Wegovy, a prescription medication, has gained significant popularity as a tool for weight loss. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. While the choice of injection site doesn’t significantly impact the medication’s effectiveness, understanding the options can help you find the most convenient and comfortable spot.
Where to Inject Wegovy?
You can inject Wegovy into your lower stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button), upper arm, or front upper thigh. All of these areas are suitable for injections and there’s no best place for an injection site when using Wegovy.
It’s okay to use the same body part each time, but vary the exact location to avoid irritation. For instance, you can inject into your upper left thigh one week and your upper right thigh the next.
Avoid injecting:
- In areas with stretch marks, scars, or tender, hard, bruised, or discoloured skin.
- In areas that are difficult to pinch for a soft injection. If this happens, try a firmer area like your upper thigh or stand up while injecting into your lower abdomen.
Before your first injection, consult your healthcare professional. They can demonstrate the proper technique and help you choose the most comfortable injection sites.
How to Inject Wegovy?
Before injecting:
- Check that the pen is intact, the expiration date hasn’t passed, and the liquid is clear and colourless. If there are any issues, contact the pharmacy or the clinic where the medication was purchased from.
- Follow the instructions leaflet provided with your Wegovy pen to ensure a full dose.
Injection steps:
- Clean the area: Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to clean the injection site, then let it dry.
- Prepare the pen: Remove the cap and press the needle cover firmly against your skin.
- Inject: Apply steady pressure until you hear two clicks (indicating the injection has started and is ongoing). Continue pressing for 5-10 seconds.
- Remove the pen: Gently lift the pen away from your skin.
- Apply pressure: If there’s bleeding, press a cotton ball or gauze pad lightly on the site.
Important:
- If you pull the pen away too early or don’t press firmly enough, you might not get the full dose.
- Look for signs of liquid leaking or pooling on your skin.
When to Inject Wegovy?
- Inject Wegovy once a week on the same day. Choose a day that works for you and use a calendar or medication app to stay on track.
- The time of day doesn’t matter. Just be consistent with the day of the week.
- You don’t need to plan your meals around Wegovy injections.
How to store Wegovy?
- Refrigeration: Keep Wegovy pens in the fridge (2-8°C) before first use.
- Room temperature: After first use, pens can be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 6 weeks.
- Light and moisture protection: Keep pens in their original packaging and avoid exposure to direct sunlight and heat.
- Needle storage: Never store the pen with the needle attached.
- Travel: For short trips (up to 14 days), Wegovy can be stored at room temperature.
- Disposal: Dispose of empty or expired pens safely according to local guidelines.
Want to know how to keep your Wegovy effective? Read this blog for storage tips.
Additional Tips:
- Follow your healthcare professional’s instructions: Always adhere to the specific guidelines provided by your clinician.
- Use a clean needle: Ensure you use a new needle for each injection to minimise the risk of infection.
- Monitor for side effects: Be aware of potential side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, and report any concerns to your clinician.
Key Takeaway:
While Wegovy can be a helpful tool, it’s most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Consult with your healthcare professional to determine if Wegovy is right for you and to discuss any specific concerns you may have.
References
Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: Everything you need to know (no date) Gov.uk. Available at: https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/04/accessing-wegovy-for-weight-loss-everything-you-need-to-know/
Wegovy (2024) Diabetes UK. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/treating-your-diabetes/tablets-and-medication/glp-1/semaglutide/wegovy
Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc) (2024) Org.uk. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13799/smpc
