How to Use the Wegovy Pen

Whether you’ve never used a GLP-1 pen before, or whether you’re simply switching from one to another, this guide is to help you understand how to use the Wegovy Injection pen safely, and confidently to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefits from your medication. With the rise of people switching from the Mounjaro pen to the Wegovy, due to price increases, suitability, or preference, there has been a little confusion over ‘priming’, needles, and dosage. But don’t worry we’re here to explain all, making you the expert when it comes to using your Wegovy pen.

What is the Wegovy Pen?

Wegovy is a brand name for the active ingredient semaglutide, which was originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes before then broadening its reach into also helping to manage weight loss and weight management. Falling into the class of GLP-1 receptor agnostics, the pen works by mimicking the natural hormone in your body which helps to tell you when you are hungry, slowing down digestion to feel fuller for longer, and promoting insulin to be released when blood sugar levels are high. All of this enables people to have better control over how their food intake and how their food is broken down.

Step-by-step for using the Wegovy pen

Here’s how to use the Wegovy pen safely:

Getting Prepared:

• Gather your supplies:
  • the Wegovy pen
  • an alcohol swab (or soap and water)
  • a sharps disposal container
• Inspect the pen: check the label for correct medicine and dose, ensure the liquid is clear and colourless (air bubbles are normal), and that the pen is in date.
• Wash your hands.

Attaching the needle:

• Gather a new needle and quickly inspect to ensure there is no damage. With your Wegovy pen you will have four needles included in the box.
• Tear off the paper tab.
• Push the needle straight onto the pen. Turn until it is secure.
• Pull off the outer needle cap and keep for later.
• Pull off the inner needle cap and dispose of (you won’t need this again).

Checking the flow:

You will only need to check the flow of your Wegovy pen before the first injection.

• Turn the dose selector until the check symbol lines up with the dose pointer.
• Hold the pen with the needle pointing up.
• Press and hold the button until the dose returns to -0- in line with the dose pointer.
• There should be a drop of liquid at the top of the needle, this is the indicate that your Wegovy pen is ready to use.

Setting the dose:

• Turn the dose selector until the dose counter stops and you should see your prescribed dose.

Choosing your injection site and Injecting Wegovy:

• Once you have chosen your injection site, clean the area with an alcohol wipe or soapy water and wait until the area has dried.
• Insert the needle into your skin.
• Press and hold the dose button down until the dose counter reads -0-.
• Keeping your finger on the button, count to six. This is to ensure you have received the full dose.
• Remove the needle from your skin.

After injection:

• Replace the outer needle cap without touching the needle.
• Unscrew the needle and dispose of in an approved disposal bin. Never throw used needles in your general waste.
• Replace the cap on your Wegovy pen to protect is from light.

Storage and general pen care

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Keep the pen cap on until you’re ready to inject. Store the pen in its original carton (to protect from light) in the fridge at 2–8 °C.
• Keep it protected from freezing or excessive heat.
• Once opened, the pen can be kept at room temperature (below 30^oc) for up to 30 days.
• Do not store with needles attached.
• After use, dispose of the pen by taking it to a pharmacy or by contacting your local council to arrange safe disposal.

Key differences between Mounjaro and Wegovy

Although Wegovy and Mounjaro work in similar ways, the way you use them day-to-day can vary slightly. While both pens come with four doses for once weekly injections, and both will need a needle affixing before use; the Wegovy pen comes with these needles included in the box. For Mounjaro however, these need to be purchased separately.

Likewise, despite the process of dose selection is relatively similar, with the Wegovy pen there is no ‘priming’ step before each injection. Instead, there is only one step when first using that pen to ensure the medication flow is okay, before being able to use each of the doses easily. For the Mounjaro pen, there is a ‘priming’ step before each injection for this same reason.

The Bottom Line

If you’re an existing patient or considering using The Family Chemist and you have any questions regarding switching from one GLP-1 to another, or new to the world of weight care medication all together; we’re here to answer any questions you may have. To ensure that you know how to confidently use your pen safely.