How To Use Wegovy Safely & Confidently

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar¹.

For many people, it forms part of a structured weight loss plan that includes changes in food habits, movement, sleep, and weekly coaching ² .

Correct use matters because it ensures you get the full benefit from each dose and reduces the chance of side effects.

We understand that starting an injectable treatment can feel like a big step. Many people tell us they worry about “doing it wrong”, or feel anxious about needles or side effects.

These feelings are normal. At Medicspot, a clinician reviews each case, we always verify your medical history using your NHS Summary Care Record (SCR), and your health coach is there to guide you week by week.

You will inject Wegovy once a week, on the same day each week. It does not matter what time of day you take it, or whether you have eaten³, as long as it’s at a similar time each week. Most people choose a day that already has a reliable habit built in (for example, Sunday evenings or Monday mornings).

Your dose will increase gradually, often every 4 weeks, until you reach the maintenance dose of 2.4mg, or the highest dose you tolerate. This slow increase is designed to give your body time to adjust and reduce symptoms such as nausea.

People often ask what they will notice. Early on, you may feel:

• a calmer appetite
• feeling full sooner than usual
• reduced snacking
• occasional nausea or mild stomach discomfort

These changes are part of how GLP-1 medications work. If symptoms become difficult, your Medicspot team can help you adjust. You are never expected to manage alone.

• Your prescribed Wegovy pen (check the dose on the label).
• A clean space to sit or stand.
• An alcohol wipe or soap and water.
• A cotton ball or gauze pad.
• A sharps disposal container.

Check the pen before use. The liquid should be clear and colourless, the expiry date should be valid, and the device should not look damaged⁴. Don’t use this pen if any of those don’t look right. 

You can inject in one of three areas:

• the front of your thigh
• your lower abdomen (avoiding a 2 inch area around the belly button)
• the upper arm (outer area; some people ask for help)

Rotating injection sites is important because injecting in the same exact spot each week may cause irritation or small lumps.

Choose an area of skin that is calm, not bruised, hard, or sore. Avoid any areas near open wounds or scratches.

Clean the area and let it dry fully.

• Pull off the pen cap
• Select a new needle, and remove the paper tab
• Push the needle onto the end of the pen, and turn until tight.
• Remove the outer cap from the needle – keep this safe to remove the needle afterwards.
• Remove the inner cap and dispose of this.
• For your first dose only – check the flow of the pen. Turn the dial a couple of clicks until it shows two little dots and a dash and that these line up with the dose indicator.
• Press the dose button on the end of the pen until the indicator returns to zero, and a drop of wegovy can be seen on the needle. If no drop appears, repeat checking the flow again (only do this twice in total).
• Next, turn the dial until the dose indicator shows your dose and the dial stops turning.
• Insert the needle into your chosen injection site.
• Press the dose button down and hold until the dose indicator shows 0 again. Continue to hold and slowly count to 6 before removing the pen.
• Lift the pen away straight outwards so you don’t scratch yourself.

If you see a tiny drop of blood, press gently with your cotton ball – do not rub.

People often describe this part as “less painful than expected”, “a quick sting”, or “barely noticeable”.

Use the outer cap saved earlier and place carefully over the needle, and then unscrew the needle from your pen. Dispose of this needle in your sharps bin each time (this is included with your first order). Never dispose of this in your household waste. Ensure you use a new needle each time you administer a dose.

• Keep in the fridge in the original carton (2-8 °C).
• A pen can stay at room temperature (up to 30°C) for 28 days once removed from the fridge – but only if protected from heat and light⁴.
• Do not use pens that have been frozen, damaged, or left out for too long.

Even with the best intentions, people miss doses. If this happens:

• If it has been 48 hours or less, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then return to your usual routine.
• If it has been more than 48 hours, skip the missed dose and wait until your next scheduled dose.

Do not double the next dose. Doubling increases the risk of nausea without improving results.

If you want to change your weekly injection day, leave at least 5 full days between doses.

Most mistakes are easy to prevent once you know what to look out for. Here are the issues we see most often:

Stopping the injection too early

• This happens when the pen is lifted either when the dose indicator is not yet showing zero, or not held for a short period after getting to zero
• Ensure the indicator shows zero and you have waited at least a slow count of 6 after this point before removing the pen.

Using the same spot every week

• This happens out of habit or convenience
• Rotate between your abdomen, thigh and upper arm

Feeling rushed

• This happens when injecting during stressful or busy moments
• Choose a calm, predictable time each week and link it to an existing habit

Delaying injections due to fear or uncertainty

• This happens because of anxiety about needles or nausea
• Speak with your health coach – most people find it easier after the first dose

Starting Wegovy is about more than one injection a week. It is part of a broader programme built to help you change your habits gradually and sustainably.

With Medicspot you will receive:

• A clinical review of your assessment by a clinician.
• NHS Summary Care Record check to ensure safe prescribing.
• A dedicated health coach who checks in regularly.
• A 16-week behaviour change programme to help you build habits that last.

You will also receive weekly check-ins, community support, and a safe space to talk about challenges such as appetite changes, portion sizes, digestion, social eating, and confidence.

Using Wegovy is a step toward taking back control of your health.

The practical steps become familiar surprisingly quickly, and the emotional toll of starting something new fades as you build confidence and see changes in your appetite, energy, and routines.

There will be weeks that feel easy, and weeks that feel harder. Both are part of the process. What matters is staying consistent, asking for help when you need it, and remembering that progress isn’t measured by perfection.

If something feels unclear, if you’re unsure about a step, or if you’re simply having a difficult week, your Medicspot team is here to support you. This is a shared journey – and every dose, every routine, and every habit you build is helping you move forward.

You are doing something meaningful for your long-term health. And you don’t have to do it alone.

¹Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know. Published 20 August 2025. Last accessed November 2025. [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know]

² National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity (TA875). Published 8 March 2023; updated 2023. Last accessed November 2025. [https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875]

³ NHS England. Weight management injections – Obesity (Semaglutide – Wegovy®). Last accessed November 2025. [https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/]

⁴ Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). Wegovy 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg FlexTouch pre-filled pens. Last updated 2024. Last accessed November 2025. [https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13799.pdf]

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See our Terms of Service for more information.