📋 About your medication
Bliv offers both compounded GLP-1 medications prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies, and access to branded GLP-1 medications manufactured by Novo Nordisk (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and Eli Lilly (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®). The injection steps below apply to the compounded vial-and-syringe format. If you were prescribed a branded auto-injector pen, follow the instructions included with your device.
Watch first — injection tutorial video
This video walks through the full injection process. We recommend watching it before your first dose.
Prefer a live walkthrough? Book a complimentary nurse follow-up call — your nurse can guide you through your first injection in real time.
Book a call (English): https://calendly.com/d/cv7x-j27-mqw/glp-1-nurse-follow-up-call
What you will need
- Your medication vial (refrigerated, not frozen)
- An insulin syringe (included in your shipment) — confirm the correct unit size per your dosing plan
- An alcohol swab (included in your shipment)
- A sharps disposal container — available at most pharmacies, not included in shipment
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Recommended injection sites
GLP-1 medications are injected subcutaneously — into the fatty tissue just under the skin, not into muscle. Choose from the three approved sites:
Abdomen (most common)
Inject at least 2 inches away from your belly button. The most accessible site for self-injection.
Front of thighs
A good alternative to the abdomen — use the outer front area of either thigh.
Back of upper arms
Can be used, though it may be easier with assistance from someone else.
Rotate sites every injection
Use a different spot within your chosen area each week. Injecting the same small area repeatedly causes lipodystrophy — hardened fatty buildup under the skin that impairs medication absorption. Divide your abdomen into quadrants and rotate through them to stay organized.
Always clean the skin first
Wipe the chosen injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to fully air-dry — about 10–15 seconds — before injecting.
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Step-by-step injection guide
Step 1 — Prepare your supplies
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Remove the vial from the refrigerator. You may inject straight from the fridge or let the vial sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes. Do not microwave or heat the vial.
Step 2 — Inspect the vial
The medication should be clear and colorless or very pale yellow. Do not use it if you see cloudiness, particles, unusual color, or if the beyond-use date (BUD) has passed.
Step 3 — Clean the vial top
Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab and allow it to air-dry for 10–15 seconds.
Step 4 — Draw your dose
Pull the syringe plunger back to draw in air equal to your dose in units. Insert the needle through the rubber stopper, push the air in, invert the vial, and draw your exact dose. Tap out air bubbles. Confirm your dose matches your dosing plan before proceeding.
Step 5 — Prepare and clean your injection site
Choose your site, wipe it with a fresh alcohol swab, and allow it to fully dry before injecting.
Step 6 — Inject
Pinch a small fold of skin. Insert the needle at a 45–90 degree angle. Push the plunger slowly until empty. Hold for 5 seconds before withdrawing. Release and withdraw smoothly.
Step 7 — After the injection
Apply light pressure with a clean swab if there is minor bleeding. Do not rub. Dispose of the needle in your sharps container immediately. Never recap needles. Never reuse syringes.
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Injecting into muscle instead of fatty tissue
- Skipping site rotation — leads to lipodystrophy over time
- Not letting the alcohol dry before injecting
- Drawing the wrong dose — always double-check against your dosing plan
- Reusing syringes — single-use only
Never inject if the medication is cloudy, discolored, or expired — or if you are unsure of your dose. Contact support or book a nurse call before proceeding.