How to Use the Wegovy Pen UK: Step-by-Step FlexTouch Injection Guide

Wegovy is delivered using the FlexTouch pen — a pre-filled, single-use auto-injector developed by Novo Nordisk. The FlexTouch is the same pen platform used for Ozempic and is widely regarded as one of the most user-friendly injectable devices available. It uses a push-button mechanism that requires relatively low injection force, making it easier to use than some older injection devices.

What's in the Wegovy Pack: Your Wegovy pack contains: - A pre-filled FlexTouch pen containing your prescribed dose of semaglutide - A patient information leaflet — read this before your first injection - Pen needles are not included and must be obtained separately. Novo Nordisk-compatible NovoFine or NovoTwist needles (4mm, 32G or 4mm 30G) are recommended. Ask your pharmacist.

Wegovy Dose Pens Available in the UK: - 0.25mg — starter dose (weeks 1–4) - 0.5mg — weeks 5–8 - 1mg — weeks 9–12 - 1.7mg — weeks 13–16 - 2.4mg — maintenance dose (from week 17)

Each pen contains one dose and is discarded after use.

Key Parts of the FlexTouch Pen: - Pen cap (removed for use) - Cartridge window: shows the colourless/pale yellow semaglutide solution - Dose counter/indicator: confirms dose readiness - Injection button (orange): press to inject - Pen cap on the needle end (screws off)

*Always read the patient information leaflet before your first injection. Contact your pharmacist or prescribing clinician if anything is unclear.*

Proper storage is essential to ensure semaglutide remains stable and fully effective. As a peptide medication, it is sensitive to temperature extremes and direct light.

Before First Use (Unopened Pens): - Store in the refrigerator at 2–8°C - Do not store in the freezer compartment or directly next to an ice pack — freezing destroys the medication - Keep in the original carton to protect from light - Store pens upright or lying flat — either is acceptable - Can be stored in the fridge until the expiry date shown on the label

After First Use or Once Removed from the Fridge: - Can be kept at room temperature up to 30°C for up to 6 weeks (42 days) - This is longer than Mounjaro's 30-day room temperature window and provides extra flexibility - Once used for a dose and ready for the following week's dose, the pen can simply be stored safely out of the fridge

Practical Tips: - Allow the pen to warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before injecting — a cold injection is more likely to sting and cause localised discomfort - Do not warm the pen with heat (e.g. microwave or hot water) — this can degrade the medication - Avoid direct sunlight: don't leave the pen on a windowsill or in a car in warm weather - Always inspect the medication before use: the solution should be clear and colourless to pale yellow with no visible particles. If it looks cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles, do not use it — return it to your pharmacy.

*If you are unsure whether a pen has been stored correctly (e.g. after a fridge malfunction), speak to your pharmacist before using it.*

The FlexTouch pen is straightforward to prepare. Taking a few minutes to follow each step carefully ensures you get your full dose and minimise discomfort.

Before You Begin: - Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water - Gather your supplies: Wegovy pen, pen needle (4mm, 32G recommended), alcohol swab, sharps bin - Choose and clean your injection site with an alcohol swab — allow it to dry for at least 10 seconds before injecting (injecting into wet skin increases stinging)

Attaching the Needle — Step by Step:

1. Remove the pen cap — pull it straight off. Check the solution in the cartridge window appears clear and normal.

2. Take a new pen needle — always use a fresh, sterile needle for each injection. Reusing needles blunts them (causing more pain), increases infection risk, and can cause dosing errors.

3. Peel back the paper tab on the outer needle cap (do not remove the outer cap yet).

4. Push the needle onto the pen nib and screw clockwise until it is firmly and evenly attached — typically 3–5 turns. Do not over-tighten.

5. Pull off the outer needle cap (keep it safely nearby — you'll need it to remove the needle after injecting). Then pull off the inner needle cap and discard it.

6. Check for a small drop of liquid at the needle tip — this confirms the pen is ready. If no drop appears, prime by pressing the button until a drop is visible.

*Never share your pen or needles with another person — this risks serious infection transmission.*

The FlexTouch pen is designed for simple, consistent self-injection. The key technical details to remember are the 90-degree angle and the 6-second hold — these two elements ensure correct drug delivery.

Step-by-Step Injection:

Step 1 — Position and skin preparation: With your needle attached and site cleaned and dry, hold the pen in your dominant hand. If you have limited subcutaneous fat at the chosen site, gently pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger with your non-dominant hand.

Step 2 — Insert the needle: Position the needle at a 90-degree angle (straight in, perpendicular to the skin surface). For most adults at typical injection sites (abdomen, thigh), 90° ensures the medication reaches the subcutaneous tissue rather than the muscle or remaining in the dermis.

Step 3 — Press the injection button: Press the orange button with your thumb until it cannot go further. You will feel a click — this is the injection starting.

Step 4 — Hold for 6 seconds: Maintain firm pressure on the injection button and keep the needle in place for a full 6 seconds. This is shorter than the Mounjaro hold (10 seconds) but equally important. Premature removal risks losing part of your dose.

Step 5 — Withdraw the needle: After 6 seconds, withdraw the needle from the skin at the same angle you inserted it. Release your pinched skin fold if applicable.

Step 6 — Do not rub: A small spot of blood or clear fluid is normal. Do not rub the injection site — this can cause unnecessary bruising or irritation.

*If pain during injection is significant or the site remains very red or swollen after 24 hours, contact your GP or pharmacist.*

Consistent injection site rotation is not optional — it is a fundamental aspect of safe, effective long-term injectable therapy. Using the same spot repeatedly causes lipohypertrophy (fatty, scar-like tissue build-up), which can impair semaglutide absorption and make injections less predictable.

Approved Injection Sites for Wegovy:

1. Abdomen — the fatty tissue of the stomach, at least 5cm from the navel. The most commonly used and accessible site for most people. 2. Front of the thigh — the outer, fleshy area of the upper or mid-thigh. Good alternative if abdominal fat is limited. 3. Upper arm — the outer-back portion of the upper arm. Most easily used with assistance; harder to self-inject accurately.

A Practical Rotation Schedule: Many users find it helpful to keep a simple rotation log — either in a notebook or using a phone note. An example system: - Week 1: Left abdomen (outer zone) - Week 2: Right abdomen (outer zone) - Week 3: Left thigh - Week 4: Right thigh - Week 5: Left abdomen (inner zone, moved from Week 1 location) - Continue cycling through zones

Always inject at least 2–3cm away from your previous site within the same area.

Signs of Lipohypertrophy: Feel for hardened, rubbery, or lumpy patches under the skin at your regular injection sites. If you find these, stop injecting into that area and give it several weeks to recover. Consult your pharmacist or GP.

*A consistent rotation plan is one of the most valuable habits you can build to support long-term Wegovy treatment success.*

Life happens — and occasionally you may realise you've missed your weekly Wegovy injection. The guidance on missed doses is straightforward and prioritises safety over simply 'catching up'.

The 5-Day Rule: If you realise you've missed a dose: - Inject as soon as you remember, provided your next scheduled injection is more than 5 days away - If it is 5 days or less until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your normal weekly schedule

Why This Matters: Doubling up on doses (taking two doses within 5 days) significantly increases the likelihood of severe nausea, vomiting, and other GI side effects. It also doesn't provide additional benefit — it simply increases the side effect burden.

Re-Establishing Your Weekly Schedule: After a missed dose situation resolves, re-establish a consistent weekly injection day. This is important because: - Consistent intervals maintain steady semaglutide blood levels - A fixed injection day (e.g. every Sunday) is easier to remember and builds a reliable habit - Setting a weekly phone alarm or reminder is one of the simplest and most effective strategies to prevent missed doses

If You're Sick and Unable to Inject: If illness prevents you from injecting on schedule, apply the same 5-day rule once you are well enough. There is no clinical urgency to inject while unwell — in fact, semaglutide's appetite-suppressing effect during illness can sometimes make recovery more difficult.

Returning After a Break: If you've missed more than 4 consecutive weeks of Wegovy (e.g. due to supply issues, illness, or travel), consult your prescriber before restarting. You may need to restart at a lower dose and re-titrate to reduce side effect risk.

*Always follow the patient information leaflet for your specific Wegovy pen and consult your prescriber or pharmacist if you have questions about missed doses or restarting treatment.*