Introduction

If you’re taking a GLP‑1 medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Wegovy), you’ve likely heard that rotating injection sites is a good idea… but why does it matter, and how do you actually keep track of it? In this post, we’ll walk through the benefits of rotating your shots, offer a simple weekly rotation routine, and explain how Shotsy can help you avoid discomfort and keep your treatment on track.

Why rotation matters

Injecting in the same spot over and over can lead to skin irritation, bruising, lumps or even reduced absorption. These medications are delivered subcutaneously, which means they work best when injected into fatty tissue. Rotating between different areas gives each site time to heal and helps maintain consistent absorption. It also keeps the process more comfortable over the long term.

Most GLP‑1 medications can be injected into one of three main areas:

  • Abdomen: Avoid the two-inch radius around your navel and inject elsewhere in the stomach area. This is one of the most common and accessible sites.
  • Thighs: Use the front or outer part of your thigh, alternating between legs each week.
  • Back of the upper arms: If you’re using this site, you may need assistance to ensure proper placement.

Always check the injection guide for your specific medication to confirm recommended locations and safety tips.

GLP-1 injections can typically be administered in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotating weekly helps each site recover and stay comfortable.

A simple weekly rotation routine

To keep things simple and safe, try rotating your injection site in a repeating pattern. For example:

  • Week 1: Left abdomen
  • Week 2: Right abdomen
  • Week 3: Left thigh
  • Week 4: Right thigh
  • Week 5: Left upper arm
  • Week 6: Right upper arm

Then repeat the cycle. Within each general area, move the shot at least one inch away from the last spot to avoid overlapping injections.

Track it with Shotsy

Shotsy includes an automatic injection site tracker that helps you stay on top of your rotation. When you log a shot, you can record exactly where you injected it. The app keeps a record of your past sites and suggests a new one for your next dose, based on your rotation preferences. This removes the guesswork and helps prevent you from injecting the same area too frequently.

Shotsy helps you track your injection sites and reminds you to rotate with each dose.

Bonus: more ways to make injections safer and more comfortable

In addition to rotating your sites, here are a few more tips to keep injections safe and minimize discomfort:

  • Let your pen come to room temperature: Taking it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before your shot can reduce stinging or soreness.
  • Use an alcohol swab: Clean the injection site before every shot to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Dispose of needles properly: Use a sharps container or another FDA-cleared disposal system to keep used needles out of the trash.

Conclusion

Rotating injection sites is one of the simplest ways to make your GLP‑1 experience safer and more comfortable. It protects your skin, supports better medication absorption, and helps reduce irritation over time. With a bit of planning (and help from a tool like Shotsy) you can build a sustainable routine that keeps each shot as smooth as possible.

Shotsy makes injection tracking easy, with built-in tools to help you rotate sites, log your history, and follow best practices, all in one place.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician before making any changes to your medication or health routine.