How to Inject Wegovy: Expert Tips for UK Users

Summary

• Inject once a week on the same day each week.
• Injection areas (stomach, front of thigh, upper arm)
• Wash your hands.
  Clean the skin with an alcohol swab, and let the pen warm to room temperature before injecting.
• Carefully follow the instructions and throw the pen away after use.
• Look out for side effects and change injection areas every week.

 

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medicine used to help adults lose weight. It is given to obese people or those who are overweight and have conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea.

It belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists and acts like a natural hormone that helps you control appetite. It works by slowing digestion and making you feel full for longer.

If you want to learn more, check out our article on Unlocking Weight Loss: How Does Wegovy Work for You?

 

Why Use Wegovy?

Study shows that using Wegovy helps overweight people lose 15% of their body weight in over 68 weeks when combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

They also notice more energy, better mobility, and higher confidence. It also supports overall health by improving blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, making it an effective long term weight loss treatment.

If you are considering medical weight loss, read our guide Ozempic vs Wegovy: Which Weight Loss Option Is Right? And Wegovy vs Mounjaro: Which Weight Loss Option Is Best?

 

Wegovy Injection Sites

These are the suggested areas where you can inject:

• Abdomen: 2 inches away from your belly button.
• Thigh: Anywhere between your hip and the knee.
• Outer upper arm: Best area if someone can help you inject.

These areas allow the medicine to evenly absorb into the fatty layer under your skin.

For a more comprehensive look, read Where to Inject Wegovy: Optimal Sites & Tips

 

Rotation of Injection Sites

Simply changing your injection location each week helps a lot. Repeated injection in the same area may cause irritation, lump or uneven absorption.

Rotate areas each week from your abdomen, thighs and upper arms. This helps to keep your skin healthy and helps your medication to work continually.

 

How to Inject Wegovy?

Preparing for the Injection

Before starting, make sure to:

• Wash your hands with soapy water.
• Always check the pen first if it is the correct dose, not expired, and the liquid inside is clear.
• Make sure the pen is at room temperature (this takes about 30 minutes). Cold medicine can sting more when injected.
• Choose your preferred injection area.
• Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry before injecting.

 

Actual Injection Process

Here is how to give yourself an injection:

• Take off the pen cap.
• Place the pen flat against the area that you choose to inject.
• Press the button until you hear a click, it means that the injection has started.
• Keep holding the button for 10 seconds to make sure all the medicine goes in.
• Remove the pen and check the window, it should show the dose is complete.
• If you see a small drop of blood, press lightly with a cotton ball.
• Throw away the used pen in a sharps container.

If you are not sure or a beginner in using Wegovy, your nurse or doctor can guide you on how to do it properly.

To learn more about Wegovy and its dosages, see Optimal Wegovy Doses: Your Comprehensive UK Guide

 

Verified Before & After

Verified Before & After

 

Post-Injection Care

After your injection:

• Check the site for any redness or swelling, this should disappear in a few hours.
• Do not touch or massage the area.
• Write down your injection date and site to help you remember your routine.
• Store the next pen properly, in the refrigerator 2°C to 8°C when required it can be stored below 30°C for up to 28 days.

Common side effects from weeks four to six like nausea, bloating and tiredness continue but are likely to pass in a few weeks as your body adjusts.

And for ideas about Wegovy risks, see our article: Is Wegovy Safe for Everyone? Understanding Individual Risks

 

Best Practices for Injecting Wegovy in the UK

Local Regulations and Guidelines

Wegovy is a prescription only medicine in the UK that is regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

You can get Wegovy from licensed private clinics and approved online pharmacies, or through NHS weight management service if you qualify to their criteria.

 

Typical Wegovy dosage schedule (as per NHS guidance):

• 0.25 mg once a week for the first 4 weeks
• 0.5 mg once a week for 4 weeks
• 1 mg once a week for 4 weeks
• 1.7 mg once a week for 4 weeks
• 2.4 mg once a week as your long-term maintenance dose

Your doctor may adjust this schedule based on how your body reacts or if you experience side effects, they will also check your progress, side effects, and weight loss after around 16 to 20 weeks and decide if you need to continue the treatment.

 

Common FAQs for UK Users

• Can I inject Wegovy at any time of day?

Yes. Wegovy can be taken once weekly at any time, with or without food but use the same day of the week for consistency.

• Can I travel with Wegovy?

Yes. as long as it is kept in its original packaging and stored below 30°C. Also bring the prescription with you in case airport security asks for it.

• Can I take Wegovy with other weight loss drugs?

No. You should not use Wegovy with other semaglutide products. Using it more can increase the risk of side effects.

• What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose if it has been less than 5 days. If more than 5 days, skip the dose and continue your regular weekly schedule.

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here is how to handle minor issues that occur from time to time:

What to Do if You Miss a Dose

It is okay to occasionally miss a dose, but do not double up.

• If more than 5 days have gone, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then take your next scheduled weekly shot on that day of the week.
• If it has been more than 5 days, skip the dose altogether and take it on your next scheduled day.

If you miss several weeks of doses, talk with your clinician before restarting. They might advise trying a smaller dose to help with side effects.

 

Handling Injection Site Reactions

Mild redness, itching or swelling may result and is generally not harmful.

To minimise irritation:

• Place a cool compress on the affected region.
• Avoid Injecting in the same place every week.
• Avoid scratching or rubbing the area.

If the swelling still does not go down in a few days or you have pain, or if you feel hard lumps, get in touch with your doctor.

A very small number of people may experience serious allergic reaction symptoms like swelling on the face, dizziness or difficulty breathing that require medical attention.

 

Conclusion

Learning to use Wegovy helps you take control of your weight loss safely and confidently. It works best together with healthy habits, so if you are unsure about injections or experience side effects, best to speak to your doctor. It might be scary at first, but with proper guidance from your doctor, it quickly becomes easy.

At Harley Street Skin Clinic, we can guide you through safe injection techniques and ongoing progress so it can be an effective part of your long-term health journey.

 

Tips for New Users

Before your first injection, remember these key tips:

• Stick to your schedule and take Wegovy once a week at the same time with the same dose unless advised by your doctor.
• Rotate your injection site to avoid skin irritation or bruising.
• Store your pens properly in the fridge (2 to 8°C) and let them reach room temperature before using.
• Check your pen before use, the liquid should be clear and colourless.
• Put used pens in a sharps bin or follow your pharmacy’s disposal instructions.
• Contact your doctor if you have symptoms like strong nausea, stomach pain, allergic reactions, or any symptoms that do not go away.

The trick is to make sure you never skip a dose, always inject on the same day each week and make sure to combine your treatment with a healthy diet and moderate activity for the most effective long-term results.