Ozempic Pen

Before each use, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Check that the liquid in the pen window is clear and colorless do not use if it is cloudy or contains particles. Verify the expiration date on the pen and ensure the medication has not been frozen. 

Remove the pen cap and carefully remove a new needle from its packaging by pulling off the paper tab. Attach the needle by pushing it straight onto the pen and turning until secure. Remove both the outer cap (save this) and the inner needle cap.

For your first injection with a new pen, you must perform a flow check. Turn the dose selector until the dose pointer lines up with the flow check symbol. Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter shows 0 and a tiny drop appears at the needle tip. 

If no drop appears, repeat this process up to 6 times. If there is still no drop, do not use the pen. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacy.

B. Injecting Ozempic

Select your prescribed dose (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg) by turning the dose selector. The dose counter will show your selected dose. Confirm you have turned the dose selector to the correct dose before proceeding.

Clean the injection area with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry. Ozempic should be injected subcutaneously into fatty tissue, not into a vein or muscle. Suitable injection sites include your stomach (at least 2 inches from your belly button), your thigh, or your upper arm. 

Pinch the skin at your chosen site, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, and press the dose button firmly until the dose counter shows 0. After the dose counter stops at 0, slowly count to 6 seconds while keeping the needle in your skin. 

This ensures the full dose is delivered. After counting, remove the needle and release the pinched skin. Do not massage the injection area.

Ozempic Pen Doses – How Long Each Lasts

Pen Duration by Strength

Each Ozempic pen delivers exactly four weekly doses, meaning one pen lasts four weeks. According to the Novo Nordisk prescribing information, the prescribed doses of Ozempic can be 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg depending on your treatment plan. The 0.25 mg dose is typically used for the first four weeks as your starting dose, then increased to 0.5 mg for maintenance. 

Your healthcare provider may increase to 1 mg or 2 mg for additional blood sugar control or weight management benefits. Your pen is empty when the flow check symbol appears in the dose counter window or when the dial won’t turn past 0. Don’t worry if the pen still looks full. This is normal due to air bubbles in the medication chamber. 

Always check the dose counter to confirm enough medication remains for your next dose. If the dose counter stops before reaching your full prescribed dose, you may not have received your complete dose. Do not try to get multiple doses from the remaining medication.

When Ozempic Pen Is Not Working – Troubleshooting

A. Dial Won’t Turn

If the dose selector won’t turn to your prescribed dose, the pen may be empty or malfunctioning. Never force the dial. Check if the flow check symbol is showing. If so, you need a new pen. 

If you have an unused pen that won’t dial, it may be defective. Contact your pharmacy or healthcare provider for a replacement.

B. No Prime Drops Appearing

If you’re performing a flow check on a new pen and no tiny drop appears at the needle tip, try these steps: 

1. Turn the dose selector to select a small dose (0.25 mg)
2. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up
3. Tap the pen gently 10 times to move any air bubbles to the top
4. Then, press the dose button. 
5. Repeat this process up to 6 times.

If drops still don’t appear, the pen may be defective do not use it and contact your pharmacy for an exchange.

How to Dispose of Ozempic Pen

Disposal Methods 

After each injection, carefully remove the used needle by placing the outer cap on a flat surface, guiding the needle into the cap, and pushing until it clicks securely. Remove the capped needle from the pen and immediately place it in a sharps container. 

According to FDA guidelines, you should never throw loose needles in household trash to avoid injury to others. If an FDA-cleared sharps container isn’t available, the FDA recommends using a heavy-duty plastic household container such as a laundry detergent bottle. It should be leak-resistant, remain upright, and have a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid. Keep your sharps container out of reach of children and pets. 

When the container is three-quarters full, seal it and take it to a pharmacy drop-off location or follow your local disposal guidelines. Always use a new needle for each injection to reduce the risk of contamination and infection. Never share your Ozempic pen with others, even if you change the needle, as this poses a serious risk of transmitting blood-borne infections.

How to Travel with Ozempic Pen

TSA Carry-On Rules

When flying, always carry your Ozempic pen in your carry-on luggage; never pack it in checked bags where temperature fluctuations can damage the medication. Keep the pen in its original packaging with the prescription label visible. 

You may bring ice packs or cooling cases, though they typically aren’t needed for short trips since Ozempic can stay at room temperature (up to 86°F/30°C) for up to 56 days after first use. Inform TSA officers that you’re carrying injectable medication before screening.

International Travel

For international travel, carry a letter from your healthcare provider describing your prescription, along with enough medication for your trip plus extra in case of delays. Most countries including the EU, Canada, and Mexico recognize prescription medications with proper documentation. 

If purchasing medication abroad, verify authenticity through reputable pharmacies, as counterfeit medications can be dangerous.

Storage While Traveling

Store unopened Ozempic pens in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) whenever possible. After first use, Novo Nordisk recommends storing your pen at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) or in the refrigerator for up to 56 days. 

Do not freeze Ozempic, and do not use it if it has been frozen. Protect your pen from excessive heat and sunlight, and always keep the pen cap on when not in use.

References & Resources 

• Ozempic Instructions
• Ozempic Prescribing Information 
• Ozempic Injection in 3 Multi-Use Pens