Wegovy (Ozempic) instructions: how to inject semaglutide

New to Wegovy (Ozempic)? Get instructions on how to inject semaglutide with our step-by-step guide.

Storage instructions

Keep your Wegovy injection pen within the fridge in its original box to protect it from light. If your fridge malfunctions and the Wegovy pen freezes, you should dispose of it without using it.

Usage instructions

Each Wegovy pen contains four doses. You should take one dose each week, meaning each pen should last four weeks.

It's important to inject on the same day each week. If you need to change the day or have missed a dose, refer to the guidelines on missed doses or contact your healthcare team.

Before you use the medication

Read the information leaflets that come in the box.

There are a few things you need to have to hand:

• An alcohol injection swab or a gauze pad with soap and water to clean the injection site
• A new needle cartridge, ready to screw onto the pen (but don't peel back the tab yet)
• A sharps disposable container box (this is provided to SemaPen subscribers)

Checking the medication

You can take your pen out of the fridge ahead of time if you want it to come up to room temperature.

When you are ready to use it, wash your hands.

Now, you just need to do a few checks. 

1. Check the medication is in-date. You'll find the expiry date on the back next to 'EXP'.
2. Take the lid off and check the liquid through the little window on the side. Make sure it's clear and colourless.
3. Check the pen has not been used or damaged. Make sure there are no cracks in the casing.

Preparing the dose

You are now ready to prepare the injector pen. 

1. Each time you inject, you need to use a sterile needle. Peel the tab back on the cartridge and screw it onto the end of the pen. Pull off the outer cap sheath and then the inner one.
2. Test that the pen flows correctly. Twist the middle of the pen to bring up the first marker. Hold the pen upright and gently press down on the end. You should see a little spray of liquid from the needle.
3. Now, dial up your dose by twisting the middle round again until it locks.
4. Choose one of the recommended Wegovy injection sites. These are the upper leg, the upper arm or the lower stomach, keeping two inches away from the belly button.

You can use the same body area for each injection. Just be sure to choose a different spot each time.

Injecting the medication

Start by swabbing the area clean and then allow it to air dry. It's time to inject.

1. Place the pen against the skin at a 90° angle, with your thumb over the end button.
2. Push the pen firmly against the skin and keep pressing down on the end with your thumb. Keep applying pressure for at least 10 seconds. 
3. During those 10 seconds, the marker in the window will go back to zero.
4. After 10 seconds, you can release your thumb and move the pen away.
5. Safely unscrew the needle cartridge and pop it in the sharps box.

How do I know which dose to take?

Your starting dose is a 0.25 mg pen. You'll take this dose for four weeks before switching to a new pen with four 0.5mg doses.

It's important to raise the dose gradually as it gives your body time to adjust to the medication.

One benefit of SemaPen's subscription service is that your pens arrive automatically when needed. You never have to remember to order your next dose.

You'll also benefit from the support of our clinical team. They'll monitor your progress through a smart scale, which uploads data to the cloud every time you use it. If our team notices that you need a little help, they'll step in with specialised advice.

And, of course, they're available whenever you need them through the SemaPen app.

If you want to know more, why not explore our expert-led Wegovy programme? You can also ask a question – any question – through our live chat service.