Wegovy Pen Malfunction: What to Do?

There are many benefits of taking Wegovy, from the convenience of administering it at home to the potential weight loss results you could achieve. Indeed, there are several amazing before-and-after success stories from individuals who reached their goals when diet and exercise alone weren’t cutting it.

While the injection pens are designed to be extremely easy to use, there may come a time when you notice that your Wegovy pen is not working as it should. This may be concerning at first; however, most issues can be resolved quickly and without any hassle.

Join us as we explore some common causes of a Wegovy pen malfunction, what to do to resolve them, and explain how you can prevent them from occurring in the future. 

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5 Tips for Using Wegovy

Using your Wegovy pen correctly is key to achieving the best weight loss results and avoiding issues such as leaks and missed doses. These five tips will help you inject safely, store your pen correctly, and lower the chance of a Wegovy pen malfunction.

Here are our 5 quick tips:

• Store your pen properly: Keep it in the fridge (between 2°C and 8°C) until you’re ready to use it – never freeze it.
• Check the expiry date: Never use a pen that’s past its expiry or looks cloudy.
• Let it warm slightly: Take your pen out of the fridge for 30 minutes before injecting to make the process smoother.
• Rotate injection sites: Use a different area each week (stomach, thigh, or upper arm) to avoid skin irritation.
• Dispose of it safely: Place used needles in a sharps bin — never in household waste.

Follow our How to Inject Wegovy Safely: Step-by-Step Guide for more detailed information.

We also have a video to show you how to use your Wegovy pen correctly, which is great if you’re new to the treatment or just need a refresher.

What is a Wegovy Injection Pen Malfunction?

A Wegovy injection pen malfunction is any issue that stops the pen from delivering your dose correctly. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including storage issues, damage, or misuse, and may result in missed doses or reduced effectiveness. Understanding what’s causing malfunctions can help you take quick, safe action when they arise.

Common reasons for a Wegovy pen not working include:

• The pen becomes jammed or stuck on a dose
• A leaking pen
• A broken seal or the pen becoming frozen

It’s important to know what to do if your Wegovy pen malfunctions, as ignoring them may lead to missed doses, reduced effectiveness, or side effects.

8 Common Wegovy Pen Malfunctions

Even if you use your Wegovy pen correctly, occasional problems can occur. Knowing how to handle a Wegovy pen malfunction can prevent missed doses and ensure your treatment stays on track. Here are 8 of the most common issues users experience, along with what to do if your Wegovy pen is not working.

The Wegovy Pen is Jammed or Won’t Twist

If your Wegovy pen is jammed or won’t twist, do not force it, as this may cause it to break. Instead, check that:

• You are using a new Wegovy pen
• The cap is fully removed
• You have primed the pen and have followed the usage instructions in the correct order

If none of the above works, start a new pen. Do not throw away the malfunctioning Wegovy pen; contact your clinician or Novo Nordisk to discuss getting a replacement.

The Wegovy Pen is Stuck on the Last Dose

If the pen is stuck on the last dose, it is highly likely that all four Wegovy doses have been administered. The pen’s mechanism is designed to lock after the final injection to prevent reuse. It is normal to see a small amount of liquid left in the pen when all doses have been used. Find out more in our detailed guide, “How long does a Wegovy pen last?”

There is Liquid Left in the Wegovy Pen

This may not necessarily be a sign of a Wegovy pen malfunction, as it’s normal for some liquid to remain even after you’ve completed all four doses. The manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, deliberately adds a small amount of extra medication to ensure there is enough for the priming process and to guarantee you receive every dose accurately.

Once you have injected Wegovy once a week for four weeks, you should safely discard it and start a new one the following week. The remaining liquid should not be considered an extra or “golden dose”, so you must never attempt to inject it.

If you are ever worried about the amount of liquid left in the Wegovy pen after all four doses have been administered, it’s a good idea to contact your clinician for guidance. They should be able to confirm whether everything’s alright or if your Wegovy pen is not working. 

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There is an Air Bubble in the Wegovy Pen

Spotting an air bubble in the Wegovy pen can look concerning, but small air bubbles are not usually anything to worry about. Semaglutide is delivered via a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), so small air bubbles are not harmful.

If you see an air bubble, you should:

• Inject as normal if the air bubble is small
• Prime the pen before injecting to release larger air bubbles
• Contact your clinician if you have tried the above and large air bubbles still remain

Removing the needle after each injection can help stop air bubbles from forming.

The Pen Seal is Broken

A broken seal on a Wegovy pen can indicate contamination, damage, or sterility. If the seal on your Wegovy pen is broken, do not use it. Instead, contact your clinician or Novo Nordisk to discuss getting a replacement.

The Wegovy Pen is Leaking

If you notice your Wegovy pen is leaking, do not use it; it may be defective. If you store the pen with the needle attached, this can increase the risk of leakage, while dropping the pen can cause physical damage and cause liquid to seep out.

If you notice liquid leaking during or after administering your dose, you may not have received the correct amount of the injection. In this case, it is best to contact your clinician for more advice.

The Wegovy is Frozen

If the Wegovy pen is frozen, do not use it, as freezing can damage the medication and render it ineffective. You will need to throw the pen away and start a new one, making sure it hasn't frozen. 

The Wegovy Needle is Bent

Never inject Wegovy using a bent needle, as this can cause pain, discomfort, and lead to an incomplete dose. Your Wegovy pen will always be supplied with the correct needles, so never try to straighten a bent needle. Instead, replace it with a new one and prime the pen before use. 

How to Prevent Wegovy Pen Malfunctions

Taking care of your Wegovy pens, following the appropriate storage instructions, and regularly inspecting them can help prevent malfunctions such as jamming, leaking, and freezing. Here’s how to keep your pens working smoothly from one dose to the next, so that your weight loss journey is not disrupted:

1. Store the pen properly: Open pens should be stored at room temperature below 30 degrees Celsius or in the fridge between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Any unopened pens must be stored in the fridge at 2-8 °C until use. Do not store your pens in the fridge door or near the cooling element. 
2. Handle the pens with care: Wegovy pens are fragile and can be damaged if dropped or shaken, potentially rendering the medication ineffective.
3. Inspect the pen before every use: Check for visible signs of damage, look for debris or colour changes in the liquid, and check the expiry date. Do not use the pen if it is damaged, the liquid is no longer clear and colourless, or it has passed its expiry date. 
4. Follow the usage instructions exactly: Follow each step in the user manual or use our guide, “How to inject Wegovy safely”, to ensure you are receiving each dose correctly.
5. Dispose of the pen appropriately: Once you have finished using the pen, make sure you dispose of it as instructed in the patient information leaflet. After each dose, remove the needle and dispose of it in a sharps bin – never reuse Wegovy needles.

When to Stop Using a Wegovy Pen

There are times when the best thing to do is to stop using the Wegovy pen and get advice instead. If it looks damaged, is not delivering a full dose, or is still not working after troubleshooting, do not risk it, contact your clinician.

Stop using the Wegovy pen if:

• It is leaking, jammed, or won’t inject the medication
• The liquid is cloudy, discoloured, or frozen
• You have tried all the troubleshooting steps, and it is still not working

Wegovy Pen Malfunctions: Frequently Asked Questions

If you are having issues with your pen, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here, we cover some of the most common questions about Wegovy pen malfunctions, from why your pen may not be working to how to report a defective device safely in the UK.

Why is My Wegovy Pen Not Working? 

Your Wegovy pen may not be working for several reasons, including being jammed, damaged, or stored incorrectly. You must always check your pen before use and make sure you are following the instructions correctly. If you still cannot inject Wegovy, contact your clinician for help. 

Can I Keep Using a Bent Wegovy Needle?

No, you should never inject a bent Wegovy needle as it can cause pain, bruising, and deliver an incomplete dose, which will impact the medication’s effectiveness. Dispose of the bent needle safely in a sharps bin, then use a new one. 

How Do I Know if my Wegovy has Expired?

You can easily tell if your Wegovy pen has expired by checking the expiry date printed on the Wegovy pen label and the original packaging. If the pen has expired, do not use it as the medication may now be unsafe or ineffective. 

How to Report a Defective Wegovy Pen?

To report a Wegovy pen malfunction, contact our customer service team as soon as possible, who will advise you on the next steps. Alternatively, contact Wegovy’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. You will need the pen and the original packaging available in case it needs to be returned.

Specialist Weight Loss Support from Prescription Doctor

Losing weight with Wegovy is a marathon, not a sprint. Achieving your goals takes hard work, dedication, and often the support of specialists who can help you throughout your journey. This is where the team at Prescription Doctor comes in.

Since 2013, we’ve helped countless individuals achieve weight loss success and enjoy a new lease of life. While some providers stop at supplying medication, we offer a tailored consultation service centred on your unique circumstances.

From the outset, our experienced clinicians will analyse your medical information to determine whether Wegovy is right for your lifestyle or if an alternative treatment would be more suitable. They will also regularly check in with you to monitor progress and ensure everything is working as intended. If you ever have any questions, simply get in touch and we'll respond promptly. Whatever you need, they’re here to help.

In addition, our website has a hub of essential information regarding Wegovy. Whether it’s outlining what to do with Wegovy pen malfunctions, providing tips to improve weight loss, explaining the dosage schedule, or explaining the treatment’s cost, we have you covered. We can even help if you’re considering changing from Mounjaro to Wegovy, or vice versa.

Prescription Doctor was founded on the principle of making access to healthcare simpler and more straightforward. All you need to do is complete a short medical questionnaire, and we’ll take care of the rest. No need for appointments, just a quick online form that you can fill out at any time from your own home. All orders approved before 3pm on a weekday are eligible for next-day delivery, while all items are dispatched in plain packaging for total discretion.

Ready to begin your Wegovy weight loss journey? Start your consultation with us today.

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: 30/10/2025

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: 30/10/2025