The approved Wegovy (semaglutide) injection sites per the Novo Nordisk IFU: abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. Choose and rotate. Not medical advice.
Key points
- 01Abdomen (easiest to reach). The abdomen is the easiest site to see and pinch for self-injection. Use the area to the side of the navel, at least 2 inches (5 cm) away, and picture four quadrants to rotate through across the weeks.
- 02Front of the thigh. The front and outer thigh gives an accessible fat pad. On a lean leg, lifting a skin fold helps keep the needle in subcutaneous tissue.
- 03Upper arm (caregiver only). The back of the upper arm holds suitable subcutaneous fat but is hard to reach safely on yourself. The Instructions for Use lists this site for caregiver administration.
- 04Choose a fresh point within the site. Rotate the exact injection point within an area, placing each injection at least 1 inch (2 to 3 cm) from the last.
- 05Record the site you used. After each dose, note the date and site so rotation is reliable rather than from memory.
Pre-injection checklist
- ✓Confirm the approved areas: abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. These are the sites named in the Novo Nordisk Wegovy Instructions for Use.
- ✓Leave a clear zone of about 2 inches (5 cm) around the navel.
- ✓Pick a different area than your last injection and note it.
- ✓Avoid skin that is hardened, scarred, red, or tender.
After the injection
- Press clean gauze to the site for 10 to 15 seconds if there is any bleeding. Do not rub.
- Log the site used so the next dose moves to a different area.
- The Wegovy single-dose pen hides the needle after use, but still drop it straight into an FDA-cleared sharps container.
Common mistakes
- A site that becomes progressively red, warm, or swollen over 24 to 48 hours, possible infection.
- A hardened, lumpy, or sunken area that does not resolve, possible lipohypertrophy that needs a site change.
- Severe abdominal pain that does not resolve, pancreatitis is listed in the Wegovy Important Safety Information.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to inject Wegovy?+
The Novo Nordisk Instructions for Use names the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm (upper arm caregiver-only). For most people the abdomen is easiest, staying at least 2 inches from the navel. What matters most is rotating consistently.
Does Wegovy have a visible needle?+
The Wegovy single-dose pen hides the needle; you place it flat on the skin and press the button. The Instructions for Use describe holding the pen until the yellow symbol has stopped moving.
How far do I move the injection site?+
Rotate both between areas and within an area, placing each injection at least 1 inch (2 to 3 cm) from the last. See our rotating-injection-sites post.
Can I inject Wegovy and Ozempic in the same sites?+
Yes, both name the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. Since both are semaglutide, the same rotation and site-selection principles apply.
