Injection site

What it means

For injected GLP-1 medicines, the labels list three areas: the stomach (at least 2 inches away from the belly button), the front of the thigh and the back of the upper arm, which is easier if someone else gives the shot.

Rotate your site each time. Using the same spot over and over can cause hard lumps under the skin that may change how the medicine is absorbed. Avoid skin that is bruised, tender, scarred or irritated.

In the Zepbound weight-management trials, injection-site reactions were reported by about 6% to 8% of people on the drug, compared with about 2% on placebo. Most were mild redness or itching.

If you also use insulin, the labels say you can inject both in the same body area but not right next to each other. Ask your prescriber about any reaction that spreads, worsens or comes with fever.

Why it matters

Site rotation is a simple habit that can reduce skin reactions and keep absorption steady.