The flow check (priming) on a new Ozempic pen: dial the flow symbol, get a drop at the needle tip, and when to repeat it. Not medical advice.
Key points
- 01Attach a new needle first. The Ozempic Instructions for Use describe attaching a new single-use needle before the flow check. No drop can appear without a needle in place. Our guide on how to use the Ozempic pen covers attaching the needle and the rest of the routine.
- 02The flow check is only needed once per new pen. Unlike an insulin pen, the Instructions for Use describe the flow check only before the very first use of each new Ozempic pen, not before every injection. After that, you inject from the same pen without repeating it.
- 03Dial to the flow-check symbol. The Instructions for Use describe turning the dose selector until the flow-check symbol (the dotted line) shows in the window. This symbol marks the small check amount, not a dose.
- 04Hold the pen with the needle pointing up. The Instructions for Use describe holding the pen needle-up and tapping it gently so any air bubbles rise toward the needle. This mirrors how you clear air bubbles in a syringe.
- 05Press and hold the button until the counter shows 0. The Instructions for Use describe pressing and holding the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0. The counter must reach 0 before the flow check counts as complete.
- 06Look for a drop at the needle tip. The Instructions for Use describe a drop of Ozempic appearing at the needle tip. The drop confirms the pen is flowing and ready. The check amount is used up once the drop appears.
- 07No drop: repeat up to six times. If no drop appears, the Instructions for Use describe repeating the flow check up to six times. If that fails, change the needle and try once more. If still nothing comes out, do not use the pen. See our guide on when the Ozempic pen is not working.
- 08Only then dial your prescribed dose. After a successful flow check, the Instructions for Use describe turning the dose selector to your prescribed dose and injecting. The drop used in the check does not count toward your dose.
Frequently asked questions
Do you prime an Ozempic pen before every dose?+
No. The Instructions for Use describe the flow check only before the first use of each new pen. There is no repeat flow check for the later doses from the same pen. This is what makes the Ozempic pen different from an insulin pen, which is primed before every injection.
What is the flow check on an Ozempic pen?+
The flow check is the one-time step before first use where, per the Instructions for Use, you dial the flow symbol, press the button to 0, and confirm a drop at the needle tip. It verifies the pen is flowing and that air has cleared from the new needle.
What if no drop appears?+
The Instructions for Use describe repeating the flow check up to six times. If no drop appears, change the needle and try one more time. If still nothing comes out, the pen is considered faulty and should not be used. Contact your pharmacy or prescriber.
Do I need to do the flow check on every new pen?+
Yes. The Instructions for Use describe the flow check before the first use of each new Ozempic pen. It confirms the pen and the freshly attached needle are flowing correctly before the first dose is drawn from it.
Is priming Ozempic the same as insulin?+
No. An insulin pen is primed before every injection. The Ozempic pen's flow check is done only once per new pen, per the Instructions for Use. The goal is similar, clearing air and checking flow, but the frequency is different.
