How to Prepare Your Wegovy or Zepbound Injection

So, you’ve got your Wegovy or Zepbound prescription filled and that little box of injections has landed at your door, now what?

If you're staring at the packaging thinking, “How the heck do I use this thing?”, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve been hearing a lot of people ask the same questions: What’s the difference between the vials and the pens? How do you know how much to inject? Where does it even go?

Let’s break it all down like I’m just walking you through it, step-by-step no science-y talk, no stress, and no branding hype.

The Auto-Injector Pen

If you're lucky enough to get the auto-injector pen, good news: it's super straightforward.

Here’s how it works:

• Take off the cap.

• Unlock it by flipping the safety switch.

• Press it flat against your skin. Most people go for the stomach, front of the thigh, or the back of the upper arm.

• Hit the button and hold.

That’s it. You’ll feel a tiny pinch, and before you know it, the pen retracts and you’re done. It’s built to deliver the medication just under your skin. No measuring, no drawing anything up, and no stress.

If you're getting your meds directly from one of the bigger pharmaceutical distributors, they’ll likely send you these pens in pre-measured doses (2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, etc.) all ready to go.

Drawing Up from a Vial (Not as Scary as It Sounds)

Now, if you’re getting your medication in a vial, maybe from a compound pharmacy or a different source, the process is a little more hands-on, but still totally doable.

First, grab your supplies:

• Alcohol swab

• Syringe (either insulin or 1 mL syringe)

• Needle (if it’s not already attached)

• Your vial of medication

A Quick Note on the Math

Let’s say your vial contains 2.5 mg of medication in 1 mL of fluid. That means every 0.1 mL (or 10 units on an insulin syringe) gives you 0.25 mg.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• 10 units = 0.25 mg

• 20 units = 0.5 mg

• 30 units = 0.75 mg

• 40 units = 1 mg

And if you needed the full 2.5 mg dose, that would be the whole 1 mL syringe, or 100 units.

Now, this is just one example. Your concentration might be different depending on your pharmacy, so double-check the label or the paperwork that came with it. The math only works if you know your exact concentration. If you have any hesitation or confusion about how much to draw up, CONSULT YOUR PROVIDER. 

Drawing and Prepping

Here’s how to draw up your dose using an insulin syringe:

1. Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab.

2. Insert the needle through the rubber top.

3. Turn the vial upside down.

4. Pull back slowly until you get to your target units (e.g. 10 units for 0.25 mg).

5. Remove the syringe, recap, and set it aside.

   
   

If you’re using a 1 mL syringe and attaching your own needle, it’s the same idea,  just make sure to twist the needle on securely. A 30-gauge, half-inch needle is a common option for this kind of injection and feels like a small mosquito bite at most.

Where to Inject It

You’ve got three main options:

• Abdomen: About 2-3 finger widths away from your belly button (don’t inject too close to the navel).

• Front of your thigh: About halfway between your hip and knee.

• Back of the upper arm: This one’s a bit tricky to do on your own, but great if someone can help.

Whichever spot you choose, make sure to clean it with alcohol first. Then pinch the area gently, insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle depending on your needle size, and slowly press the plunger.

It might feel a bit overwhelming at first.. syringes, pens, units, milligrams..But after your first or second time, it becomes second nature.

Some people prefer the ease of the auto-injector pens, while others are fine drawing up from a vial. Both work the same way: delivering medication into the subcutaneous space just under the skin. The most important thing is to follow your provider’s instructions and make sure you’re using the right dose for your specific plan.

And hey, if you get a little redness or tenderness at the site, that’s normal. It usually fades quickly and doesn’t bother most people after the first few tries.

If you’re new to GLP-1s or want extra support with lifestyle tips, nutrition, and staying consistent, it might help to connect with a community or coach that gets it.

Find out more here. 

Michael Stephens is the founder of The GLP-1 Source, a platform built from personal experience navigating the overwhelming world of health, fitness, and GLP-1 medications. After struggling to find clear, reliable information in a sea of conflicting advice, Mike created this website as a straightforward, no-nonsense resource for those looking to make informed decisions about their health. Whether you're exploring GLP-1 medications, optimizing your fitness, or building sustainable habits, The GLP-1 Source provides practical insights, expert-backed tips, and real-world guidance to help you on your journey to a healthier life.