What are the step-by-step instructions for using the Wegovy pen?

The Wegovy pen is a weekly injection device designed for subcutaneous use in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The steps include washing your hands, attaching a new needle, priming if required, and pressing the pen flat against the skin until the full dose is delivered. Hold the pen in place until the counter shows zero, then remove and safely dispose of the needle in a sharps container. Training with an NHS nurse or pharmacist is strongly advised before your first dose to build confidence.

Preparing for the injection

Before using the Wegovy pen, start by choosing a clean, well-lit area. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria. Gather the pen, a new needle, and your sharps container so everything is ready. NHS services recommend checking the pen label to confirm the correct dose strength and making sure the medicine is clear and colourless, without particles. If the pen looks damaged or the solution cloudy, it should not be used and should be returned to a pharmacy.

Attaching the needle

The next step is to attach a new needle. Each injection requires a fresh needle to prevent infection, ensure sharpness, and reduce the chance of blockages. Screw or click the needle firmly into place according to the instructions supplied with the pen. Do not store pens with a needle attached, as this can cause leaks or contamination. The MHRA product information and NHS leaflets both stress that single-use needles are essential for safety.

Priming the device

Depending on the pen type and instructions, you may need to prime it before the first use. This involves dialling a small dose and pressing the button until a drop of medicine appears at the tip, confirming that the device is ready. NHS training sessions usually demonstrate priming during the first appointment. Not all pens require it before each injection, but if the instructions say so, this step helps prevent under-dosing and ensures the pen is functioning correctly.

Choosing and preparing the site

The injection should go into the fatty layer just under the skin — usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Avoid veins, muscles, scars, or irritated skin, and stay a couple of centimetres away from the navel if using the abdomen. Clean the chosen site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely. NHS nurses recommend rotating sites weekly to prevent skin problems such as lipohypertrophy, a thickening of the fatty tissue seen with repeated injections in the same spot. This rotation practice is also highlighted in NICE TA875 guidance.

Delivering the dose

With the needle attached and site prepared, press the pen flat against the skin at a right angle. Push the injection button firmly and keep the pen in place until the counter shows zero. This ensures the full dose is delivered. In clinical practice, not waiting long enough is one of the most common mistakes, sometimes leading to a drop of liquid on the skin. Holding the pen steady for the full recommended time prevents this. STEP trials instructed participants to follow these exact procedures to ensure reliable dosing.

Finishing safely

Once the dose is delivered, remove the pen from the skin and carefully detach the used needle. Place it directly into a sharps bin — never into household rubbish or recycling. Replace the cap on the pen and store it according to the guidance: unopened pens in the fridge, in-use pens below 30 °C and away from direct sunlight. MHRA advice is clear that pens must never be frozen or exposed to excessive heat, as this damages the medicine. Recording the injection date and site can help you and your clinic keep track over time.

Training and support

Although the steps may sound straightforward, training makes a big difference in building confidence. NHS nurses and pharmacists often supervise the first injection, answering questions and correcting technique. Many services also provide written guides and links to official videos. Patients are encouraged to practise handling the pen before the first injection to reduce anxiety. NICE TA875 highlights the importance of support and education in successful long-term use, noting that correct technique is central to achieving the outcomes shown in trials.

The bigger picture

Using the Wegovy pen involves more than simply giving an injection. It is about following a safe, standardised process that has been tested in clinical trials and approved by regulators. Each step — from hand washing to sharps disposal — ensures that the medicine remains safe, effective, and consistent with NHS practice. The bigger picture is that careful technique and ongoing support protect both the patient and those around them, turning weekly injections into a manageable routine that underpins long-term health improvement.