How to Use Wegovy Injection Pens?

If you are considering using or are currently using Wegovy as a weight loss solution, use this guide to understand how to get the most out of the injection pen. Understanding how to use the Wegovy injection pen correctly is crucial for effective weight loss treatment.

This guide will demonstrate how to correctly use the pen to administer your medication, where to inject, and how often.

How to Use Wegovy? A Step-By-Step Guide

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

For optimal weight loss results with Wegovy, follow these steps:

Step 1

Preparation: Start by washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.

Step 2

Check the pen: Remove the pen from the box and check that it states the correct name (Wegovy) and the dose you have been prescribed. 

Next, check the expiry date has not passed and that the medicine is clear and colourless.

Step 3

Select your injection site: Choose from the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. 

You should rotate your injection site each week to avoid tissue damage. 

Once you have selected your injection site, clean the area with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry.

Step 4

Remove the pen cap: Pull the cap off of the end of the injection by pulling it straight off the pen.

Step 5

Inject Wegovy: Create a firm area to inject Wegovy. Line up the pen straight against your injection site so you can see the viewing window. 

Push the pen firmly against your skin for the entire injection which will last about 10 seconds. 

When you hear the first click it means the injection has started and you should see a yellow bar moving in the window. 

If you do not hear the first click and the yellow bar doesn’t move, you’ll need to apply more pressure. 

You will hear a second click when the injection is in progress and you’ll need to keep applying pressure until the yellow bar stops moving.

Step 6

After injection: Once the injection has finished, you will see a complete yellow bar in the window. 

When your injection has finished, slowly lift the pen away from your skin.

Step 7

Discard the Wegovy pen safely: Dispose of the used Wegovy pen in your sharps bin. Do not dispose of the used needle in household waste.

Step 8

Store the pen: You can store your Wegovy pen in the fridge in its original box to protect it from light or it can be stored outside the fridge for up to 28 days. Find a more detailed guide to storing your Wegovy pen here.

If you are unsure about injecting Wegovy, you can always check the patient information leaflet for further guidance or contact your clinician for further advice.

Understanding Wegovy Dosage

The Wegovy dosage schedule is carefully planned to help your body get used to the medication. Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, and if you follow the dosage schedule correctly, you’ll be less likely to experience side effects, such as feeling sick or being sick. Wegovy is safe to take long-term for weight loss.

Your clinician will start you on the lowest dose and will gradually increase it every 4 weeks, until you reach the maximum dose of 2.4 mg per week, also known as the maintenance dose. However, if you find that Wegovy works at a lower dose or you experience side effects at the highest dose, you can stick to a lower dose, such as 1.7 mg per week.

Wegovy Dosage Schedule

The Wegovy dose you will be prescribed as a maintenance dose will depend on your needs and how well you tolerate the medication. 

For example, some people may reach the 1.7 mg weekly dose and continue on this for their maintenance dose. The typical Wegovy dosage schedule usually looks like this:

What’s the Best Time to Take Wegovy?

You can take Wegovy at any time of day, but you should take it on the same day each week. For example, if you begin using Wegovy on a Monday, you should inject each weekly dose on a Monday. This consistency will help your body get used to Wegovy weight loss injections and may make it more effective.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Wegovy Dose?

If you forget to inject your usual Wegovy dose, what you’ll need to do will depend on how long it has been since you should have administered the medication.

If you miss a dose and your next dose is more than 2 days away, inject your missed dose as soon as you remember. You should inject your next dose as usual on your next scheduled day.

If it is less than 2 days until your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose. Inject your next dose on your usual scheduled day.

Never take a double dose to make up for a missed Wegovy dose.

What If I Have Taken Too Much Wegovy?

Speak to your clinician immediately for advice. If you take too much Wegovy, you may experience side effects like feeling sick or being sick.

Summary

Understanding how to properly prepare, use, and store the Wegovy weight loss injection is important for getting the most out of your prescription and achieving optimal results. The steps in this guide are based on the instructions outlined in the Wegovy patient leaflet. If you are unsure about injecting Wegovy at any time, read the patient information leaflet or speak to your clinician for advice.

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

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: 18/03/2024