Saxenda (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection, Saxenda can be injected into three approved sites: the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Many patients wonder about the practicalities of injecting into the arm, particularly regarding correct technique and whether this site is as effective as others. Understanding proper injection technique, site rotation, and common mistakes is essential for optimising treatment outcomes and minimising complications. This guide provides evidence-based information on arm injections, helping you use Saxenda safely and effectively under healthcare supervision.

Can You Inject Saxenda in Your Arm?

Yes, you can inject Saxenda into your upper arm, which is one of three approved injection sites for this medication. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, or 27 kg/m² or greater with weight-related comorbidities. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved subcutaneous administration into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

The upper arm injection site offers a practical alternative, particularly for individuals who prefer to vary their injection locations or find other sites less accessible. However, it is important to note that injecting into the arm may require assistance, as reaching the correct area whilst maintaining proper injection technique can be challenging. The injection must be administered into the subcutaneous tissue—the fatty layer beneath the skin but above the muscle—to ensure optimal absorption and efficacy.

Many patients find the abdomen the most convenient site due to ease of access and typically greater subcutaneous fat deposits. Nevertheless, the upper arm remains a perfectly acceptable choice when used correctly. The key consideration is not which site you choose, but rather that you rotate between different areas to minimise the risk of injection site reactions and potential tissue changes. If you experience persistent discomfort, bruising, or skin changes at any injection site, contact your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or weight management service for guidance. The choice of injection site should be discussed with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have concerns about technique or accessibility.

If you experience any suspected side effects, report them to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Recommended Injection Sites for Saxenda

Saxenda should be injected subcutaneously into one of three approved anatomical areas: the abdomen, the front of the thighs, or the upper arms. Each site has distinct characteristics that may influence your choice based on personal comfort, body composition, and practical considerations.

The abdomen is often the preferred site for many patients. The recommended area extends from below the ribs to above the pubic area, avoiding the area around the navel. This region typically has adequate subcutaneous fat tissue, which facilitates easier injection and consistent drug absorption. The abdomen is readily accessible and allows for multiple injection points within the approved area, making rotation straightforward.

The front and outer thighs provide another excellent option, particularly for individuals who prefer to avoid abdominal injections. This site is easily accessible when seated and offers substantial surface area for rotation.

The upper arm refers specifically to the outer back portion of the upper arm, in the area with sufficient subcutaneous tissue. This site can be more difficult to reach independently and may require assistance from a family member or carer to ensure proper technique. It is particularly suitable for individuals with adequate subcutaneous fat in this region.

According to the Saxenda Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), there are no clinically relevant differences in absorption between the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm injection sites, provided the injection is administered correctly into subcutaneous tissue. Your healthcare provider can assess which sites are most appropriate for your body composition and help you develop a rotation schedule that minimises injection site complications.

How to Inject Saxenda in the Upper Arm Correctly

Administering Saxenda into the upper arm requires careful attention to technique to ensure safety and efficacy. The correct injection area is the outer back portion of the upper arm, where there is sufficient subcutaneous fat tissue. This is typically the area that you cannot easily see yourself, which is why many patients require assistance when using this site.

Preparation is essential. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Check the Saxenda pen to ensure the solution is clear and colourless; do not use it if the liquid appears cloudy, coloured, or contains particles. Attach a new needle to the pen for each injection—never reuse needles, as this increases infection risk and can damage the pen mechanism. Before using a new Saxenda pen for the first time, check the flow according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper function.

To inject into the upper arm, identify the correct site on the outer back portion of the arm where there is sufficient subcutaneous fat. The area should have a visible layer of subcutaneous fat that you can gently pinch. If you are self-injecting, you may need to use your opposite hand or seek assistance to reach this area comfortably. Clean the injection site if recommended by your healthcare provider, and allow the skin to dry completely.

Pinch the skin gently to lift the subcutaneous tissue away from the underlying muscle. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle with a quick, dart-like motion. Press the dose button fully and hold it down whilst keeping the needle in the skin for at least 6 seconds after the dose counter returns to 0 to ensure complete delivery of the dose. This is crucial—removing the needle too quickly may result in medication leaking from the injection site, reducing the delivered dose.

After injection, withdraw the needle carefully and dispose of it immediately in a sharps container. Do not recap needles. Slight bleeding or bruising at the injection site is normal, but apply gentle pressure with a clean tissue if needed. Never rub the injection site, as this may affect absorption. If you experience persistent pain, significant bruising, or signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling), contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Never share your Saxenda pen or needles with others, and never inject the medication intravenously or intramuscularly.

Rotating Injection Sites: Why It Matters

Rotating injection sites is a critical aspect of safe, long-term Saxenda use that helps prevent complications and maintains consistent drug absorption. Repeatedly injecting into the same spot can lead to local tissue changes that may affect how the medication is absorbed and potentially impact its effectiveness.

Injection site reactions can occur when the same area is used repeatedly. These may include localised inflammation, tissue changes, or the development of lumps or depressions in the skin. Injecting into these altered areas may affect medication absorption, potentially compromising treatment efficacy. Furthermore, these areas may be less sensitive to pain, which can inadvertently encourage patients to continue using them, perpetuating the problem.

A systematic rotation schedule is recommended. Divide each of the three approved injection areas (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) into multiple injection points, spacing them at least 1 cm apart. Many patients find it helpful to use a different major site each week (e.g., abdomen for week one, right thigh for week two, left thigh for week three, upper arms for week four) whilst also varying the specific point within that area for each daily injection. Keep a simple log or use a smartphone app to track your injection sites if you find it difficult to remember.

Regularly inspect your injection sites for any changes: lumps, depressions, persistent redness, or areas of hardened skin. Run your fingers over the skin to detect subtle changes that may not be immediately visible. If you identify any abnormal areas, avoid injecting there until the tissue has returned to normal, which may take several weeks or months. Report any concerning changes to your healthcare provider, who can assess the sites and provide guidance on optimal rotation strategies tailored to your body composition and injection technique.

Common Injection Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding and avoiding common injection errors can significantly improve your experience with Saxenda and optimise treatment outcomes. One of the most frequent mistakes is injecting into muscle tissue rather than subcutaneous fat. Intramuscular injection can cause pain and may alter drug absorption rates. This typically occurs when patients fail to pinch the skin adequately or use too long a needle for their body composition. If you are lean with minimal subcutaneous fat, discuss needle length options with your healthcare provider—shorter needles (4 mm or 6 mm) may be more appropriate.

Reusing needles is another common but problematic practice. Whilst some patients reuse needles to reduce costs, this significantly increases infection risk, causes needle tips to become blunted and barbed (leading to more painful injections and tissue damage), and can introduce air bubbles or contamination into the pen. Each needle should be used once and disposed of properly in a sharps container. Follow your local council's guidance for sharps disposal; your GP surgery or pharmacy can advise on local arrangements. Never dispose of needles in household waste.

Failing to hold the dose button down for the full 6 seconds after injection is a frequent technical error that results in incomplete dose delivery. Patients often see a drop of medication at the needle tip after injection, which may indicate premature needle withdrawal. Similarly, not checking the flow before the first use of a new pen can lead to air bubbles in the cartridge, affecting dose accuracy. Always check for the flow of medication when starting a new pen and ensure you see a drop at the needle tip before your first injection with that pen.

Injecting cold medication directly from the refrigerator can cause discomfort. Remove your Saxenda pen from the refrigerator 15–30 minutes before injection to allow it to reach room temperature. However, do not attempt to warm it artificially using hot water or a microwave, as this can damage the medication.

Other mistakes include injecting through clothing (which increases infection risk and may cause incomplete injection), rubbing the injection site afterwards (which can affect absorption and increase bruising), and failing to check the medication appearance before each use. If you notice any persistent problems with your injection technique, such as frequent bruising, pain, or medication leakage, request a review appointment with your practice nurse, pharmacist, or weight management service. They can observe your technique and provide personalised guidance to improve your injection skills and treatment experience.

Frequently Asked Questions