How to Administer GLP-1: Vials

Step-by-step guidance on preparing, injecting, and caring for your medication

2 min read

Titrating a dose from a vial means drawing the medication into a syringe and then injecting it. Follow these steps to ensure safe and proper use.

Preparation

Gather supplies:

  • Vial of medication
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Sterile syringe with needle
  • Sharps disposal container (or a sturdy plastic container if you don’t have one)
  • Your dosage schedule (available in your NativeMed portal)

Wash your hands:

  • Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Check the vial:

  • Most GLP-1 vials should be clear and colorless, but if your formulation includes added ingredients (like B12), the color may vary. Do not use if the liquid looks cloudy or has particles.

Drawing the Medication

  1. Prepare the vial:
    • Remove the plastic cap.
    • Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
  1. Prepare the syringe:
    • Remove the needle cap.
    • Attach the needle if it isn’t pre-attached.
    • Pull back the plunger to draw in air equal to your prescribed dose.
  1. Insert the needle:
    • Push the needle through the vial’s rubber stopper.
  1. Inject air:
    • Push the plunger to inject the air into the vial (helps equalize pressure).
  1. Draw the medication:
    • Turn the vial upside down with the needle still inside.
    • Pull back the plunger to draw the prescribed dose.
    • Remove air bubbles by gently tapping the syringe and pushing the plunger slightly to expel them.
  1. Verify the dose:
    • Double-check the syringe markings to ensure the correct dose.

Injection

Choose the site:

  • Abdomen (at least 2 inches away from your belly button)
  • Front or outer thigh
  • Back of the upper arm

    Rotate sites each time to avoid irritation.

Clean the site:

  • Wipe with an alcohol swab and let it dry.

Inject:

  • Pinch the skin.
  • Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (or 45° if you have less fatty tissue).
  • Push the plunger slowly until all medication is delivered.

After the Injection

  • Remove the needle: Gently withdraw and release the pinched skin.
  • Dispose of the syringe: Place it immediately into a sharps container. Never reuse.
  • Store the vial: Keep refrigerated as instructed. Do not freeze.
  • Record your dose: Log the date and dosage in your NativeMed portal.
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