Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any injection therapy, changing your medication routine, or if you have any health concerns.

If you've been prescribed compounded semaglutide in Australia, you've probably noticed it arrives as a vial -- not the pre-filled pen you might have seen advertised. That means you need your own syringes. This guide covers exactly what to get and how to use it.

This guide is general information, not a substitute for advice from your prescriber. If anything about your medication or technique is unclear, ring your prescribing doctor or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

GLP-1 injection supplies - insulin syringe and medication vial

1. What Is Compounded Semaglutide and Why Does It Come in a Vial?

Current TGA position (as of October 2024): The TGA has withdrawn the broad Section 19B compounding exemption that previously allowed large-scale compounding of GLP-1 agonists (including semaglutide). Ongoing access to compounded semaglutide now relies on narrow extemporaneous dispensing by individual pharmacies for specific patients, under their prescriber's direction. If your prescriber has arranged compounded semaglutide for you, it should come from a compliant compounding pharmacy working within current TGA guidelines. Branded products (Ozempic, Wegovy) are also available where supply allows -- ask your prescriber what applies to you.

Unlike the branded Ozempic pen (which comes pre-loaded with a needle), compounded semaglutide in a vial requires you to draw your own dose with a syringe. This is standard practice -- the same approach used for insulin, peptides, and many other injectable medications.

⚠ Do not use semaglutide if:

  • You or a family member have medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • You have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
  • You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy
  • You have a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas, a rare but serious side effect)

Use with caution if you have:

  • Gastroparesis or severe gastrointestinal disease
  • Gallbladder disease or a history of gallstones
  • Diabetic retinopathy (can progress with rapid glucose improvement)
  • Kidney disease

Discuss any of these with your prescriber before starting.

2. What Syringes Do You Need?

For compounded semaglutide, you need an insulin syringe -- not a standard medical syringe. Here's why: semaglutide doses are tiny (0.25mg--2mg), which translates to a very small volume. An insulin syringe gives you the precision you need.

Recommended: 1ml Insulin Syringe, 29G or 31G, 6mm needle

  • Volume: 1ml -- covers all common semaglutide dose ranges
  • Gauge: 29G--31G -- fine enough for minimal discomfort
  • Needle length: 6mm--8mm -- right depth for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection

Not sure which size is right for your dose? See our Insulin Syringe Sizes Guide for a full breakdown by dose range.

You do not need a separate draw needle. Compounded semaglutide is a water-based solution -- it usually draws easily through a 31G insulin needle -- some compounded formulations with different vehicles may be slightly more viscous. Simply draw and inject with the same syringe.

You'll also need alcohol prep wipes -- one to wipe the vial top before drawing, one to clean your injection site.

-> Shop 1ml Insulin Syringes  |  -> GLP-1 Starter Kit (10 syringes + 20 wipes)

3. How to Draw Your Dose from a Vial

Drawing semaglutide dose from a medication vial with insulin syringe
  1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. Wipe the rubber top of the vial with an alcohol wipe. Let it air dry for 10 seconds.
  3. Remove the syringe cap. Pull the plunger back to draw air equal to your dose volume.
  4. Insert the needle through the vial's rubber top. Push the air in (this prevents a vacuum in the vial).
  5. Invert the vial. Pull the plunger back slowly to draw your dose. If bubbles appear, gently tap the syringe and push them back into the vial, then re-draw.
  6. Remove the needle from the vial. Your dose is ready.

Need help reading the graduation markings on your syringe? See How to Read an Insulin Syringe.

4. Step-by-Step Injection Technique

Subcutaneous injection technique - pinching skin fold on abdomen

Semaglutide is a subcutaneous injection -- meaning it goes just under the skin, not into muscle. Common sites are the abdomen (at least 5cm from the navel), outer thigh, upper arm, or upper outer buttock. The upper outer buttock works well for lean people whose abdomen or thighs do not carry enough subcutaneous fat for a comfortable injection. For a detailed walkthrough, see our Subcutaneous Injection Technique Guide.

  1. Wipe your injection site with an alcohol wipe. Let it dry.
  2. Pinch a small fold of skin with your non-dominant hand.
  3. Insert the needle at a 45--90 degree angle (45 degrees for very lean individuals, 90 degrees for most).
  4. Release the skin pinch. Push the plunger down slowly and steadily.
  5. Hold for 5 seconds before removing -- this prevents solution from leaking back out.
  6. Remove the needle. Apply gentle pressure with the wipe if needed. Do not rub.
  7. Dispose of the needle immediately in an approved sharps container.

Rotate injection sites each week to avoid lipodystrophy (lumpy skin from repeated injections in the same spot).

5. Understanding Dose Units

Your prescription will state your dose in milligrams (mg). To convert to a syringe volume, you need to know the concentration of your compounded vial -- typically written as mg/ml on the label.

You can work out the volume with our dose volume calculator.

Formula: Volume to inject (ml) = Dose (mg) divided by Concentration (mg/ml)

To calculate your draw volume: divide your prescribed dose (mg) by the concentration printed on your vial (mg/ml). Always read the label on your specific vial -- concentrations vary between compounders and batches. If unsure, ask your compounding pharmacist for the exact draw volume in millilitres.

6. Storage and Shelf Life

  • Store your vial in the refrigerator (2--8 degrees C). Do not freeze.
  • Check the discard-by date on your vial label. Compounded product expiry varies -- do not use beyond the pharmacy's labelled discard date.
  • Keep the vial away from direct light.
  • Never use if the solution looks cloudy, discoloured, or has particles.
Injection supplies - syringe, alcohol wipe, and sharps container

🚨 Seek urgent medical care if you develop:

  • Severe abdominal pain, especially if it radiates to your back (possible pancreatitis)
  • Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
  • Upper right abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or fever (possible gallbladder issue)
  • A lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing

When to call your prescriber

Most injections go smoothly - a small drop of blood or a brief sting are normal. The list below covers things that aren't normal and warrant a phone call to your prescriber:

  • Redness, warmth or pus at the injection site that develops over 24-72 hours
  • A hard lump that doesn't go away after a week, or one that's hot and tender
  • Fever, chills or feeling unwell after an injection
  • Any rash, hives or itching at or beyond the injection site (possible allergic reaction)
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction - swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing - call 000 immediately
  • You realise you injected from a vial that had been left out, was cloudy or contained particles

7. Common Questions

Can I reuse a syringe?

No. Each syringe is for single use only. The needle becomes dull after one use, increasing discomfort and infection risk. Syringes are inexpensive -- use a fresh one every injection.

How do I dispose of used syringes in Australia?

Place used syringes in an approved sharps container. These are available from most pharmacies. Full containers can be dropped off at participating pharmacies or local council disposal points. Never put loose syringes in general waste.

What if I'm not sure which syringes to buy?

Our GLP-1 Starter Kit includes 10 x 1ml insulin syringes and 20 alcohol wipes -- everything you need for your first 10 weeks of weekly injections, delivered to your door.

Do I need a prescription to buy syringes in Australia?

No. Insulin syringes and alcohol wipes are available over the counter and online without a prescription in Australia.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any injection therapy, changing your medication routine, or if you have any health concerns.

Ready to order? Browse our GLP-1 injection supplies ->

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