Can Wegovy cause numbness at the injection site?

AJ Hill Aesthetics
23 hours ago
4 min read

Brief tingling or numbness can occur from needle irritation and usually fades quickly. Persistent numbness, marked pain, colour changes, or warmth suggests irritation or a rare nerve/skin issue — switch sites and ask your clinician to review your technique. Using the abdomen (away from the navel) and rotating locations weekly reduces the chance of repeat irritation.

Understanding mild numbness after injections

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A short-lived tingling or mild numbness at the injection site can happen occasionally with Wegovy (semaglutide). This is usually the result of momentary nerve or tissue stimulation when the needle passes through the skin. NHS and NICE guidance describe this as a minor, self-limiting reaction that does not affect how the medicine works. The needle tip may briefly touch small sensory fibres in the skin, producing a pins-and-needles sensation that disappears within minutes or hours. It’s not a sign of allergic reaction or nerve damage unless the sensation lingers or worsens.

Why numbness happens

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Wegovy is injected into the fatty layer just beneath the skin — the subcutaneous tissue. This layer contains tiny nerves and blood vessels, so brief tingling can occur if the needle brushes one of them. NHS training materials explain that needle depth, angle, or injection speed can influence this. A rapid or tense injection can stretch nearby tissue, causing a dull ache or temporary loss of feeling. Semaglutide itself doesn’t cause numbness; the sensation comes from local mechanical irritation. Using the correct pen technique and allowing the skin to relax before pressing the pen improves comfort.

Distinguishing harmless sensations from warning signs

Normal post-injection feelings include a small sting, slight warmth, or faint tingling that resolves quickly. Warning signs to report are prolonged numbness, persistent pain, swelling, redness that spreads, or changes in skin colour or temperature. NICE TA875 and MHRA safety notes emphasise checking for these features to rule out infection or nerve compression. If the area feels hard or stays pale or cold, it may indicate tissue irritation or a small hematoma under the skin. NHS advice is to skip injections into that area until it settles and to let a clinician check your technique.

Technique and rotation to reduce irritation

Correct technique prevents most site reactions. The pen should be placed flat against the skin and held steadily at 90°. Avoid injecting into scars, moles, or areas that feel firm from previous use. Rotate sites weekly — for example, alternate between left and right abdomen or thighs — so each area rests for at least several weeks before reuse. The abdomen generally causes fewer reactions because of its even fat layer and lower muscle activity. NHS weight-management nurses often demonstrate a clockwise rotation method around the abdomen to help people track spacing. Keeping a brief site log or marking injection spots on a diagram can help maintain rotation consistency.

When to seek clinical review

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If numbness or tingling lasts more than a few hours, or if you notice ongoing sensitivity, speak to your pharmacist, practice nurse, or weight-management clinician. They can check your injection depth or advise on needle length. Occasionally, replacing needles more frequently or slightly altering the site location resolves the problem. MHRA guidance also notes that reusing needles increases the risk of blunting, which can irritate skin and small nerves. Persistent numbness should never be ignored, especially if accompanied by swelling, discolouration, or warmth, as these could indicate infection or local inflammation.

Practical steps for comfort and prevention

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Keep pens at room temperature before injecting; cold medicine or metal can increase irritation. Clean the site gently and let the skin dry fully before pressing the pen. Hold gentle pressure (not rubbing) for 10–20 seconds afterwards. Some people have found it helpful to inject after a shower when the skin is relaxed, or after light movement when muscles are warm but not tense. NHS and SMC guidance both highlight that consistent site care reduces local reactions and keeps injections almost unnoticeable over time.

How clinicians approach this issue

During regular reviews, NHS teams routinely ask about injection-site reactions. Minor numbness or tingling is documented as a “local sensory response” and monitored at follow-up. If it becomes recurrent, clinicians may adjust the rotation plan or needle size. In rare cases, if a patch of skin remains numb or sensitive, an ultrasound or referral to a specialist nurse may be arranged to rule out small nerve irritation. These cases are uncommon, and most resolve with proper technique education. NICE TA875 and MHRA product information confirm that permanent nerve injury has not been associated with semaglutide injection when used correctly.

The essential point

Mild tingling or brief numbness after a Wegovy injection is common and usually harmless. It comes from the needle, not the medicine, and settles quickly. Persistent pain, colour change, or warmth needs review to rule out irritation or infection. Rotating sites weekly, using new needles, and keeping the skin relaxed are the simplest ways to stay comfortable. NICE, NHS, and MHRA guidance all align: good technique keeps injections safe, prevents numbness, and ensures Wegovy continues to work smoothly and predictably each week.