Step 1 – Prepare your Wegovy® pen
Before administering your injection:
- Check that you have the correct medication and prescribed dose.
- Check that the medication has not expired.
- Check that the pen is not damaged.
- Check that the medicine looks clear and colourless.
- Wash your hands before preparing your injection.
Do not use the pen if the medicine appears cloudy or coloured.
Using a new needle
For Wegovy® FlexTouch® pens, make sure you use a new needle every time you inject.
Each pack contains 4 needles for the 4 weekly doses within the pen.
Our guide to preparing to take your medication is available here:
Preparing to take your medication
Our guide to properly attaching a needle is available here:
How to properly attach a needle
Step 2 – Check the flow with each new Wegovy® FlexTouch® pen
Before the first injection with each new Wegovy® FlexTouch® pen, you need to check the flow of the pen. This is sometimes referred to as priming.
You only need to check the flow before the first injection from each new pen. You do not need to repeat the flow check before every dose from the same pen.
Follow the instructions shown above and the instructions supplied with your medication when checking the flow of your pen.
A drop of Wegovy® should appear at the needle tip to show that the pen is ready to use.
Step 3 – Select your dose
Make sure you have the correct Wegovy® strength prescribed for you.
Turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows your prescribed dose.
Do not set your dose by counting the number of clicks from the pen.
Do not change your dose unless advised to do so by your prescriber.
It can also be useful to keep a record of the day you administer your injection and which dose from your pen you have used. This can help you keep track of your treatment and provide accurate information if you need to contact us.
Step 4 – Choose where to inject
Wegovy® can be injected into your:
- Stomach
- Upper thigh
- Upper arm
If injecting into your stomach, keep at least 5cm away from your belly button.
You should rotate your injection site and avoid repeatedly injecting into exactly the same place.
Do not inject into an area that is sore, bruised, hard, scarred or inflamed.
Make sure your chosen injection site is clean before administering your medication.
Step 5 – Inject your Wegovy® dose
Insert the needle into your chosen injection site.
Make sure you can see the dose counter while administering your injection.
Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter shows 0.
Continue pressing the dose button while keeping the needle in your skin and slowly count to 6.
Once complete, carefully remove the needle from your skin.
If you remove the needle too early, you may not receive your full dose.
Step 6 – Remove and dispose of the needle
After your injection, carefully guide the needle into the outer needle cap.
Once the needle is covered, carefully push the outer needle cap completely on and unscrew the needle from the pen.
Dispose of the used needle immediately in an appropriate sharps bin.
Never reuse a needle and never store your Wegovy® FlexTouch® pen with the needle attached.
Replace the cap on your Wegovy® pen after use.
What if I take Wegovy® 7.2mg?
The instructions for Wegovy® 7.2mg depend on the type of pen you have been supplied.
Some patients may administer a 7.2mg weekly dose using three 2.4mg injections on the same day.
If you have been instructed to administer three 2.4mg injections:
- Administer all three injections on the same day.
- Use a new needle for each injection.
- The injections can be given in the same body area, but each injection should be at least 5cm apart.
- Make sure you have enough medication available to complete all three injections before starting.
A dedicated Wegovy® 7.2mg single-use pen is also available. This pen works differently from the Wegovy® FlexTouch® pens and contains a built-in needle.
If you have been supplied with the single-use 7.2mg pen, follow the instructions provided with your medication. You do not need to attach a separate needle to this pen.
Always check which Wegovy® pen you have been supplied before following injection instructions.
Disposing of your medication and needles
Used needles must be disposed of safely in an appropriate sharps bin.
Do not put used needles into your normal household waste.
Please see our separate guide, Where do I dispose of my weight care injection and needles when I have finished my pen?, for further information.
Comprehensive Wegovy® video guide
For additional support, our comprehensive Wegovy® video guide is available here:
What to expect with Wegovy | Simple Online Pharmacy
Always follow the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medication for the manufacturer's complete instructions.
If you are unsure how to prepare or administer your Wegovy® injection, please contact our Patient Care Team for assistance.