How to Take Wegovy in 7 Easy Steps

Taking Wegovy at home is designed to be simple and safe. Each pen comes pre-filled, so there’s no need to measure or prepare doses yourself.

Read on to learn how to inject Wegovy correctly, what can help reduce skin irritation, and what to do if your pen doesn’t work.

Three key takeaways  

• Wegovy comes in pre-filled pens designed for straight forward self-injection at home.
• You can inject into your abdomen, thighs, or upper arms (with the help of someone else). Rotate sites each week to reduce irritation. 
• Always follow the instructions, store your pens correctly, and contact a clinician if you need help. 

What you need to take Wegovy 

When you’re injecting Wegovy, you’ll need to hand:

• your Wegovy pen
• a fresh needle (your order will come with four needles, one for each dose)
• a sharps bin
• an alcohol swab, or soap and water
• tissue, gauze or a cotton pad
• the patient information leaflet (PIL) with full instructions (at least for the first time you inject)

Quick tip! You’ll need to take Wegovy at the same time each week, so pick a day and time that works for you and you’ll remember each week.

How many doses are in each pen?

Each pen contains four doses of Wegovy, to be used once a week. So, one pen should last you four weeks.

Where to inject Wegovy 

When injecting Wegovy you have the choice of three injection sites:

• your abdomen (but at least 5cm away from your belly button) 
• the front of your upper thighs
• your upper arms(but only if someone else is giving you the injection) 

“When choosing your injection site, pick the area that best suits your body. It won’t affect how well your Wegovy injection works, so comfort is key. Many people find the abdomen easiest, but all three sites work equally as well.

“It’s important to rotate the injection sites, as injecting in the same spot each week can cause irritation, lumps, or bruising. You can use the same body area (e.g. abdomen), but always move to a slightly different spot each time.”

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U

Before your Wegovy injection

Step 1: Check your pen 

First up, you need to check your pen to see if it’s useable. Make sure that:

• the dose on your pen matches your prescription 
• you're still within the expiry date on the box and pen 
• the liquid in the pen is clear and colourless. If it looks cloudy, coloured, or has particles, do not use the pen and contact your prescriber 
• you pull off the pen cap and check the pen isn’t damaged

Step 2: Wash your hands and prepare your injection site 

To minimise any potential irritation post-injection, you should always wash your hands with soap and water and then clean your chosen injection site.

Use soap and water, or an alcohol swab, wherever you plan to inject. You can then let the site dry while you prepare your pen. And make sure not to touch the skin on your chosen site after you’ve given it a clean.

Step 3: Attach a new needle

You always need to use a new needle for every injection. This is to prevent irritation or infection at the injection site.

To attach a new needle, tear off the paper tab and push the needle straight onto the pen. Turn until secure.

The needle has two caps:

• Pull off the outer cap and keep it for later. You’ll need it when disposing of your needle.
• Pull off the inner cap and throw it away. Never try to put the inner cap back on.

Quick tip! Before injecting Wegovy, check your needle’s condition, too. You should never use bent, used or damaged needles.

Step 4: Check the flow of your pen 

You only need to check the flow of your pen this before the first injection with a new pen. If you’re on a pen’s second dose, you can skip to Step 5.

1. Turn the selector to the flow check symbol (two dots and a line).
2. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up.
3. Press and hold the button until the counter shows 0.
4. A drop of liquid should appear at the tip – this means the pen is ready.
5. If no drop appears, repeat up to two more times. If it still fails, replace the needle and try once more. If still no drop, use a new pen.

When you’re ready to inject

Step 5: Set your dose

You’re almost there. You just need to set your dose.

Turn the selector until your prescribed dose lines up with the dose pointer.

Do not set the dose by counting clicks. Your dose is only set once the correct number is shown in the dose window.

If the dose counter stops before you reach your dose, you’ll need to use a new pen.

Step 6: Inject your dose 

You’re now ready to take your dose:

1. Insert the needle into your skin at your chosen site. Make sure you can see the dose counter.
2. Press and hold the button until the counter shows 0.
3. Keep pressing and slowly count to six before removing the needle.
4. You may hear or feel a click when the injection is complete.

If you see blood, press gently with a tissue, gauze or cotton pad.

Remember: Wegovy is injected under the skin, never into a vein or muscle! Make sure you’re using one of the approved injection sites.

Step 7: Remove and dispose of your needle 

After you’ve finished your injection, guide the used needle into the outer cap you set aside earlier, on a flat surface. Once covered, unscrew the needle and place it in a sharps bin.

You can then store your pen in the fridge, or at room temperature (below 30°C). You should never store the pen with a needle attached.

If you’re finished with your pen, it can go in your usual rubbish bin, as long as the needle has been removed.

When’s the best time to inject Wegovy?

“The time of day you inject Wegovy isn’t too important. What matters is taking it at the same time on the same day each week.

“Try to find a day and time that you know will work for you going forward. While you can change your injection day, it’s not something you want to do often.

“Sticking to the same routine and taking your treatment regularly is key to a smooth, effective weight loss journey.”

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U

What to do if your Wegovy pen doesn’t work

If the dose counter does not return to 0 or no liquid appears during a flow check, replace the needle and try again. If the pen still doesn’t work, safely dispose of it and use a new one.

Common pen problems

• Bent or damaged needles: never use a bent or damaged needle. Attach a new one before injecting.
• Liquid not flowing: repeat the flow check. If no drop appears after three tries with a new needle, the pen is faulty and should not be used.
• Pen damage: do not use a pen if it has been dropped, is cracked, or has frozen.

5 tips for easier Wegovy injections

1. Bring the pen to room temperature before use

Take the pen out of the fridge about 30 minutes before your injection. This can make the injection more comfortable.

2. Rotate your injection sites each week

Rotating inject sites helps prevent irritation, bruising, or lumps under the skin. That doesn’t mean changing site all together, you can also rotate around the same area if you feel comfortable – just not the same spot.

It can be helpful to divide your different sites into sections and choose whichever area within each feels more comfortable.

You can use the same section if you want, just make sure to leave the width of at least one finger between sites.

3. Set reminders

Set reminders on your phone or calendar so you take your dose on the same day each week. Keeping a routine makes it easier to stay on track.

4. Avoid injecting into sore or damaged skin

Do not inject into areas that are bruised, red, or irritated, as this will cause additional discomfort, and potentially infection.

5. Stock up on items that can make life more comfortable

There are a number of items you can keep at home that can help you deal with any irritation caused by the injection, alongside the potential side effects of Wegovy.

Numbing creams, like EMLA, can help reduce skin irritation if used at the injection site before you take Wegovy.

Once you've injected, antihistamine tablets and creams can also help with any discomfort.

Bland foods and ginger teas, meanwhile, can help with any nausea after your dose. 

For more help with what to eat, read our guide on the best diet for Wegovy.

Watch our video for help on injecting Wegovy

Frequently asked questions about how to take Wegovy

Does it hurt to inject Wegovy?

Most people find that Wegovy injections only cause mild discomfort, such as a quick stinging or slight pressure. Try letting your pen come to room temperature before use and rotating your injection sites each week. It can help make the experience more comfortable. 

Can someone else inject Wegovy for me?

Yes, someone else can inject Wegovy if you prefer. In this case, the recommended site is the upper arm. Many patients find it reassuring to have support from a partner, friend, or carer if they are nervous about self-injecting.

Can I inject Wegovy straight from the fridge?

You can inject Wegovy straight from the fridge, but it may feel less comfortable. To make it easier, take the pen out about 30 minutes before use and allow it to reach room temperature before injecting.

Never freeze Wegovy or attempt to heat it up if it’s frozen.

What happens if I inject Wegovy in the wrong spot?

If you inject into the wrong spot, like a muscle or vein instead of under the skin, the medication may not work properly. If this happens, contact your doctor or our pharmacists for advice before taking your next scheduled dose. 

Does Wegovy come with needles?

Yes. Every Wegovy pen comes with needles, and you won’t need to provide your own.

Do I need to pinch the skin when injecting?

No. You do not need to pinch the skin when using the Wegovy FlexTouch® pen. The device is designed for safe use at a 90° angle, so you can inject without holding or squeezing the skin first.

Can I reuse the same injection site?

You can use the same body area but should avoid the exact same spot. Rotate slightly each week to avoid irritation, lumps, or bruising.

How do I know if the dose went in properly?

Check that the dose counter on your pen has returned to 0. If it has not, the full dose may not have been given. If you are unsure, contact your pharmacist for guidance before you take your next injection.

When should I increase my dose?

You can increase your dose after four weeks on your current dose, as long as you feel ready, and a clinician agrees. However, there’s no pressure to titrate up if you’re happy and think you’ve found your maintenance dose.

Sources

• How to Use Wegovy. Wegovy. [Accessed 6 February 2026].
• Wegovy® pen Guide and Dosing Information. Wegovy. [Accessed 6 February 2026].
• Wegovy Patient Information Leaflet. Novo Nordisk. [Accessed 6 February 2026].