How to Use Your GLP-1 Medication

These medications act like the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone in the body to lower your blood sugar.

There are many available GLP-1 agonist medications, including:

• Ozempic – Injected once per week
• Trulicity  – Injected once per week
• Victoza – Injected every day
• Rybelsus – Daily pill, possibly less added benefit

• The prescription for the medication.  Usually we recommend an injectable version, which comes as a pen with a needle to inject it.
• A sharps container to dispose of the needles.  You can buy one at the pharmacy.
• Alcohol swabs.

You should read the full manufacturer's instructions, as each brand may be slightly different.  Please also refer to the manufacturer's website for how to check the flow of each new pen or what to do if you are worried your pen has been damaged.

In general, follow these steps:

• Make sure that the medicine is colorless and does not have particles in it.
• Attach a needle to the pen.  Use a new needle every time.
• Select your dose by dialing the pen.
• Pull off the outer and inner needle caps.
• Choose your injection site.  This can be your stomach (at least 1 inch away from your belly button), back of the upper arms, buttock, or thighs.  Change injection sites each time you inject yourself.
• Wipe the area you plan to inject with an alcohol pad.
• Pinch up the skin slightly.
• Inject the needle straight at a 90 degree angle.
• Push in the dose button for 10 seconds, then release the button and withdraw the needle.
• Remove the needle and discard in a sharps container or check with your local waste department on how to dispose of sharps.

The most common side effects from GLP-1 medications are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or mild abdominal (belly) discomfort.  Rarely, these medications may also cause vomiting.  Typically side effects occur when you start the medication, but they may also occur with each dose increase.

We know that side effects are uncomfortable, but please do not be discouraged!  They usually go away in a few weeks.

Please do NOT stop the medication without discussing it with us first.  If your side effects are too uncomfortable, let us know so that we can help.

You can help decrease your risk of side effects by avoiding high fat or spicy foods, alcohol, and soda.  Eating too much can worsen nausea, so please listen to your body and stop when you're full.

Also, if you tend to have constipation, we recommend increasing your water intake.  Adding high fiber foods or a fiber supplement can also help.