Leakage of Medication at Injection Site
Users on Reddit report experiences with what they perceive as leakage or improper delivery of GLP-1 medication at the injection site, often manifesting as a "bubble" or "wheal" immediately after injection. [1] This indicates the medication may have been injected too superficially (intradermally) rather than into the deeper subcutaneous fat layer. As one user explained, "You did it intradermal instead of subcutaneous... You accidentally didn't get deep enough and created a wheal. "[2] Some users also report bleeding or bruising at the site when this occurs. [5] Another described a "small bump that was super itchy," possibly due to an air bubble or improper injection technique. [13]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
Users offer several tips to prevent medication leakage or improper injection and ensure the medication is delivered correctly:
Pinching the Skin: Some users find pinching a layer of fat helps. "I personally “pinch” some of my fat then poke. "[7] Another user shared advice from a nurse: "She recommended I lightly pinch a layer of fat/skin with my thumb and forefingers an inch or so thick... I then angle the needle upward with my other hand under the pinched area to inject. "[12]
Injection Speed: Inject the medication slowly. One user's provider recommended injecting "probably 1 second per 10 units. "[4] Another advises to "inject very slowly and let it flow". [6]
Complete the Injection: Ensure the full dose is administered by pushing the plunger or injector all the way down and not stopping prematurely. One user advises, "Push the injector ALL the way down and do not stop until it’s definitely done injecting. "[9]
Post-Injection: Hold the needle in place for 5-10 seconds after injecting before removing it. [4] Some users then "immediately press on the area and massage," though massaging advice can vary. [4]
Instructional Videos: Watching videos can help visualize the correct technique. Users recommend searching YouTube for "how to give subcutaneous injection"[10] or specific semaglutide injection videos. [11]
Users generally report that even if a bubble forms, the body will still absorb the medication, though it might take a few days for the wheal to go down. [2, 3, 4] The primary "remedy" for an injection site bubble is allowing time for absorption, while prevention focuses on correct injection technique.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
Users offer several tips to prevent medication leakage or improper injection and ensure the medication is delivered correctly:
- Proper Injection Technique:
- Needle Depth and Angle: Ensure the needle is inserted fully and deep enough into the fatty tissue.
- Preparation and Learning:
- Air Bubbles: While not direct leakage out of the skin, injecting an air bubble can cause a bump.
- Managing Anxiety:
- Nervousness, especially with the first injection, can contribute to improper technique, as one user acknowledged feeling "a little nervous.
Users generally report that even if a bubble forms, the body will still absorb the medication, though it might take a few days for the wheal to go down. [2, 3, 4] The primary "remedy" for an injection site bubble is allowing time for absorption, while prevention focuses on correct injection technique.