How to use Wegovy: the once-weekly single-dose pen, the five-step dose schedule, and storage, per the Novo Nordisk Instructions for Use.
Pre-injection checklist
- ✓Wegovy is injected once a week, on the same day, at any time of day, with or without food.
- ✓Check that the dose strength on the label matches your current schedule step.
- ✓Inspect the solution through the window: clear and colorless to slightly yellow, with no particles.
- ✓Let a refrigerated pen reach room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes before use, a cold dose stings more.
Step-by-step guide
- 1
Set this week's dose from the schedule
Novo Nordisk's prescribing information describes a stepwise increase over about four months: 0.25 mg weekly in month one, then 0.5 mg, then 1 mg, then 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg maintenance from month five. Each step has its own pen color and strength, so check the label before every injection.
Pro tipAlways check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection. - 2
Prepare the pen and site
Wash your hands, check the label and solution, and pick the abdomen, front of the thigh, or upper arm. Rotate from last week, wipe with an alcohol pad, and let it air-dry.
Pro tipAlways check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection. - 3
Place the pen flat on the skin
Pull the cap only just before injecting. Set the clear end flat and firmly against the cleaned skin. The needle is hidden and only triggers when you press.
Pro tipAlways check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection. - 4
Press and hold until the second click
Press the pen firmly against the skin. A first click signals the start. Keep holding until a second click sounds and the yellow marker in the window stops, usually about 5 to 10 seconds.
Pro tipAlways check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection. - 5
Lift, dispose, and log
Lift the pen straight off, press gauze gently if there is bleeding, and do not rub. Drop the whole pen straight into an FDA-cleared sharps container, and note the date and site for next week.
Pro tipAlways check the fluid is clear and colourless before injection.
After the injection
- Record the site used so the next dose moves to a different area.
- Store unopened pens refrigerated per the Instructions for Use.
Common mistakes
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, or hives, signs of a serious allergic reaction, call emergency services.
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain, pancreatitis is listed in the Wegovy Important Safety Information.
- A site that becomes progressively red, warm, or swollen over 24 to 48 hours, possible infection.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use Wegovy step by step?+
Set this week's dose from the schedule, prepare the pen and a rotated site, pull the cap, place the clear end flat on the skin, press and hold until the second click, then lift off and dispose of the whole pen. The how to inject Wegovy guide shows the full injection technique.
How often do you use Wegovy?+
Once a week, on the same day each week. The time of day is flexible and it can be taken with or without food. If needed, you can change the fixed day as long as at least 48 hours separate two doses, as the prescribing information describes.
What is the Wegovy dose schedule?+
The prescribing information describes an increase across about five steps: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg, each held for roughly four weeks. This slow increase is intended to reduce nausea and other gastrointestinal effects.
Where can I inject Wegovy?+
The Instructions for Use lists the abdomen, front of the thigh, and upper arm as subcutaneous sites. Rotate the site each week. The where to inject Wegovy guide shows a simple rotation pattern.
