Do you prime an Ozempic pen every time? A Guide to Proper Use

With approximately 38 million people in the United States having diabetes, many rely on injectable medications like Ozempic [1.5.6]. A common question is, 'Do you prime an Ozempic pen every time?' The answer is no, and understanding why is key to safe and effective use [1.3.1, 1.3.2].

Quick Summary

You only need to prime, or 'check the flow,' of a new Ozempic pen once before its first use. This critical step ensures correct function and dosing. It is not required for subsequent weekly injections from the same pen.

Key Points

• New Pen Only: Priming, or the 'flow check,' is only required once, before the very first injection from each new Ozempic pen [1.3.1].

• Not for Every Dose: You do not need to prime the pen before every weekly injection after the first use [1.3.1].

• Ensures Accuracy: Priming removes air from the needle and cartridge, ensuring you receive the full prescribed dose of medication [1.2.9].

• Flow Check Symbol: To prime, you turn the dose selector to the specific flow check symbol, not a numbered dose [1.4.5].

• Use a New Needle: Always attach a brand new needle before priming a new pen and for every subsequent injection [1.2.4].

• Verify with a Drop: A successful prime is confirmed when a drop of Ozempic appears at the needle tip [1.2.3].

• Troubleshooting: If a primed pen is dropped, perform another flow check to ensure it has not been damaged [1.4.1].

Understanding Ozempic and Its Delivery System

Ozempic, with its active ingredient semaglutide, is a prescription medication primarily used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes [1.5.3]. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite [1.5.1]. Administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, Ozempic comes in a multi-dose, single-patient-use pen designed for ease of use [1.3.4, 1.5.4].

Proper handling of the injection pen is crucial for ensuring the medication's efficacy and the patient's safety. A key part of this process, especially for first-time users of a new pen, is a procedure called 'priming' or the 'flow check' [1.4.1].

The Critical First Step: What is Priming?

Priming an Ozempic pen is the process of checking the medication flow before the very first injection from a new pen [1.4.4]. This one-time procedure ensures that the pen and needle are working correctly and removes any air bubbles from the cartridge and needle [1.2.9]. Performing this flow check guarantees that the patient will receive the full, accurate dose of medication during their actual injection [1.2.9].

It is important to emphasize that you only prime a new pen once [1.3.1, 1.4.3]. You do not need to repeat the priming process for every subsequent dose from that same pen. The manufacturer includes a small amount of extra medication in each pen to account for this initial flow check [1.3.2].

How to Prime a New Ozempic Pen: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you begin, wash your hands thoroughly and gather your supplies: your new Ozempic pen, a new needle, and an alcohol swab [1.2.5].

1. Check the Pen: Remove the pen cap and check the medication in the window. It should be clear and colorless [1.2.5]. Do not use it if it appears cloudy or has particles.
2. Attach a New Needle: Always use a new needle for each injection to prevent infection and blockage [1.2.4]. Tear the paper tab off a new needle, push it straight onto the pen, and twist it until it is tight [1.4.2]. Remove both the outer and inner needle caps. Keep the outer cap for later to safely remove the needle.
3. Select the Flow Check Symbol: Turn the dose selector at the end of the pen until the dose counter shows the flow check symbol (two dots with a dash) [1.4.5].
4. Perform the Flow Check: Hold the pen with the needle pointing up [1.4.4]. This allows any air bubbles to rise to the top. Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter shows '0' [1.2.3]. A drop of Ozempic should appear at the needle tip [1.4.4].
5. Confirm the Flow: If a drop does not appear, you can repeat the flow check process up to six times [1.2.3]. If a drop still doesn't appear after six attempts, change the needle and try one more time [1.2.3]. If it still fails, do not use the pen and contact the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, or your pharmacist [1.4.4].

Once a drop appears, the pen is primed and ready for you to select your prescribed dose for injection.

Administering a Regular Weekly Dose

For all subsequent injections from a pen that has already been primed, you can skip the flow check steps. Simply follow these instructions:

1. Prepare: Wash your hands and attach a new needle as described above [1.4.1].
2. Select Your Dose: Turn the dose selector until your prescribed dose (e.g., 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg) appears in the dose counter window [1.2.7].
3. Choose and Clean Injection Site: Choose an injection site on your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm [1.3.3]. Rotate sites with each weekly injection [1.4.2]. Clean the skin with an alcohol swab.
4. Inject the Medication: Insert the needle into your skin. Press and hold the dose button until the counter shows '0'. Continue to hold the button and count slowly to six before removing the needle from your skin [1.2.1]. This ensures the full dose is delivered.
5. Dispose of the Needle: Carefully replace the outer needle cap, unscrew the needle, and dispose of it immediately in a designated sharps container [1.2.7].

Comparison Table: Priming vs. Regular Dosing

Action	Priming (First Use of New Pen Only)	Regular Weekly Injection
When to Perform	ONLY before the first injection from a brand new pen [1.3.1].	For every weekly dose after the first one from a pen [1.3.1].
Dose Selection	Turn selector to the flow check symbol (..) [1.4.5].	Turn selector to your prescribed dose (e.g., 0.5 mg) [1.2.7].
Purpose	To remove air and ensure the pen/needle are working correctly [1.2.9].	To administer your prescribed therapeutic dose of medication.
Expected Outcome	A single drop of liquid appears at the needle tip [1.4.4].	The dose counter returns to 0 after a full injection.
Frequency	Once per pen lifespan [1.4.3].	Once per week, as prescribed by your doctor [1.3.4].

Troubleshooting Common Pen Issues

• Pen is Dropped: If you drop your pen, you should attach a new needle and perform a flow check to ensure it's still working correctly, even if it's not a new pen [1.4.1].
• Dose Dial is Stuck: If the dose dial is hard to turn, ensure the needle isn't clogged by replacing it. Do not force the dial [1.6.2]. If the problem persists, the pen may be malfunctioning.
• No Drop Appears During Priming: Repeat the priming steps. If it still fails after multiple attempts and a needle change, do not use the pen [1.2.3].

Conclusion

The answer to the question, 'Do you prime an Ozempic pen every time?' is a clear no. The priming process, officially called the 'flow check,' is a one-time setup step required only for a new pen before its very first use [1.4.3]. For all subsequent weekly doses from that same pen, you simply attach a new needle, dial your prescribed dose, and inject. Following these manufacturer guidelines ensures you receive your medication safely and effectively, which is paramount for managing type 2 diabetes.

Official Ozempic Pen Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to prime my Ozempic pen before every injection?

No. You only need to prime the pen by performing a 'flow check' before the very first use of a new pen. It is not necessary for subsequent weekly injections from the same pen [1.3.1, 1.4.3].

What is the purpose of priming an Ozempic pen?

Priming, also called a flow check, ensures that the pen and needle are working correctly and removes air that may be in the cartridge, guaranteeing you receive your full dose of medication [1.2.9].

What happens if I forget to prime my new Ozempic pen?

If you don't prime a new pen, there may be air in the needle or cartridge. This could result in you receiving an incomplete or lower dose of medication than what was prescribed [1.2.9].

How do I know if the priming was successful?

Priming is successful when you see a drop of Ozempic appear at the tip of the needle after pressing the dose button while the selector is on the flow check symbol [1.2.3].

What should I do if no drop appears when I try to prime the pen?

You can repeat the priming steps up to six times. If a drop still doesn't appear, change the needle and try one more time. If it still fails, do not use the pen and contact the manufacturer or your pharmacy [1.2.3].

Does priming waste a lot of medication?

No. The manufacturer includes a small amount of extra medication in each pen to account for the small drops used during the initial, one-time priming process [1.3.2].

Do I need to do a flow check if I drop my pen?

Yes. If you drop your pen, the manufacturer recommends attaching a new needle and checking the flow to ensure the pen is not damaged and will function correctly [1.4.1].