> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hi-doctor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to use a Wegovy pen

> The weekly Wegovy routine: preparing the pen, where the injection goes, the published dose ladder, storage and what a missed week means.

Wegovy contains semaglutide and is given as one injection under the skin, once a
week, on the same day each week. This page covers the handling of the pen. Your
dose and your schedule come from the doctor who reviewed your consultation.

<Warning>
  The patient information leaflet packed with **your own pen**, and the
  instructions your doctor gave you, override everything on this page. Pen
  designs, needle types and dose steps differ between products and between
  presentations of the same product. If the two disagree, follow the leaflet and
  your doctor, and message the medical team.
</Warning>

## What Wegovy is

Wegovy is a once-weekly injection for weight management. It copies GLP-1, a gut
hormone that signals fullness to your brain and slows how quickly your stomach
empties. The EMA marketing authorisation has been valid across the EU since
6 January 2022 under EMEA/H/C/005422, and one central authorisation covers all
27 member states.

It is prescribed alongside changes to diet and activity, as part of a medically
supervised plan.

## Injecting

The injection itself is a fixed sequence. Work through it in this order every
week, and check each step against your own leaflet the first few times.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Wash your hands and check the pen">
    Look at the label and the expiry date. Check the liquid before injecting —
    if it does not look the way the leaflet describes, do not use that pen. Do
    not shake the pen.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Attach a new needle">
    Use a fresh needle every time. Needles are single-use.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose and rotate the injection site">
    Rotate between **abdomen, thigh or upper arm** each week. Clean the area
    with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Inject just under the skin">
    Wegovy is injected subcutaneously. Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
    Pinching the skin gently can help at a site with little fat.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Hold the pen still until the dose is delivered">
    Your leaflet states how long to hold for your pen.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Remove the needle and dispose of it safely">
    Take the needle off after each injection and put it in a sharps container.
    Never reuse needles. See
    [injection sites and sharps disposal](/library/guides/injection-sites).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Pick a day and keep it

Inject on the same day each week. Pick a day that works for you.

If you forget a dose, take it **within 4 days** of the missed dose. If more than
4 days have passed, skip that dose and take your next one on the regular
scheduled day. More on this in
[missed or late doses](/library/guides/missed-dose).

## The published dose schedule

Semaglutide is dosed at 0.25 – 2.4 mg per week. The published escalation is:

| Period      | Dose, once weekly | Note                                                 |
| ----------- | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| Weeks 1–4   | 0.25 mg           | Starting dose. Not increased during this period.     |
| Weeks 5–8   | 0.5 mg            | First step-up, continued for 4 weeks.                |
| Weeks 9–12  | 1 mg              | Second step-up.                                      |
| Weeks 13–16 | 1.7 mg            | The doctor may adjust based on your response.        |
| Week 17+    | 2.4 mg            | Maximum maintenance dose; reassessed every 3 months. |

<Note>
  This is the published ladder, not an instruction. The reviewing doctor decides
  your starting dose, whether you move up, and when. Ask in your account chat
  before changing anything.
</Note>

## Storage

Store unused pens in the refrigerator (2–8°C). Once opened, keep at room
temperature below 30°C for up to 30 days. Do not freeze. Keep away from direct
heat and light.

## Contact your doctor if

* severe or persistent nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea prevents you from eating or
  drinking
* you have severe abdominal pain that does not go away
* you notice signs of an allergic reaction — rash, itching, swelling of the face
  or throat
* any symptom worries you or feels unusual

For severe, sudden or unexpected symptoms, call your local emergency number
first — see [Safety](/essentials/safety).

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What is Wegovy and how does it work?">
    Wegovy is a once-weekly injection for weight management. It copies GLP-1, a gut hormone that signals fullness to your brain and slows how quickly your stomach empties. It is prescribed alongside changes to diet and activity, as part of a medically supervised plan.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long until I notice the effects?">
    Most patients notice reduced appetite within 2 to 4 weeks. Weight loss is assessed at 3 months. A loss of 5% or more of your starting weight is considered a good response. Your doctor monitors progress and adjusts the plan as needed.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What should I do about nausea?">
    Nausea is very common in the first weeks. Eat smaller meals, avoid fatty or fried foods, and eat slowly. Nausea usually improves within 1 to 2 weeks. Contact your doctor if severe or persistent nausea prevents you from eating or drinking.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if I miss a dose?">
    If you forget a dose, take it within 4 days of the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip that dose and take your next one on the regular scheduled day. See the [missed or late doses guide](/library/guides/missed-dose) for more detail.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I drink alcohol on Wegovy?">
    Moderate alcohol is not known to interact with semaglutide, but alcohol can worsen nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects. Follow your doctor's advice and stay within sensible limits.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

Related: [Wegovy](/library/medicines/wegovy) ·
[semaglutide](/library/medicines/semaglutide) ·
[side effects of weight-loss medicines](/library/guides/side-effects-weight-loss)

## Start a consultation

<Card title="Weight-loss consultation" icon="stethoscope" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/weight-loss/1">
  Answer the weight-loss questionnaire and a registered doctor reviews it.
  They decide whether treatment is appropriate, which one, and at what dose —
  and declining is a normal outcome. See [what it costs](/essentials/pricing)
  and [how the review works](/essentials/how-it-works).
</Card>

<Warning>
  This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription.
  Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor
  after reviewing your consultation.
</Warning>