Should I pinch my skin when injecting Ozempic? Here's the Right Way

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to manufacturer instructions and clinical guidelines, a key step in administering an Ozempic injection involves gently pinching a fold of skin at the injection site. This simple technique is crucial for ensuring the medication is delivered into the fatty, subcutaneous layer beneath the skin, where it can be absorbed correctly.

Quick Summary

Yes, you should gently pinch the skin for most Ozempic injections to target the fatty tissue, especially in the abdomen or thigh. Pinching helps ensure proper, effective subcutaneous delivery and can minimize discomfort. Proper technique and site rotation are essential for consistent absorption.

Key Points

Yes, pinch the skin: The pinch technique is generally recommended for Ozempic injections to ensure the medication is delivered into the fatty (subcutaneous) tissue.
Ensures subcutaneous delivery: Pinching helps separate the fat layer from the muscle, which is crucial for the medication's intended slow and steady absorption.
Rotate injection sites: Constantly rotating sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm) is essential to prevent tissue damage, lumps (lipohypertrophy), and inconsistent medication absorption.
Hold for 6 seconds: After injecting, keep the needle in place for at least six seconds to ensure the full dose has been delivered and prevent medication leakage.
Vary injection angles for body type: Most people should use a 90-degree angle, but very thin individuals may need a 45-degree angle to avoid intramuscular injection, especially while pinching the skin.
Use a new, sharp needle: Always use a fresh needle for each injection to minimize pain and reduce the risk of infection.

The 'Pinch' Technique: Why and When

For most individuals administering an Ozempic injection, gently pinching a fold of skin is a recommended step. The reason behind this technique is to raise the fatty tissue, or subcutaneous layer, away from the muscle underneath. Ozempic is a subcutaneous injection, meaning it is designed to be absorbed slowly into the body from the fat layer just beneath the skin. Injecting into the muscle, which is deeper, could cause the medication to be absorbed too quickly and may result in more pain or discomfort.

For average-sized patients: Pinching the skin helps to ensure the short, thin needle reaches the fatty tissue at a 90-degree angle without penetrating the muscle.
For very thin patients: The standard 90-degree injection angle might risk hitting muscle. By pinching the skin, you can lift the fatty tissue and then inject at a 45-degree angle to avoid this risk.

Step-by-Step Guide to Injecting Ozempic

Following the correct procedure is vital for a safe and effective injection. Always consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized instructions, but the general steps are as follows:

Prepare: Wash your hands with soap and water. Gather your Ozempic pen, a new needle, and an alcohol swab. Check the liquid in the pen to ensure it is clear and colorless. Allow the pen to warm to room temperature for 15-20 minutes, as cold medication can cause stinging.
Attach Needle: Remove the pen cap and attach a new, sterile needle by tearing off the paper tab, pushing the needle onto the pen, and twisting until it's tight. Remove both the outer and inner needle caps.
Prime the Pen (for new pens): Turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol and press the button until the counter shows '0'. Check that a drop of liquid appears at the needle tip to ensure it is working correctly.
Select Dose: Turn the dose selector until the dose counter displays your prescribed dose.
Choose and Clean Site: Select an injection site from the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Wipe the area with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely. Injecting into wet alcohol can sting.
Pinch and Inject: Gently pinch a fold of skin with your free hand. Insert the needle straight into the skin fold at a 90-degree angle (or 45-degree if advised by your doctor).
Administer Medication: Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter shows '0'. Continue holding the button and count slowly to six to ensure the full dose is delivered. After the count, remove the needle from the skin.
Dispose and Store: Carefully remove the used needle and place it directly into a sharps container. Recap the pen and store it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Maximizing Comfort and Consistency

Several best practices can help make injections more comfortable and effective over time:

Rotate Injection Sites: Never inject in the exact same spot twice. Regularly rotating between different areas (e.g., left thigh, right thigh, different quadrants of the abdomen) is essential. This prevents the development of lipohypertrophy, or fatty lumps, that can affect how the medication is absorbed.
Relax the Muscle: Tension can increase discomfort. Taking a few calm breaths before and during the injection can help you relax.
Let Alcohol Dry: The stinging sensation often associated with injections can be caused by injecting while the alcohol is still wet. Always let the area dry completely before inserting the needle.
Gentle Pinch: Do not pinch the skin too tightly. The goal is to lift the fatty layer, not cause bruising or pain.

A Comparison of Ozempic Injection Sites


Injection Site	Pros	Cons	Best For	Proper Technique
Abdomen	Easy to reach, often has the most fatty tissue.	Must avoid the 2-inch radius around the belly button and scarred areas.	Most people, especially for self-injection.	Inject at least 2 inches from the belly button, rotating weekly in a different quadrant.
Thigh	Readily accessible and visible for self-injection.	May have less fat than the abdomen for some people.	Alternating with the abdomen.	Use the top and outer areas of the thigh, rotating spots weekly.
Upper Arm	Good fatty tissue for injection.	Can be difficult to reach alone, often requires assistance.	Users with a partner, family member, or friend to help.	Inject into the fleshy, outer back portion of the arm.

When to Adjust Your Technique

While the pinch technique is a general recommendation, individual circumstances can alter the approach. For example, if you are very thin and your doctor has advised a 45-degree angle, the pinch is crucial to avoid intramuscular injection. In contrast, some manufacturers of extremely short needles may suggest that pinching is not necessary for certain patient body types, but this is less common with standard Ozempic needles. Always follow the specific guidance provided by your healthcare team. If you notice persistent redness, bruising, or lumps at the injection site, consult your doctor. This could indicate a need to change your technique or better manage site rotation.

Conclusion: Perfecting Your Ozempic Injection

Yes, for most people, the proper technique for an Ozempic injection involves gently pinching the skin. This simple action helps ensure the medication is delivered correctly into the subcutaneous fat layer, minimizing discomfort and promoting consistent absorption. Remember to always use a new needle, rotate your injection sites weekly, and hold the pen in place for six seconds after the dose counter reaches zero. By following these proven best practices, you can make your weekly injections a safe and effective part of your health routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

You pinch your skin to lift the fatty, subcutaneous tissue away from the muscle underneath. This ensures the Ozempic is injected into the correct fat layer for slow, steady absorption, which is how the medication is designed to work.

For most people, the correct injection angle is 90 degrees, straight into the pinched fold of skin. If you are very thin, your healthcare provider may recommend a 45-degree angle, still within the pinched fold, to avoid hitting muscle.

Accidentally injecting into a muscle might cause more pain and potentially alter how quickly the medication is absorbed. While generally not dangerous due to the small, short needle, it's best to avoid it by using proper technique.

After pressing the dose button until the counter shows '0', you should hold the pen in place for at least six seconds. This ensures that the entire dose is administered and prevents leakage.

Yes, rotating injection sites weekly is very important. It helps prevent skin irritation, bruising, and the development of fatty lumps (lipohypertrophy), which can interfere with medication absorption.

The three recommended injection sites for Ozempic are the abdomen (at least two inches from the navel), the front or side of the thighs, and the back of the upper arms.

You can use the same general area, but you must rotate the specific spot each week. For example, if you inject in the abdomen, choose a different spot within that area each time.