How is Wegovy administered (e.g., injection site guidelines)?

Wegovy is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection given into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites each week and avoid areas that are tender, bruised, or scarred. Let the pen sit at room temperature for a short while before use to improve comfort, and follow the pen’s step-by-step guide on attaching a new needle, placing the device flat on the skin, pressing and holding until the dose is delivered, and disposing safely. If you miss a dose, the product leaflet explains when you can take it late and when to skip — your clinician or pharmacist can walk you through this.

The basics of administration

Wegovy is designed to be self-administered at home once a week, using a pre-filled injection pen. The medicine is delivered just under the skin, known as subcutaneous injection, into areas such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. These sites are chosen because they have enough fatty tissue to allow safe delivery. The pen is designed for ease of use, with step-by-step instructions to attach a new needle, position the device, and deliver the dose with a steady press. Unlike some older injectable medicines, Wegovy does not require mixing, drawing up, or complex preparation.

Choosing and rotating injection sites

One of the key parts of safe and comfortable administration is rotating injection sites. Repeatedly using the same spot can cause irritation, bruising, or changes in the underlying tissue. By alternating between the abdomen, thighs, and arms, the skin is given time to recover and the chance of discomfort is reduced. People are advised to avoid injecting into areas that are already sore, scarred, or showing signs of infection. Many find it helpful to plan a simple rotation system, for example moving clockwise around the abdomen or alternating between legs.

Preparing the pen for use

Before injecting, the pen should be taken out of the fridge and left at room temperature for a short period. This helps reduce the sting that can come from injecting cold solution. Each dose requires attaching a new, sterile needle, which is included in the pen packaging. The needle cap is removed just before use, and the device is placed flat against the skin. Once the button is pressed, the user holds the pen in place until the full dose has been delivered. A click or indicator window usually confirms completion, after which the needle is safely removed and disposed of.

Comfort and confidence with technique

For many people, using an injection pen for the first time can feel daunting. NHS England guidance notes that people starting on GLP-1 medicines are given training from specialist teams to ensure they are confident with pen use and understand injection-site care. Demonstrations are often provided in clinic, and some services offer practice with dummy pens. Common tips include taking slow breaths before injecting, sitting comfortably, and using a relaxed grip. According to NHS service feedback, most people adapt quickly and find injections straightforward within a few weeks.

Safe disposal of needles

Used needles should never be thrown into household waste. NHS services provide sharps bins—secure containers designed for safe storage and disposal of injection equipment. Once the bin is full, it can be exchanged at the pharmacy or collected for disposal depending on local policy. This prevents accidental injury to others and ensures environmental safety. Pharmacies explain how to arrange this, and replacement bins are provided as needed. Safe disposal is a key part of the treatment routine, and NHS materials make this clear at the point of initiation.

What to do if you miss a dose

Everyone occasionally forgets a scheduled injection. The official product guidance explains when it is safe to take a missed dose and when it should be skipped. The rule depends on how many days have passed since the scheduled injection. If the timing is close, the missed dose can usually be taken late, and the weekly routine continued. If it is too far off, the dose is skipped and the next injection is given as normal. NHS patient information leaflets reinforce this advice, reminding people to check with their clinical team or pharmacist if they are unsure.

Building a weekly routine

One of the advantages of Wegovy is that it is taken only once a week, making it easier to remember than daily tablets. Many people find it helpful to tie the injection to a regular routine, such as a specific morning or evening each week. Some set reminders on their phones, while others link it to a fixed habit like Sunday breakfast or Friday bedtime. NHS England’s commissioning guidance points out that consistency in weekly use is key to reaching treatment goals, since missing doses regularly can reduce effectiveness.

Clinical oversight and review

Although Wegovy is self-administered, it is always prescribed and monitored within structured NHS weight-management services. This means clinicians review how well the injection process is going, whether there are issues with technique, and whether dose escalation is being tolerated. Support is available if problems arise, such as discomfort at injection sites or uncertainty about timing. The oversight ensures that self-injection remains safe while people still benefit from expert follow-up.

Key takeaways

Wegovy is given once weekly with a pre-filled pen into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotating sites, letting the pen warm to room temperature, and following the device instructions make the process safe and comfortable. NHS guidance stresses the importance of proper training, safe needle disposal through sharps bins, and regular support from clinical teams. Key takeaways are simple: the medicine is designed for straightforward home use, but success depends on good technique, consistent weekly dosing, and ongoing oversight from the NHS services that prescribe and monitor treatment.