How to Inject Wegovy®: A Step-by-Step Guide
Key takeaways:
You can inject Wegovy® into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites weekly to avoid irritation.
Each Wegovy® pen is single-use, preset to the correct dose, and designed to be easy and nearly painless.
The injection takes five to 10 seconds.
Discard the injection pen afterwards in a sharps container.
Your GP or a private healthcare provider can show you how to administer Wegovy® and answer questions about injecting the medicine.
Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription weight loss treatment available in the United Kingdom. It comes as a prefilled injection pen designed for home self-administration.
If you’re new to injectables, the idea of giving yourself a shot might be intimidating — but don’t worry. Wegovy® injections are straightforward, quick, and generally painless. After a few weeks, you’ll probably be used to injecting yourself.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to inject Wegovy® safely and confidently.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Wegovy® Pens
If you’ve never used an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) medication, it can feel a little scary. That’s normal. But after a few goes, you should get the hang of things and feel confident giving yourself a Wegovy® shot.
The manufacturer of Wegovy®, Novo Nordisk, created Wegovy® as a single-use pen with a preset dose. This means you’ll use a new pen every time you take Wegovy.
If this is your first injection: Your provider should demonstrate the technique before you do it yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask them to show you multiple times or watch you give your first injection. This is completely normal and ensures you feel confident.
Here are general step-by-step Wegovy® instructions to follow.
1. Get Everything Sorted
Having your supplies within reach makes the process smoother and less stressful.
You’ll need:
Your Wegovy® pen
An alcohol swab or soap and water to clean your skin
A cotton ball or gauze pad (in case of a small drop of blood)
A sharps container or sturdy plastic container with a secure lid for safe disposal
A clean, well-lit space
If it’s your first time injecting Wegovy, read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before starting.
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2. Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Dry them with a clean cloth.
3. Check Your Medication
Before injecting, take a good look at your pen. Check the expiration date, look through the pen window, and give it a thorough once-over.
Make sure:
The pen isn’t damaged
The solution is clear, colourless, and particle-free
It’s not frozen
The expiry date hasn’t passed
It’s the correct dosage (based on your dosing schedule)
Air bubbles are normal and safe. But if anything looks off, don’t use the medicine. In that case, dispose of it safely and use a new pen.
4. Choose and Clean the Injection Site
Wegovy® is a subcutaneous injection, meaning it goes just under the skin (not into a muscle or vein).
Common Wegovy® injection sites:
Upper arm. You can inject Wegovy® into the fatty tissue at the back of your upper arm.
Thigh. You can inject Wegovy® into your thigh, specifically the upper portion on the front or outer side. (Don’t inject it into your inner thigh.)
Stomach. You can inject Wegovy® into your lower abdomen, at least 5 centimetres (cm) away from your belly button.
Rotate your injection site each week to reduce the risk of irritation, bruising, or tenderness. Clean the site with soap and water or an alcohol swab before injecting Wegovy®, and let your skin dry before inserting the needle.
5. Give Yourself the Injection
Your Wegovy® pen is preset with the correct dose and needle already in place.
Here’s what to do:
Position the pen perpendicular to your skin.
Place the needle firmly against your skin.
Push until you hear the first click. (This tells you when the injection starts.)
Keep holding the pen until you hear the second click and the yellow bar stops moving. When the yellow bar stops moving, your injection is complete. This usually takes five to 10 seconds.
Lift the pen away slowly.
If you see a drop of blood, gently press with a cotton ball or gauze pad.
6. Dispose of the Pen
Each Wegovy® pen contains one single-use dose. After injecting, don’t recap the needle (as this risks a needlestick injury), but discard the pen safely in a sharps disposal container or a sturdy plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid (such as an empty protein powder tub or laundry soap jug). Never throw it straight in the bin.
Also, keep your sharps container out of reach of children and pets. When your sharps container is three-quarters full, seal it and contact your local council for disposal guidance.
Best Place to Inject Wegovy®
There isn’t one “best” injection site for Wegovy®. It depends on what feels most comfortable for you. No research suggests that one injection site is better than another in terms of effectiveness.
You can use your stomach, thigh, or upper arm, rotating spots each week. Aim for the fatty tissue, not a vein or muscle.
Avoid areas that are bruised, red, scarred, or have stretch marks. Always inject into bare skin, not through clothing.
How to Store Wegovy® Properly
Wegovy® should be kept in the fridge at around 2 to 8 °C. Don’t freeze it or place it near the cooling element in your fridge. If your medication freezes, you’ll need to replace it.
You can take your pen out and allow it to reach room temperature before using it. But leave any remaining unused pens in the fridge.
Keep your medication in the original carton to protect it from light. Leave the cap on until you’re ready to inject the pen.
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How Often to Inject Wegovy®
You should inject Wegovy® once a week, on the same day each week. You can choose the day that fits your schedule best.
Keep this in mind:
If you need to change your injection day, make sure your last dose was at least two days earlier.
If you miss a dose and your next scheduled injection is more than two days away, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s less than two days away, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the usual day.
If it’s been more than two weeks since your last injection, contact your GP (general practitioner) or private provider. They may recommend restarting at a lower dose before increasing again.
It might be helpful to use an injectable medication app like Shotsy to keep track of your doses. Or use a good old-fashioned calendar to take note of your dosing schedule and injection days.
Wegovy® How to Use Final Tips
Wegovy® pens are designed to be simple, safe, and user-friendly. With a bit of preparation, you can give yourself injections confidently and keep moving forward in your weight loss journey.
Keep these pointers in mind:
Take your time and prepare everything in advance. Be sure to keep your hands clean and all your supplies within reach.
Read the patient information leaflet carefully before your first injection. If you have any questions, ask your GP or chemist.
For best results, rotate your injection site. This helps prevent bruising and pain at the injection site. You can use your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
Injecting yourself may feel daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. If you’re unsure, ask your GP, chemist, or private provider to show you how to use Wegovy® pens.
Hers U.K. offers access to a number of weight management medications, including oral and injectable treatments. We can connect you with a U.K.-licensed healthcare professional to help you explore your options.
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FAQs
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about how to inject Wegovy®.
How often should I rotate injection sites with Wegovy®?
Rotate injection sites with each Wegovy® injection. You can use the same area (such as your thigh or stomach) each week — but not the exact same spot. Avoid skin with bruising, scars, or stretch marks.
What time of day should I inject Wegovy®?
You can inject Wegovy® at any time of day, with or without food. Many people pick a consistent time each week to build a routine.
Does Wegovy® injection hurt?
Wegovy® injections aren’t typically painful. It might sting ever so slightly, but it’s usually not unbearable, and the injection only lasts a few seconds. The needle is very small, and most people feel little to nothing.
How should I store Wegovy®?
Keep Wegovy® in the fridge (between 2 and 8 °C). Don’t freeze the medication. If needed, it can be stored at room temperature (up to 30 °C) for up to 28 days before use.
Where to inject Wegovy® — stomach, arm, or thigh?
The process is the same for all Wegovy® injection sites, including the lower stomach, upper arm, or thigh. It’s really a matter of personal preference, but choose a spot free of bruising, scars, or stretch marks. The injection should be taken just under the skin (subcutaneously), not into a vein or muscle.
Can I exercise after injecting Wegovy®?
Yes, you can exercise after taking a Wegovy® injection. In fact, regular physical activity is recommended to help with weight management. Some people prefer to wait a short while after injecting in case of mild side effects such as nausea, but there are no restrictions on exercising the same day.
You may not want to do high-intensity training right after your first Wegovy® injection because you won’t yet know which side effects to expect. Take it easy on the first day you use Wegovy®, then add physical activity based on your fitness and comfort level.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your GP about the risks and benefits of any treatment.