Wegovy is a once-weekly injection to be administered under the skin. Learn below how to effectively use the pen.
How often is Wegovy used?
Wegovy is a once weekly injection and if possible should be given on the same day each week. If necessary, the day can be changed as long as it has been at least 3 days since the last injection.
Where is Wegovy administered?
Wegovy is given as an injection under the skin, it is not to be injected into the vein or muscle. It should be given as an injection in the upper arms, stomach or upper legs.
How to use WEGOVY for weight loss?
The steps to prepare and insert the pen safely can be watched on the video and are written below to follow.
| Prepare the pen | |
| Wash your hands. Check the pen to ensure it states it is Wegovy and is the correct dosage. |  |
| Check the name and dosage on the pen. | |
| Check the Wegovy window to ensure it’s clear and colourless. If it’s cloudy do not use the pen. |  |
| Insert a new needle | |
| Pull of a pen cap |  |
| Always use a new needle for each injection. On the needle, check the paper tab and outer needle cap for damage. If no damage, tear off the tab. |  |
| Push the needle straight onto the pen and turn until it’s tight. |  |
| Needle is covered by two caps. Remove both caps and pull off the outer needle cap and keep it for later to safely remove the needle. Remove the inner needle cap and dispose it, this will allow a drop of solution to appear at the tip. |  |
| Check the flow with each new pen – Prime the pen | |
| This is an important step before the first injection with each new pen. Turn the dose selector until you see the flow check symbol. Making sure the flow lines up with the dose pointer. |   |
| Hold the pen with the needle pointing up.Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0. A drop of Wegovy should appear at the needle tip. This drop indicates the pen is ready. If there is no drop, change the needle and check the flow again. |  |
| Set the dose | |
| Turn the dose selector until the dose counter stops and it shows your prescribed dose. |  |
| A dashed line in the dose counter will guide you to the dose. The dose selector clicks differently when turned forward or backwards. A click would be heard every time you turn the dose.When the prescribed dose lines up with the dose pointer, you have selected the dose. |   |
| Choose the injection site. In the upper arms, stomach or upper legs. Change the spot each week even if it’s in the same area. |  |
| Inject the dose | |
| Insert the needle into the skin. Make sure you can see the dose counter. |  |
| Press and hold dose button until the dose counter shows 0. Keep pressing the dose button and count to 6 until a click is heard. |   |
| Remove the needle from the skin not too quickly as that may result in a full dose not delivered. You may see a drop of Wegovy at the needle tip after injecting, this is normal and doesn’t affect the dose. |  |
| After the injection | |
| Place the needle tip back into its needle cap. Unscrew the needle and dispose of it carefully in a sharps bins. Unscrew the needle and dispose of it carefully and straightaway. |  |
| Put the cap of the pen on to protect Wegovy from light. |  |
Protecting and storing the pen
It is important to not drop the pen on hard surfaces or to expose the pen to any liquids. If there is a doubt that the pen could be damaged, it’s best to dispose and use a different one. The cap should be kept on until it’s time to inject to ensure it stays sterile.
Wegovy should be stored in a refrigerator within 2-8 degrees and not frozen. The Wegovy carton can be kept between 8-30 degrees for up to 42 days given the cap has not been removed. It should always be stored in the original carton to protect it from light.
Wegovy has now been released in Australia. Following its release patient may have questions about how to use the pen, how to switch from other weight loss medications and how to manage the side effects. Individuals should talk to their health professional with any concerns.
