How to use a Wegovy pen safely: A step-by-step guide to your weekly injection

So, you’ve decided to start your weight loss journey with Wegovy — a bold move, and a brilliant one. But before you dive in needles-first, let’s break down how to actually use that sleek little pen you’ve been prescribed. Because while the Wegovy pen is designed to be simple and user-friendly, getting the most out of it (and avoiding a rogue jab to the wrong bit of skin) is all about technique, timing, and a little know-how.

This guide will walk you through everything from what the pen actually is to how it works, where to inject it, and what to do if you miss a dose. Whether you're a seasoned semaglutide user or injecting for the first time, consider this your trusty step-by-step companion — minus the medical jargon and with just the right amount of sass.

What is a Wegovy pen?

At first glance, the Wegovy pen might look more like a fancy highlighter than a powerful weight loss medicine. But beneath that sleek design lies a single-use, prefilled injection pen containing semaglutide — the active ingredient that helps regulate appetite, reduce cravings, and support long-term weight loss when paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity [1].

Each pen delivers a preset dose of Wegovy, with your dose increasing gradually over several weeks as part of your dose escalation schedule. It's designed to be self-administered just once a week — same day, same time — into the upper leg, lower stomach (at least two inches from the belly button), or upper arm [2]. No fiddly vials, no complex settings. Just a simple press of the pen firmly against your chosen injection site, and you're good to go.

How does Wegovy work for weight loss?

Wegovy (semaglutide) belongs to a class of GLP-1 receptor agonists — powerful medicines that mimic the action of a naturally occurring hormone involved in regulating appetite and blood sugar.

In plain English? It tells your brain you’re full, slows down how fast food leaves your stomach (called delayed gastric emptying), and helps reduce those relentless snack cravings that tend to sabotage even the best-laid diet plans [3].

But it’s not magic — and it’s certainly not a substitute for effort. To see real results, Wegovy must be used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity. That means no popping your weekly injection and then chasing it with a packet of biscuits and a nap. Instead, think: reduced-calorie, balanced meals, proper sleep, and regular movement that suits your body.

Clinical trials have shown that most patients using Wegovy alongside lifestyle changes lose significant amounts of body weight, with some shedding up to 20.7% or more of their starting weight [5].

That’s not just about squeezing into old jeans — it can improve high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, and lower your risk of heart disease. But like all good things, it takes consistency, the right maintenance dose, and staying on track with your scheduled dose — even if life gets busy or you're not feeling your best.

Step-by-step: How to use your Wegovy pen

Here’s your no-fuss, no-fumble guide to getting that weekly dose in like a pro [4].

Step 1. Prepare your pen and wash your hands

Before you do anything else, wash your hands like you’re about to perform surgery — we’re aiming for squeaky clean. Grab your Wegovy pen and double-check the label to make sure it’s the right dose and not expired. Let the pen come to room temperature if it's been in the fridge, as cold injections can sting more than your ex’s parting words. No need to shake it — this isn't a cocktail.

Step 2. Choose your injection site

The Wegovy pen is designed for subcutaneous use, which is a fancy way of saying it goes just under the skin. The best spots are your upper arms, thighs, or lower stomach — but steer clear of injecting near the belly button. Rotate sites each week to avoid irritating the skin (your thighs and tummy will thank you). Pro tip: pick a spot with a bit of padding for a more comfortable jab.

Step 3. Remove the pen cap and check the medicine

Twist off the pen cap and take a peek at the window — the liquid should be clear and colourless. If it looks cloudy, has particles, or reminds you of a dubious energy drink, it’s time for a new pen. Make sure the yellow bar is all the way to the left before injecting — this confirms it's ready to deliver your full dose. Remember, each pen is single-use only, so no saving it for a rainy day.

Step 4. Inject your Wegovy dose

Place the pen firmly against your chosen site at a 90-degree angle and press the start button — you'll hear a click. Keep it pressed and hold the pen in place until the yellow bar stops moving (about 10 seconds, which feels longer than it is). Don’t lift it early — let the full dose go in. If you’re unsure the whole dose was delivered, don’t panic — just contact your healthcare provider rather than guessing.

Step 5. Clean up and dispose safely

Once the injection is done, toss the pen (cap and all) into a sharps container — not the kitchen bin or the bottom of your handbag. If you spot a bit of blood, apply gentle pressure with a clean cotton pad (no rubbing, please). Wash your hands again and give yourself a pat on the back — you’ve just taken another step towards your weight loss goals. Now go forth and hydrate.

Storing and disposing of the Wegovy pen

Wegovy pens are single-use, prefilled pens — meaning once you’ve had your weekly dose, it’s out with the old and in with the new. But just because they’re one-and-done doesn’t mean you can chuck them in the bathroom bin with yesterday’s eyeliner. Safe storage and disposal are part of the package when you’re using a powerful weight loss medicine like Wegovy.

Proper storage helps maintain the effectiveness of your Wegovy dose, while safe disposal helps protect you, others, and the planet. And considering this little pen is helping regulate appetite, reduce cravings, and support weight loss goals tied to body mass index, sleep apnoea, high cholesterol, and heart disease — it deserves some TLC between doses. Always follow the guidance in your patient information leaflet or consult your healthcare provider for up-to-date advice.

Storage tips

• Keep your Wegovy pen in the fridge (2°C to 8°C) until you’re ready to use it — not the freezer, unless you fancy compromising the medicine’s effectiveness.
• Let the pen come to room temperature before injecting to reduce discomfort.
• Store the pen in its original packaging to protect it from light (and your curious housemates).
• Avoid heat and direct sunlight — think medicine cabinet, not windowsill.
• Don’t use the pen past the expiration date or if the medicine appears cloudy, discoloured, or like it’s seen better days.
• After use, dispose of the entire pen in a sharps bin — never reuse, recap, or attempt DIY needle removal.

How many doses are in a Wegovy pen?

Each Wegovy pen contains one preset dose of semaglutide, designed for single use only. Whether you’re starting on the dose escalation schedule or have reached your maintenance dose, you’ll need a new pen for each weekly injection. No splitting doses, no topping up — just one full dose of Wegovy per pen, per week.

Always follow your scheduled dose, and if you’re ever unsure whether the entire injection went in, don’t guess — check in with your healthcare provider.

How Juniper can support you on Wegovy

Losing weight is tricky, and keeping it off can be even trickier. While diet and exercise are a great place to start, if you're not seeing the results you want, it may be time to consider weight loss a holistic weight loss programme with added support.

Approaching weight loss holistically can help you feel good, inside and out. The Juniper Programme combines weight loss medication with access to health tracking, clinical care and a community of like-minded women to help you lose weight for good and feel your best.

Our Programme uses GLP-1 medication, Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, as its tool for weight management, along with a carefully tailored support team to help you meet your goals.

While lifestyle and behavioural changes will help you keep weight off in the long term, combining these habits with medication will help kick-start your weight loss in the short term.

Wegovy can help with weight loss by resetting the body's metabolic patterns. It does this in 3 ways:

• It slows the rate your stomach empties: Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which is produced in your gut after eating and helps you feel satiated. This helps you feel fuller for longer, which can help cut down on your total caloric intake.
• It suppresses your appetite and lowers cravings: Semaglutide reduces blood glucose and targets the 'reward centre' of your brain, which in turn, helps to limit cravings between meals. It also helps better control blood sugar levels.
• It lowers your 'set point': Your body is thought to have a specific baseline based on your DNA. Semaglutide targets your brain's receptors that control your appetite, which in turn works to lower your body's set point and lose weight.

Recent data on Wegovy’s 7.2mg dose shows an average weight loss of 20.7% after 72 weeks, showing how effective it can be when used consistently and with the right support [6].

If you need some more help or reassurance with using this medication for the first time, our support team is also here to help guide you.

Image credit: Team Juniper