How to inject retatrutide

GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are groundbreaking treatment options for weight management and type 2 diabetes management. A new addition to the GLP-1 medication group is retatrutide. Retatrutide is not yet FDA approved, but like many GLP-1 agonists, retatrutide will most likely be a weekly injection, delivered subcutaneously into the arm, thigh or stomach area in a self-inject pen.

While the idea of administering a shot may seem daunting the process is simple, safe, and designed for ease. Let’s take a look at the injection process step by step to make your weight loss journey a more comfortable experience.

📝 What is retatrutide?

Retatrutide is manufactured by the well known pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly. This new drug has gained significant attention for its weight loss results shown in recent clinical trials.

What sets retatrutide apart from other obesity drugs is its unique mechanism of action, which targets not one, but three distinct hormones in regulating hunger, metabolism, and glucose control.

Unlike Ozempic and Wegovy, which are solely glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, or Mounjaro and Zepbound, which combine GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonism, retatrutide works by activating three key hormonal pathways. In addition to mimicking GLP-1 and GIP, retatrutide also targets the glucagon receptor, a crucial hormone in glucose and lipid metabolism, further enhancing body weight loss.

Side effects of retatrutide

The most frequently reported side effects associated with retatrutide treatment are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. These side effects are similar to those of Ozempic (semaglutide) Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Zepbound and Wegovy. Side effects are often dose-dependent, with higher doses of retatrutide generally resulting in a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events.

💉 How to inject retatrutide

Read the instructions

Before you start using retatrutide it is essential to read the Instructions for Use Guide carefully, to have a better understanding of the dosage and complications attached to every option. The guide lets you know what to expect and how to handle situations that may arise during treatment. Before you administer the subcutaneous injection for the first time, a healthcare professional will show you how to use it before you self-inject.

Gather your supplies

Before you begin wash your hands with soap and water and make sure you have all the supplies you need. You’ll need your self-inject pen, an alcohol swab and a sharps container for safely disposing of the needle after use. Make sure your retatrutide pen is at room temperature, by leaving it out of the fridge for 30 minutes before use.

Choose your injection site

Most people using weight loss injections prefer injecting in the stomach area, but can also inject in the upper thigh or upper arm. Pick an area that has some extra fat, as it will be more comfortable and easier to inject. Make sure to rotate injection sites to avoid skin irritation.

Clean the injection site

Using an alcohol swab, clean the injection site thoroughly. Allow the area to dry completely before proceeding.

Prepare the self-inject pen

Remove the pen cap from the pen and attach a new needle. Twist the needle firmly, but do not overtighten it. Prime the pen by dialling the dose button until you see a drop of medicine at the end of the needle tip. This ensures that the pen is working properly and removes any air bubbles from the syringe.

Administer the injection

Pinch the skin at the injection site to create a small fold. Hold the pen at a 90-degree angle and insert the needle into the fold. Slowly push the plunger down until the pen clicks, indicating that the dose is complete. Hold the needle in place for six seconds before removing it to make sure the full dose is injected.

💡 Tips for injecting weight loss drugs

Here are some useful tips to help you inject efficiently and painlessly:

Take the injection out of the fridge

Take the injection out of the fridge and let it warm to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This may seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference in how painful the injection feels. Cold medication can be more uncomfortable, allowing it to warm up can help to reduce any potential discomfort.

Use a new needle

Always use a new needle each time you inject. It may be tempting to reuse needles, but doing so can lead to skin infections and bruising. Plus, a new needle will be sharper and less likely to cause discomfort.

Choose an injection site

The first step in administering weight loss medications is selecting the right injection site. The available injection sites for subcutaneous administration are the abdomen, the upper arm or the upper thigh. The most common location for injection is the abdomen. When picking the injection site, it is important to avoid any areas that are bruised, tender, red or hard. Ensure that the injection site is clean, dry and free from any lotion, oil or powder. One other thing to note is that you should not inject into a vein or a muscle. Doing this can cause low blood sugar levels which can lead to some complications. Only inject under the skin (subcutaneously).

Look at the flow check symbol

If you’re using a new pen, don’t forget to check the flow before you start using it. It’s an important step that can help ensure you’re getting the right dose of your medication. To do the flow check, simply turn the dose selector until you see the symbol that looks like a droplet of liquid. Once you see this symbol, you can press the injection button to dispense a small amount of medication. If the medication flows out easily, you’re good to go. If not, you may need to troubleshoot or contact your healthcare provider for assistance. Remember, taking care to check the flow each time you use a new pen can help you stay on track with your medication and achieve the best results possible.

Consider needle size

Another crucial factor in the injection process is needle size. Typically a small, fine needle is used. The needle size is especially important if you’re a patient who is nervous or fearful of injections. Using a smaller needle can help to minimise discomfort and anxiety associated with injection therapy.

Rotate injection sites

Repetitive injections in the same spot can lead to side effects such as the development of lumps under the skin, which can irritate and cause discomfort. Overusing one spot can also effect weight loss results. To avoid this, rotate the injection site with each dose. When shifting injection sites, move in a circular motion around each area to avoid repeatedly injecting too close to one another. A patient can keep track of their injection spot by marking it with a pen before inserting the needle.

Storage

Storing retatrutide correctly is essential in maintaining its effectiveness. Keep the medication in its original container, store it in a refrigerator until you’re ready for use and keep it out of reach of children. If you need to travel or have a day away from home, it can be kept in a cool bag with ice packs for up to four weeks. Ensure that the medication is kept below 86°F (30°C) and never frozen.

📝 Conclusion

That is how you appropriately give a subcutaneous injection based on the information available from other weight loss injections such a Wegovy (semaglutide injection). If you have any questions on how to self inject weight reduction drugs, speak to your healthcare provider.

Sources

• Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial | New England Journal of Medicine
• How to use the Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) KwikPen®
• Ozempic Pen – Ozempic