Wegovy
Wegovy Injection Sites List and Instructions
Apr 11, 2025
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels and achieving a healthy weight are essential pillars of long-term health. For individuals struggling with obesity or overweight-related conditions, Wegovy offers a promising, FDA-approved option for chronic weight management. Powered by semaglutide—a GLP-1 receptor agonist—Wegovy helps regulate appetite, promote satiety, and reduce caloric intake.
Administered just once weekly, Wegovy comes in a prefilled injection pen designed for subcutaneous use. Approved injection sites include the abdomen (avoiding a 2-inch radius around the navel), upper thigh, and upper arm—areas with adequate fatty tissue for effective absorption. Rotating sites is crucial for minimizing skin irritation and maintaining treatment consistency.
In this article, we’ll walk through Wegovy’s approved injection sites and provide simple, step-by-step instructions to support safe and confident administration for both healthcare providers and patients.
Key Takeaways
- For optimal absorption, Wegovy should be injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once a week.
- Rotate injection sites weekly to prevent skin complications such as irritation, scarring, or fat tissue changes (lipodystrophy).
- Clean your hands thoroughly and disinfect the injection site to reduce the risk of infection or skin contamination.
- Unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into fatty tissue.
- Do not inject into bruised, scarred, or irritated skin, which can interfere with absorption and increase discomfort.
- Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection site is common and usually resolves within a few days.
- Keeping a log of injection sites can help you track rotation and maintain healthy skin throughout long-term treatment.
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Recommended Injection Sites for Wegovy
Wegovy should be injected into the subcutaneous fat layer just beneath the skin. The three approved injection sites are the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. Rotating these sites weekly is important to prevent lipodystrophy—a condition that causes lumps or indentations in the fat tissue due to repeated injections in the same area.
- Abdomen: Administer the injection at least two inches away from the belly button, steering clear of scars, bruises, or irritated areas. This site is commonly chosen due to its accessibility and abundant fatty tissue. Alternate sides regularly to reduce stress on one location.
- Thigh: Inject into the middle third of the front thigh. This site works well when the abdomen is sore or unavailable. Sitting down during injection can make the process easier for self-administration. Remember to rotate thighs each week and avoid damaged skin.
- Upper Arm: Use the back of the upper arm, where there’s sufficient fat. This site typically requires assistance, as it can be difficult to reach alone. Alternate between arms weekly and examine the skin for any redness, swelling, or irritation beforehand.
Proper Techniques for Site Selection and Rotation
To maintain consistent drug absorption and prevent tissue damage, patients should rotate injection sites each week. Repeatedly using the same spot may cause lipodystrophy, making future injections painful and less effective.
- Avoid areas with scars, moles, bruises, or inflamed skin.
- Injections should be made only into healthy, fatty tissue.
- Keep a log or injection calendar to track previous sites.
These strategies help preserve skin integrity and ensure that semaglutide is absorbed effectively for optimal results.
Preparation Steps Before Injection
Before injecting semiglutide, Wegovy’s generic name, it’s essential to follow a basic preparation routine to reduce infection risk and ensure a smooth injection experience. These steps help create a clean environment and properly prepare both you and the injection site.
- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If unavailable, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Site Cleansing: Use an alcohol swab to clean the selected injection site, moving in a circular motion from the center outward. Allow the area to air-dry fully before injecting. Never blow on the site or inject through clothing.
These steps establish a clean and controlled environment for the injection.
Step-by-Step Injection Procedure
Administering Wegovy is straightforward with the prefilled pen system, but each step should be followed carefully:
- Inspect the Pen: Check for damage and expiration date, and confirm the correct dose.
- Prepare the Site: Clean the area thoroughly with an alcohol swab and allow it to air-dry.
- Remove the Cap: Gently take off the pen cap without touching the needle area.
- Position the Pen: Hold it at a 90-degree angle against the skin, applying firm pressure.
- Inject: Press the injection button. Wait for a click, then count to 10 to ensure the entire dose is delivered.
- Withdraw and Dispose: Lift the pen straight off the skin and discard it in a sharps container.
Following these steps helps prevent errors and ensures consistent dosing every time.
Managing and Preventing Injection-Site Reactions
Some patients may experience minor skin reactions at the injection site, including redness, swelling, mild pain, itching, or a small lump. These effects are typically temporary and resolve within a few hours to days.
To reduce discomfort:
- Rotate injection sites every week.
- Let the alcohol dry completely before injecting.
- Avoid rubbing the area after the injection.
- Bring medication to room temperature before use to reduce sting.
- Apply a cold compress post-injection if needed—but do not rub the site.
If irritation persists or worsens, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider to rule out infection or review injection technique.
Conclusion
Wegovy injections can be administered safely and effectively at home when proper technique is followed. Using the approved sites—abdomen, thigh, or upper arm—and rotating locations weekly helps protect skin health and support reliable absorption.
Incorporating hygienic preparation, correct injection angles, and post-injection care can significantly improve the patient experience and reduce the risk of complications. Understanding the injection process empowers users to take control of their treatment with confidence.
FAQs
1. How often do I need to inject Wegovy?
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection. Try to take it on the same day each week for consistency.
2. Can I reuse the Wegovy injection pen?
No. Each pen is designed for a single use and should be disposed of in a sharps container.
3. What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, and it’s within 5 days of your scheduled time, take it as soon as possible. Otherwise, skip it and resume your regular schedule.
4. Does Wegovy need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Keep it in the refrigerator, but it can be stored at room temperature (below 86°F/30°C) for up to 28 days.
5. Where can I inject Wegovy?
Wegovy can be injected into the abdomen (at least 2 inches away from the belly button), thigh, or upper arm. To avoid irritation, rotate the injection sites weekly.
6. Can Wegovy be used during pregnancy?
No, Wegovy is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
7. Who should not use Wegovy?
Wegovy is contraindicated for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome.
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References
Kirby S. Where and how to inject Wegovy. Healthline. Published July 8, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/where-to-inject-wegovy
Crider C. Where do you inject semaglutide? Healthline. Published July 26, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/where-do-you-inject-semaglutide
Frequently Asked Questions | Wegovy® (semaglutide). novoMEDLINK. https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/resources/frequently-asked-questions.html
