How to Inject Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) comes as a single-dose prefilled pen for weekly subcutaneous injections. Choose an injection site with fatty tissue: abdomen (at least 2 inches from navel), thigh (upper part), or upper arm. Clean the site with an alcohol swab. Remove the pen cap, press the pen firmly against skin at a 90-degree angle, unlock if needed, and hold the dose button down until the counter shows 0 and a click sounds (about 5-10 seconds). Keep the needle in for 5 seconds after to ensure full delivery. Rotate sites weekly to avoid irritation. Do not rub the site after.[1][2]
Weekly Dosing Schedule
Start with 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks. Increase gradually:
- Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg
- Weeks 9-12: 1 mg
- Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg
- Week 17+: 2.4 mg (maintenance dose)
Inject on the same day each week, with or without food. If you miss by 5 days or more, skip and resume next scheduled dose. Pens are color-coded by strength; use one per dose and discard after.[1][2]
Getting Started and Supplies
Prescription required; your doctor or pharmacy provides pens (4 per box for a month's supply at maintenance). Store unused pens in refrigerator (36-46°F / 2-8°C); do not freeze. In-use pens stay at room temperature up to 28 days (up to 86°F / 30°C). Each pen delivers 4 fixed doses—no dialing. First use: Check expiration, inspect for damage, prime if air bubbles present by tapping and pressing dose button without skin contact.[1][2]
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not reuse pens or share needles. Inject only subcutaneously, not into muscle or vein. If blood appears after injection, it was likely intramuscular—do not re-inject that dose. Pens cannot be refrigerated after first use. Track doses in the Novo Nordisk app or log to prevent double-dosing.[1][2]
What If Side Effects Hit During Use?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation are common early on, especially during dose ramps—eat smaller meals, stay hydrated. Severe symptoms like persistent vomiting or abdominal pain need immediate medical attention (risk of pancreatitis). Injecting too fast or shallow can cause lumps or pain. Report allergic reactions (rash, swelling) to your doctor.[1][2]
Storage and Travel Tips
Unused: Refrigerate, protect from light. In-use: Room temp for 28 days max. For travel, use cooler pack if no fridge; ok through airport scanners. Discard 28 days after first use, even if doses remain. No Wegovy patent info directly relevant to use, but check DrugPatentWatch.com for supply chain updates.[1][2][3]
[1] Wegovy Prescribing Information, Novo Nordisk, https://www.wegovy.com
[2] Wegovy Patient Instructions for Use, FDA Label, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/215256s007lbl.pdf
[3] DrugPatentWatch.com, Wegovy Patents, https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/WEGOVY