Wegovy® is a once-weekly injection that is given under the skin (a subcutaneous injection). It can be injected into your upper arms, stomach (abdomen) or upper legs (front of the thighs).
Always follow the instructions provided with your medication and use Wegovy® exactly as prescribed.
Step 1 – Prepare your Wegovy® pen
Before using your Wegovy® pen:
- Check that you have the correct Wegovy® dose.
- Check that the medication has not expired.
- Never share your pen with another person or use someone else's pen.
- Remove the pen cap and look through the pen window.
- The Wegovy® solution should appear clear and colourless.
- Do not use the pen if the solution looks cloudy or coloured.
Attach a new needle
Always use a new needle for every injection.
To attach the needle:
- Tear the paper tab off the needle.
- Push the needle straight onto the pen.
- Turn the needle until it is securely attached.
- Remove the outer needle cap and keep it for later.
- Remove and dispose of the inner needle cap.
Using a new pen – check the Wegovy® flow
You only need to check the flow before the first injection from each new Wegovy® pen.
If your pen is already in use, you do not need to repeat the flow check.
Turn the dose selector until the flow-check symbol lines up with the dose pointer.
Hold the pen with the needle pointing upwards. Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter returns to -0-.
A drop of Wegovy® should appear at the needle tip. This shows that the pen is ready to use.
If a drop does not appear, check the flow again. This should only be done twice. If there is still no drop, change the needle and check the flow once more.
Do not use the pen if a drop of Wegovy® still does not appear.
Set your dose
Turn the dose selector until the dose counter stops and displays your prescribed dose.
Do not set your dose by counting the number of clicks.
If the dose counter stops before reaching your prescribed dose, there is not enough medication remaining in the pen for a full dose. You will need to use a different pen.
Where should I inject Wegovy®?
Wegovy® can be injected under the skin in one of the following areas:
- Upper arms
- Stomach (abdomen) – keep at least 5cm (2 inches) away from your belly button
- Upper legs (front of the thighs)
You can use the same general body area each week, but do not inject into exactly the same spot as your previous injection.
Avoid injecting into areas that are bruised, scarred, hard, inflamed or otherwise unsuitable for injection.
Make sure the injection site is clean before administering your dose.
Step 2 – Inject your Wegovy®
Insert the needle into your skin and make sure you can see the dose counter.
Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter shows -0-.
Keep the dose button pressed with the needle still in your skin and slowly count to 6.
Make sure the -0- lines up with the dose pointer before removing the needle from your skin.
If a small amount of blood appears at the injection site after removing the needle, press lightly on the area until the bleeding stops.
Step 3 – Remove and dispose of the needle
After your injection:
- Carefully guide the needle tip into the outer needle cap on a flat surface without touching the needle.
- Do not try to replace the inner needle cap, as you could accidentally injure yourself with the needle.
- Once the needle is covered, carefully push the outer cap completely on.
- Unscrew the needle from the pen.
- Dispose of the used needle immediately in a sharps bin.
- Replace the cap on your Wegovy® pen after each use.
Never store your Wegovy® pen with the needle attached.
When your pen is empty, dispose of it without a needle attached in accordance with the appropriate disposal guidance.
Sharps bins must not be disposed of in your household waste. Follow local guidance for disposing of your sharps bin.
You can find further information about disposing of used needles and sharps in the NHS guidance.