How to Inject Wegovy with the Pen
Wegovy (semaglutide) comes in a prefilled, single-dose pen for weekly subcutaneous injections. Check the dose selector for your prescribed strength (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg). Store unused pens in the fridge at 36-46°F (2-8°C); don't freeze. Pens in use can stay at room temperature up to 28 days. Let the pen reach room temp before injecting.
1. Wash hands and clean the injection site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) with an alcohol swab. Rotate sites each week.
2. Remove the pen cap. Check the solution is clear and colorless; discard if cloudy or expired.
3. Attach a new needle (included or NovoFine Plus 32G) by twisting it on securely.
4. Turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol (looks like a droplet). Press the dose button until a drop appears at the needle tip—this primes the pen and removes air bubbles.
5. Turn the dose selector to your prescribed dose.
6. Insert the needle straight into the skin at a 90-degree angle.
7. Press and hold the dose button fully for at least 5 seconds (count slowly) until the dose counter returns to zero and the yellow bar stops moving. Keep holding even if it hurts.
8. Remove the needle and dispose of it in a sharps container. Replace the pen cap.
Inject once weekly, any time of day, with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it within 5 days; otherwise, skip and resume the next week. Never share pens.
Where on the Body to Inject Wegovy
Pinch skin on the abdomen (at least 2 inches from navel), front of thigh, or back of upper arm. Avoid veins, bruises, scars, or tender areas. A caregiver can inject in your upper arm.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- No priming drop: Always prime first—skipping causes underdosing.
- Not holding long enough: Hold 5+ seconds to deliver full dose.
- Reusing needles: Use new ones each time to avoid dullness or contamination.
- Wrong storage: Room-temp pens expire after 28 days; track start date.
What If the Pen Jams or Doesn't Work
If no click or dose counter doesn't move: Check battery (pen is electronic), replace needle, and prime again. Contact Novo Nordisk support (1-833-WEGOVY-1) or your pharmacist if issues persist. Don't use damaged pens.
Dose Escalation Schedule
Start at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increase every 4 weeks (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg) to reach 2.4 mg maintenance, unless your doctor adjusts for side effects.
Side Effects Patients Report During Use
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, headache. These often improve over time. Injecting slowly or with food may help. Seek medical help for severe symptoms like pancreatitis signs (persistent stomach pain) or allergic reactions.
Sources:
[1] Wegovy Prescribing Information (Novo Nordisk)
[2] FDA Medication Guide for Wegovy
[3] Novo Nordisk Wegovy Instructions for Use