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Home / Weight Loss / Wegovy / How to Inject Wegovy Safely: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Inject Wegovy Safely: Step-by-Step Guide

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Wegovy (semaglutide) is a weight loss injection clinically proven to promote substantial weight reduction. When incorporated into an active lifestyle and reduced-calorie diet, Wegovy can help people lose up to 20% of their body weight. If you’re trying to lose weight, Wegovy may be the tool to help you achieve this goal; however, it’s essential that you first understand how to use this medication effectively.

Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which is a key point to consider before committing to a treatment plan. Injecting Wegovy at home requires an understanding of proper pen use and storage, as well as safe injection practices. Here, we’ll discuss injection sites, how to prime and store your pen, and, ultimately, how to inject Wegovy.

 

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Where is the Best Place to Inject Wegovy?

You can inject Wegovy under the skin of your stomach (at least 5 cm from the belly button), upper arms, or upper thighs. You can use the same body part every week, but you should pick a different injection site each time.

Choosing the best injection site may depend on whether you plan to administer your own medicine. If you’re going to inject yourself, the stomach and upper thigh are typically the easiest places to reach. You may need someone else to give you the injection if you want it in the upper arm.

How to Use Wegovy Pens: Instruction Video

Watch the following video for a step-by-step guide to how to inject Wegovy and store your pen. If you prefer written instructions, see below.

 

 

How to Prepare for Wegovy Injections

Preparation is key to understanding how to inject Wegovy. This is because you can make the injection process safe and uncomplicated by properly planning beforehand. The recommended steps include gathering your injection supplies, washing your hands, choosing and cleaning the injection site, and inspecting your pen for signs of damage. Here's how to prepare for Wegovy injections:

Gather Supplies

 

 

You can prepare to administer your Wegovy injection by gathering everything you need beforehand. You will need:

Wash Your Hands

 

 

Always wash your hands with soap and water before administering an injection to reduce your risk of infection.

Clean and Choose the Injection Site

 

 

Choose an injection site on your abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm. Clean the site with alcohol wipes before administering the injection to reduce your risk of infection. As a subcutaneous injection, it's administered into the fatty tissue just under your skin. Be sure to rotate your injection sites with every dose to prevent the development of hard lumps under your skin. Here are some specific instructions for the different injection sites:

  • Stomach: Try to stay at least two inches away from the belly button and avoid causing scar tissue
  • Upper arm: Someone else may need to help you reach this location
  • Thigh: Rotate your injection site for every dose to reduce the risk of scar tissue

Never inject Wegovy into areas where your skin is bruised or irritated. 

Check the Pen for Damage

 

 

Inspect your Wegovy pen to make sure that:

  • It contains the correct dose
  • The medicine is clear and colourless
  • There are no physical signs of damage

If your Wegovy appears cloudy or coloured, contains particles, or is frozen, don’t use it. 

 

 

Wegovy

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Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews
  • Approved Weight Loss treatment
  • Weekly injection
  • Reduces risk of heart attack & stroke

Prices from £139.99

 

How to Prime Wegovy Pen with New Needles

The next step in our guide on how to inject Wegovy involves priming your pen. Before injecting Wegovy from a new pen, you first need to prime it. This ensures that the pen is working correctly and that the medication is flowing through the needle properly. You only need to do this before your first injection from a new pen. If you have already used it before, you can skip the ‘check the flow’ step and proceed to ‘set your dose.’

Attach a New Needle

 

 

You need to use a new needle for each Wegovy dose. When you are ready to inject, take a new needle and inspect the pen cap for damage. If you see any sign of damage, discard the needle and select another.
Once you have your needle, remove the paper tab and push it straight onto the pen. Twist the needle until it is tightly attached to the pen.
The needle has an inner cap and an outer cap. Remove the outer needle cap and set it aside; you will need this to safely remove the needle from the pen after your injection. Then, remove the inner needle cap and discard it.

Check the Flow

 

 

Next, you will need to check the flow of medication through the needle. To do this, turn the dose knob until you see the flow check symbol in the dose window, ensuring it aligns with the dose pointer.

Hold the pen upright and press the dose button until you see the ‘-0-’ symbol in the dose window. If the medicine is flowing correctly, a drop of Wegovy will appear at the tip of the needle. If this doesn’t happen, check the flow again.

You should only check the flow twice. If you don’t see a drop on either attempt, discard the needle and try again with a new one. If you still don’t see Wegovy at the tip of the needle, discard the pen.

Set Your Dose

 

 

The final step in preparing your Wegovy pen for injection is to set your dose. To do this, turn the dose selector until the dose counter stops, and your prescribed dose appears in the window. Make sure it lines up with the dose pointer next to the window. Wegovy comes in the following doses and is typically administered according to a set schedule: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg. 

 

Wegovy

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews
Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews
  • Approved Weight Loss treatment
  • Weekly injection
  • Reduces risk of heart attack & stroke

Prices from £139.99

 

How to Use Wegovy Pens

The final step in understanding how to inject Wegovy is administering the medication itself. Once you’ve attached a new needle, checked the medication flow, and set your dose, you are ready to get started.

Position the Pen

 

 

Find a comfortable position and position the pen above the skin of your chosen injection site. Try not to feel too nervous about injecting Wegovy, as this could cause you to tense up. One way to combat this is by listening to soothing music while you administer the injection. You could also try sitting rather than standing to help relax your muscles.

Administer the Injection

 

 

Insert the needle into your skin, making sure you can still see the dose counter. Press the dose button and hold it down while slowly counting to six. You will know the injection is complete when the ‘-0-’ icon lines up with the dose pointer. You may also hear or feel a ‘click’ when this happens.

Remove the Needle

 

 

Gently remove the needle from your skin. You may see a drop of Wegovy at the tip of the needle, but this is normal and won’t affect your dose. However, a stream of Wegovy indicates you have removed the needle too soon and have not received your full dose.

Check the Injection Site

 

 

Take a look at the injection site. If you see a drop of blood, press lightly on the area with gauze or a cotton ball to stop the bleeding.

Wash Hands Again

 

 

Finally, wash your hands again with soap and water.

 

Wegovy

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews
Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews
  • Approved Weight Loss treatment
  • Weekly injection
  • Reduces risk of heart attack & stroke

Prices from £139.99

 

Wegovy Needle Disposal & Removal

You should remove and discard the needle from your Wegovy pen after each injection. To safely remove the needle, carefully cover it with the outer needle cap you set aside earlier. When the needle is covered, press the cap fully into place.

Next, unscrew the needle and dispose of it in a yellow sharps container. You may be able to arrange for your local council to collect and dispose of used needles. You should use a new needle every time to administer Wegovy. 

How to Inject Wegovy: Frequently Asked Questions

Injecting Wegovy at home is easy once you know how to do it. Following the advice detailed here will help make the process as safe and straightforward as possible. However, you may still have questions about dosage, storage, and what to do if you miss a step in the injection process. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about how to inject Wegovy.

Can I Reuse Wegovy Needles?

You should never reuse Wegovy needles. Reusing needles increases the risk of contamination, which can lead to infection. It can also cause the needle to become blocked or damaged in storage, and may result in inaccurate dosing. It’s therefore essential to use a new needle every time you inject Wegovy. 

I Forgot to Prime My Wegovy Pen. What Happens?

You only need to prime your Wegovy pen before the first injection from a new pen. If you have already used your Wegovy pen, you don’t need to prime it before each dose. If you fail to prime the pen on your first use, you’ll be unable to check whether it’s working correctly.  

If you have any concerns about your injection, contact a healthcare professional for advice.

Do You Have to Prime Wegovy Pens?

You need to prime your Wegovy pen before the first injection from each new pen. This ensures the medication is flowing through the needle and the pen is working correctly. If your Wegovy pen is already in use, you don’t need to prime the pen.

Can I Double My Wegovy Dose?

It’s important that you never take a double dose of Wegovy, even if you miss a dose. Taking too much of this product carries a risk of increased side effects and other health problems, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, fainting, headaches, and dehydration.

If you miss a dose of Wegovy and your next scheduled dose is over 48 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If your next scheduled dose is less than 48 hours away, don’t administer the injection. Instead, wait until your next scheduled injection to take the dose.

For more information about the side effects of Wegovy and their duration, please refer to our guide. 

How to Store Wegovy at Home

Store unused Wegovy pens in the refrigerator, between 2°C and 8°C. Don’t freeze your Wegovy, and discard any pens that have been frozen.
Used pens can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 6 weeks. Store the pen with the cap on to limit light exposure.

Other tips for storing and handling your Wegovy pen include:

  • Don’t drop your pen or bump it against hard surfaces
  • Prevent exposure to dust, dirt or liquid
  • Don’t wash or soak your pen
  • Discard Wegovy that has been exposed to direct sunlight

How to Know if I Injected Wegovy Correctly?

You will know your Wegovy injection is complete when you see the ‘-0-’ icon in the dose window and hear a click. If you have any concerns about how to inject Wegovy safely, you should discuss these with our licensed clinicians.

Should I Let Wegovy Warm Up Before Injecting?

Warming your Wegovy may make it more comfortable to inject, though you can also inject it straight from the refrigerator. If you would rather let your Wegovy warm up, leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before your injection. Don’t apply heat to the Wegovy pen.

What's the Best Time to Take Wegovy?

You can take Wegovy at any time of day, but it is recommended to take it on the same day each week. For example, if you start using Wegovy on a Monday, you should inject each weekly dose on the same Monday. This consistency will help your body become accustomed to Wegovy weight loss injections, potentially making them more effective.

Helping You Make Sense of Weight Loss Medications

There are many weight loss solutions on the market, ranging from injections to pills. With so much to choose from, you’d be forgiven for feeling confused about which one is right for you. Thankfully, this isn’t a decision you need to make on your own. Prescription Doctor is here to help. 

 

 

We've supported countless individuals with their weight loss endeavours since 2013, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Simply complete our online medical questionnaire, and our team of specialist clinicians will recommend the solution they believe is best suited to your circumstances, whether that be Wegovy or other treatments such as Mounjaro and Nevolat.

We also offer a comprehensive weight loss consultation service, designed to provide expert guidance throughout your journey. This includes offering advice on how to inject Wegovy, dedicated Wegovy diet plans, and how to enhance weight loss with the medication. You can even see real-life before-and-after results to get an idea of what your own outcome could be.

Additionally, our clinicians will be in regular contact with you to monitor your progress and ensure you’re on the right track. If you’re not losing weight on Wegovy or are worried it might not be right for you, they can also recommend alternative solutions to help you reach your goals. Whatever you need, you can rely on us to deliver.  

Ready to kick-start your Wegovy weight loss journey? Start your consultation today. 

 

Sources

Authored By

Kate Latham

Medical Content Writer
Kate has been a scientific content writer since 2017. With a BSc in Biology and a background in cancer research, she is adept at identifying the latest findings in medical research and utilising these

Published on: 05/10/2023

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist
Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 05/06/2025
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