- Use a new needle for every injection. Needles come with the pen.
- Do a flow check with each new pen: look for a drop at the needle tip.
- Select your dose, inject, and count slowly to 6 after the counter reaches 0.
- Inject in the stomach, thigh or upper arm, rotating the spot each week.
- Throw the pen away 56 days after first use, even if medicine is left.
Before you start
- Check the medicine: it should be clear and colorless.[1]
- Check the pen label: the red-label pen gives 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg, the blue-label pen 1 mg and the yellow-label pen 2 mg.[1]
- Needles: Ozempic pens come with NovoFine Plus 32G 4 mm needles.[1] Always use a new needle for each injection.[2]
- Choose your site: stomach (abdomen), thigh or upper arm. Do not inject into a muscle or vein. Change (rotate) your injection site with each injection; if you use the same area, use a different spot.[1]
Step by step
- Attach a new needle
Tear off the paper tab. Push and turn the needle onto the pen until it is tight, then remove both needle caps.
- Flow check (new pen only)
With each new pen, turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows the flow check symbol. Press and hold the dose button until the counter shows 0, and make sure a drop appears at the needle tip.
- Select your dose
Turn the dose selector to the dose your prescriber has set: 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg on the red-label pen, 1 mg on the blue-label pen, or 2 mg on the yellow-label pen.
- Inject
Insert the needle into your skin. Press and hold down the dose button. After the dose counter reaches 0, slowly count to 6, then remove the needle from your skin.
- Remove the needle
Carefully remove the needle and put it in a sharps container. Put the pen cap back on the pen.
Summarized from Novo Nordisk's Ozempic pen instructions.[1] If no drop appears during the flow check, follow the troubleshooting steps in the Instructions for Use in your box, or ask your pharmacist.
After you inject
- Put the used needle in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away.[1]
- Store the pen without a needle attached, with the cap on.[2]
- Never share your pen with anyone, even if the needle is changed.[1]
- Log the site in the logbook so you rotate next week.
How long a pen lasts
After first use, an Ozempic pen can be stored for 56 days at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) or in the fridge.[2] Throw it away after 56 days, even if it still has medicine left in it.[1] Write the date of your first injection on the carton.
For missed doses and changing your injection day, see our missed dose guide.
Common questions
How long do you hold the Ozempic pen in?
Press and hold the dose button. After the dose counter reaches 0, slowly count to 6, then remove the needle from your skin.
What is the Ozempic flow check?
Before the first injection with each new pen, turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol and press the dose button until the counter shows 0. A drop should appear at the needle tip. It confirms medicine is flowing.
Does Ozempic come with needles?
Yes. Ozempic pens come with NovoFine Plus needles. Use a new needle for every injection.
How long does an Ozempic pen last once opened?
The prescribing information says a pen can be used for 56 days after first use, stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) or in the fridge. Throw it away after 56 days even if medicine is left.
Can I share my Ozempic pen?
No. Never share your pen with anyone, even if the needle is changed.
Sources
- Novo Nordisk. How to use the Ozempic pen. Revised n/a (web page). Last checked 2026-10-01.
- Novo Nordisk. Ozempic (semaglutide) Prescribing Information, Medication Guide and Instructions for Use. Revised PI 05/2026, Medication Guide 01/2025 (IFU date unconfirmed). Last checked 2026-10-01.