How to inject Wegovy: tips for an easy, painless shot (🚨NOT READY TO PUBLISH! 🚨)

Key Points

• Wegovy is a self-administered, once-weekly injection that comes in a pre-filled, single-dose pen.
• Properly prepare for your injection by checking the pen, choosing the right site (stomach, thigh, or upper arm), and cleaning the skin.
• The injection process is a simple 4-steps: prep the pen, clean the site, press the pen firmly against your skin until you hear two clicks, and then safely dispose of it.
• To minimize discomfort: let the pen sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting, ensure the alcohol on your skin is fully dry, and relax the muscle at the injection site.

Taking a new medication can feel a little intimidating, especially when it's an injection. If you've just been prescribed Wegovy, you might be looking at the pen and feeling a bit nervous about your first dose. That's completely normal.

The good news is that the Wegovy pen is designed to be simple and user-friendly, and once you've done it a time or two, it will feel like second nature.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from getting your supplies ready to the actual injection—with practical tips to make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Before you begin: getting ready for your Wegovy injection

A few moments of preparation can make your injection experience calm and successful. Before you do anything else, set yourself up in a clean, well-lit space.

Check your pen and prescription

Before you do anything else, take a look at your Wegovy pen. Wegovy comes in five different dose strengths, and each has a different colored label, starting with the lowest dose and gradually increasing over several months.

Always double-check that the pen you're holding matches the dose your doctor prescribed.

Also, take a quick look at the expiration date on the pen to make sure it's still valid.

Gather your supplies

You don't need much, which is part of what makes it so easy. Here's your short checklist:

• One Wegovy pen: Each pen is for a single use.
• Alcohol swab: To clean your skin.
• Sharps container: For safe disposal after you're done. According to the FDA, you should use an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. If you don't have one, you can use a heavy-duty plastic household container, like a laundry detergent bottle.

Choose and prepare your injection site

You have three main options for where to inject Wegovy. You can choose what's most comfortable for you:

• Stomach (abdomen): Even though it sounds like a scary spot for a jab, the abdomen is actually a popular choice for minimal pain. Just be sure to inject at least two inches away from your belly button.
• Upper legs (thighs): The front of your thighs is a good spot.
• Upper arms: You can use the back of your upper arm. This spot can be tricky to reach on your own, so you might need someone to help you.

It's important to rotate your injection site each week. Using the same exact spot every time can lead to a condition called lipohypertrophy, which is a buildup of fatty tissue under the skin. This can make the medication absorb less predictably and become less effective. You can inject in the same general area (like your stomach), but be sure to choose a slightly different spot each time.

💡 Pro tip: Map out your injection sites and keep a simple rotation schedule. For example, if you're using your abdomen, you could think of it like a clock and move to a different 'hour' each week. This helps ensure you're giving each area enough time to heal before using it again.

How to inject Wegovy: a simple 4-step guide

Once you're prepped and ready, the actual injection takes less than a minute. Here's how to do it, step by step.

Step 1: Prepare the pen

First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, take your Wegovy pen out of the refrigerator and look at the medicine through the window on the pen. The liquid inside should be clear and colorless. If it looks cloudy, has particles in it, or is colored, don't use it.

If the Wegovy is cold, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Injecting cold medicine can sometimes be a bit more uncomfortable. (Some people choose to take the meds out first and then set a timer before washing their hands and prepping for injection. Both methods work, so it’s up to you!)

Step 2: Prepare the injection site

Choose a spot on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Use an alcohol swab to clean the skin where you plan to inject.

Let the area air-dry completely before you inject, since injecting through wet alcohol can sting.

Step 3: Administer the injection

Now you're ready. Follow the official instructions for use carefully:

1. Remove the pen cap. Pull the cap straight off. You'll see the needle is already covered by a needle guard, so you won't see the needle itself.
2. Position the pen. Press the pen firmly against your cleaned skin at a 90-degree angle. Make sure you can see the window on the pen.
3. Press and hold. Press the pen firmly into your skin. You will hear the first click, which means the injection has started. A yellow bar will start to move down in the window.
4. Keep holding. Continue to hold the pen firmly against your skin until you hear the second click. This indicates the injection is finished.

Step 4: After the injection

Once you hear that second click, you can lift the pen straight away from your skin. The needle guard will automatically cover the needle.

Look at the pen window again. You should see that the yellow bar has stopped moving. This is another confirmation that you've received the full dose.

Immediately place the used pen in your sharps container. Don't try to put the cap back on.

Does injecting Wegovy hurt? Tips for a more comfortable experience

The fear of needles is real—trypanophobia, anyone?—but thankfully, the Wegovy injection is designed to be as comfortable as possible.

The needle is very thin and short because it only needs to deliver the medication into the fatty tissue just under your skin (hence, why it’s called a “subcutaneous injection.”) Most people report feeling just a small pinch, or nothing at all.

If you're still anxious, here are a few tips that research suggests can help make injections more comfortable:

• Let the pen warm up: Allowing the pen to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes can help reduce any stinging sensation from the cold liquid.
• Ensure the alcohol is dry: This is a simple but effective way to prevent stinging.
• Relax your muscles: Tensing up can make any injection feel more painful. Take a deep breath and try to relax the area where you're injecting.
• Don't hesitate: Press the pen firmly and confidently against your skin. The process is quick, and hesitating can sometimes increase anxiety.

What to expect after your injection

You did it! Now what?

For most people, not much happens immediately after. But it's good to know what to look for and what to do if you have questions.

Common injection site reactions

It's possible to have a mild reaction right where you injected it. This can include redness, a little swelling, tenderness, or itching. These reactions are usually mild and tend to go away on their own within a few hours or days.

A cool compress can help if the area feels sore. If you notice a reaction that is severe, gets worse, or doesn't go away, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.

The importance of consistency for best results

Wegovy is most effective when taken consistently once a week, on the same day each week. Medication adherence is important for managing chronic conditions, and this is no different. Consistent use helps maintain a steady level of the medication in your body, which is key for appetite regulation and weight loss.

Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite.

The landmark STEP 1 clinical trial showed that this mechanism, combined with lifestyle changes, led to significant weight loss. Consistency is what allows the medication to do its job effectively over the long term.

What happens if I miss a dose of Wegovy?

Life happens, and you might forget a dose. Don't panic. According to the manufacturer, here's what to do:

• If your next scheduled dose is more than 2 days (48 hours) away: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day.
• If your next scheduled dose is less than 2 days (48 hours) away: Just skip the missed dose. Take your next dose on your regular day. Don't take two doses to make up for the missed one.
• If you miss more than 2 weeks in a row: Take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day or call your healthcare provider to talk about how to restart your treatment. You may need to restart at a lower dose to avoid side effects.

Final thoughts

Injecting Wegovy might seem daunting at first, but it quickly becomes a simple, routine part of your week. Remember that Wegovy is a powerful tool, but it works best as part of a comprehensive plan.

The most successful and sustainable weight loss happens when medication is combined with healthy lifestyle habits. In clinical trials, participants who saw the best results with semaglutide also received support to improve their diet and increase their physical activity. For example, the STEP 3 trial combined the medication with intensive behavioral therapy, leading to impressive results.

Working with a registered dietitian can provide you with personalized guidance on nutrition and help you build sustainable habits that support your health goals long-term. They can create a plan that works with your lifestyle and helps you get the most out of your Wegovy treatment.

"Many of my clients find that once they establish the routine of their weekly injection, it becomes a helpful reminder to check in with their nutrition goals for the week," notes Rita Faycurry, RD. "It's like a weekly reset that keeps you focused on all the healthy habits that work together with the medication."

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where is the best place to inject Wegovy for weight loss?

There’s no evidence to suggest that injecting Wegovy in one approved site (stomach, thigh, or upper arm) is better than another for weight loss. The medication is absorbed effectively from all recommended subcutaneous sites.

The "best" place is simply the one that you find most comfortable and can rotate weekly to prevent skin issues.

Related: Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?

What happens if you inject Wegovy wrong?

The Wegovy pen is designed to be very user-friendly, so incorrect injections are rare. If you don't press the pen firmly enough or pull it away before the second click, you might not receive the full dose.

If this happens, do not inject another dose. Simply wait until your next scheduled injection day to take your regular dose. If you have any concerns, it's always best to speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Can I inject Wegovy cold?

Yes, you can inject Wegovy straight from the refrigerator if you need to.

Many people find that injecting cold medicine can cause a slight stinging or uncomfortable sensation. Letting the pen sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before the injection can make the experience more comfortable.

How long should Wegovy be out of the fridge before injection?

You can let the Wegovy pen sit at room temperature (below 86°F or 30°C) for up to 28 days. For maximum comfort, taking it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before your injection is usually sufficient to bring it to room temperature.

Do not try to warm the pen any other way, such as in the microwave or hot water.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.