Bloom Metabolics

SubQ Protocol

Semaglutide / TirzepatideSubcutaneous Injection

Your injection guide

Reviewed May 2, 2026Version 1.0.0Bloom Metabolics Clinical Team

Step 1

Identify Your Syringe

Confirm you have the correct syringe type before preparing your injection.

This Protocol

Insulin Syringe

Insulin syringe with orange cap, short thin fixed needle, used for subcutaneous injections

GAUGE 29g–31g

LENGTH 5/16" (8mm) or 1/2" (12.7mm)

Insulin syringe with fixed needle. Use a 0.5mL or 1mL barrel depending on prescribed volume. The needle is pre-attached and should not be removed.

Not for this medication

Intramuscular Syringe

Intramuscular syringe with blue hub, longer detachable needle, used for intramuscular injections

GAUGE 23g–25g

LENGTH 1 inch

Step 2

Injection Sites

Select a subcutaneous injection site from the recommended locations below.

Self-injection guide showing common subcutaneous (SubQ) and intramuscular (IM) injection sites. Front view: deltoid (IM), abdomen (SubQ), thigh (SubQ), vastus lateralis (IM). Back view: back of upper arm (SubQ), upper outer buttock (SubQ), ventrogluteal (IM).

Abdomen

Recommended

At least 2 inches (5cm) from the navel, avoiding the waistline

Preferred site for consistent absorption. Avoid areas with scars, bruises, or stretch marks. Rotate within the abdominal region using a clock pattern.

Anterior / Lateral Thigh

Recommended

Front or outer side of the thigh, middle third between knee and hip

Good alternative site. Use the outer or front surface of the thigh. Avoid the inner thigh.

Posterior Upper Arm

Acceptable

Back of the upper arm, between the shoulder and elbow

Acceptable site but may require assistance from another person for proper technique. Pinch the skin firmly before injecting.

Step 3

Needle Angle

Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site. Insert needle at 90 degrees into the pinched fold. For very lean patients with minimal subcutaneous tissue, a 45-degree angle may be more appropriate.

Cross-section diagram showing the correct 90-degree needle insertion angle for subcutaneous injectionSKINFATMUSCLE90°PINCHPINCH

ANGLE

90°

SKIN PINCH

Yes

ASPIRATION

Aspiration is not required or recommended for subcutaneous injections.

Video Guide

Demonstration

Video demonstration

Filming in production. Contact your care team for a live walkthrough of this injection technique.

0:00 Setup and preparation0:30 Site preparation1:00 Injection technique1:30 Aftercare

Site Rotation

Rotation Tracker

Rotate sites weekly. Do not inject into the same square inch within 7 days. Use a different area within the same site or a different site entirely for each injection.

WeekSiteSideDateNotes
1AbdomenLeft  
2Anterior / Lateral ThighRight  
3AbdomenLeft  
4Anterior / Lateral ThighRight  

Fill in the date and any observations (soreness, bleeding, etc.) after each injection.

Troubleshooting

Common Questions

Need help right now

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not delay emergency care to contact your clinic.

Acknowledgment

Confirm Review

STORAGE

Refrigerate at 36–46°F (2–8°C). Do not freeze. If needed at room temperature, use within the timeframe specified by your compounding pharmacy. Protect from light.

FREQUENCY

Administer per your prescribed protocol. Your prescriber will specify your injection frequency and titration schedule.

These instructions are provided for active Bloom Metabolics patients receiving care under medical supervision. Protocols are individualized based on your prescriber's evaluation. This content is educational and does not replace direct clinical guidance. Do not use these instructions to administer medications obtained outside of a physician-prescribed protocol. If you have questions about your specific protocol, contact your Bloom Metabolics care team before injecting.

Content reviewed by Clinical Review Pending, MD on May 2, 2026. Version 1.0.0.

Bloom Metabolics