How to use Wegovy pen?

Check your dose strength, attach a new needle, and follow the step-by-step device guide (including the brief “flow check” where shown). Place the pen firmly against the skin, press and hold until the counter returns to zero or the indicator shows the full dose is delivered, then lift away. Remove the needle carefully and bin it in a sharps container; keep the pen cap on between weekly doses if you’re using a multi-dose FlexTouch pen.

Why the pen matters

The Wegovy pen is designed to make weekly injections simple and safe. Unlike medicines that require daily dosing or fiddly syringes, the pen is pre-filled and calibrated to deliver exactly the prescribed amount of semaglutide. This reliability matters because Wegovy is intended for long-term use, and consistency is key. A treatment that feels manageable week after week is more likely to succeed. The pen removes guesswork, limits the risk of measurement errors, and gives people the confidence to handle injections at home without repeated clinical visits.

Step 1: Check your dose

Wegovy treatment begins at a low dose and gradually increases over sixteen weeks. The escalation schedule is:

• Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg weekly

  
  

• Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg weekly

  
  

• Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg weekly

  
  

• Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg weekly

  
  

• Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg maintenance dose

  
  

Each pen is colour-coded by strength, but reading the label directly is the safest way to confirm you are on the right stage. NHS pharmacists often advise writing the start date of each pen on the box to avoid confusion. Checking carefully helps prevent errors, especially during the early escalation period.

Step 2: Attach a new needle

Every injection requires a fresh sterile needle. Reusing needles increases the risk of blockage, dosing problems, or infection. To prepare, remove the pen cap, screw on the new needle firmly, and peel off the protective caps. Even if a needle looks fine, it should never be used more than once. The NHS supplies sharps bins for safe disposal, and most community pharmacies accept full containers for replacement.

Step 3: Flow check (if needed)

Some FlexTouch pens require a small test spray the first time a new pen is used, to confirm that the mechanism is working. This step is known as a flow check or priming. If your device requires it, press until a small droplet appears at the needle tip. Not all pens need this, so follow the leaflet instructions that come with your specific device. If you are unsure, your pharmacist can demonstrate.

Step 4: Choose your injection site

The recommended injection sites are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites weekly to reduce irritation and prevent lumps forming under the skin. Avoid areas that are sore, bruised, scarred, or inflamed. Many people prefer the abdomen because it is easy to reach and provides a broad surface area. The upper arm may require help from another person. NHS nurses stress that there is no “best” site overall — it is about finding what works comfortably for you.

Step 5: Deliver the dose

Hold the pen flat against the skin at a 90° angle. Press the button steadily until the counter window returns to zero or the indicator confirms the full dose has been given. Keep the pen in place for a few extra seconds to ensure all medicine has entered. Removing too quickly may allow a drop to escape from the needle track. This drop does not usually mean the full dose was lost, but holding briefly prevents it.

Step 6: Remove and dispose of the needle

Carefully unscrew the needle and place it into a sharps container. Never store the pen with a needle attached, as this can cause leakage or let air into the device. Replace the protective cap before returning the pen to storage. Unopened pens should be kept in the fridge at 2–8 °C, while in-use pens can remain at room temperature (below 30 °C) for up to six weeks, depending on the leaflet. Always check that the solution is clear and colourless before injecting.

NHS training and support

When Wegovy is first prescribed, NHS services typically provide a hands-on demonstration. A nurse or pharmacist will walk through the leaflet, show how to attach the needle, and observe a supervised injection. This builds confidence quickly. Written instructions and official videos are useful reminders, but live support ensures mistakes are avoided. Patients are encouraged to ask for a refresher if unsure at any point.

What this means in practice

Using the Wegovy pen becomes routine with a little practice: check, attach, inject, wait, remove, and dispose. Weekly injections may seem daunting at first, but most people find the process simple after the first few times. By following the step-by-step guide, rotating sites, and disposing of needles safely, you can focus on the long-term benefits of treatment — sustainable weight loss, reduced appetite, and improved health.