If you’re just starting treatment with Wegovy, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about how to use the pen and inject for the first time. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
At Morrisons Clinic, we want you to feel confident, informed, and supported at every stage of your weight-loss journey. In this guide, we include what’s inside your first order box, how to inject the medication safely, as well as how to dispose of your pen and needles correctly.
What to expect inside your Wegovy FlexTouch box
When your Morrisons Clinic order arrives, we recommend unboxing it as soon as possible to ensure you have everything inside and to store your pen correctly and safely.
Inside the box, the medication will be wrapped in specialist Woolcool packaging. This temperature-controlled, environmentally friendly packaging keeps the medication cool at 2-8°C in transit.
Once you unwrap the packaging, inside the box you will find:
- Your medication box will also contain four single-use needles (one for each dose)
- A yellow sharps bin for safe disposal of needles
- An information leaflet from the manufacturer
- A Wegovy welcome booklet from Morrisons Clinic
Now is a good time to check the dose strength on both the pen and the box to make sure it matches what you were prescribed. Check the expiry date, ensure the pen is intact, and check there are no signs of damage or leakage.
If anything does look unusual, do not use the pen and contact Morrisons Clinic for advice.
How to store and prepare your Wegovy pen
Wegovy pens must be kept in the fridge at 2°C–8°C before first use. After you have taken your first dose, the pen can either continue to be stored in the fridge as your first dose, otherwise it can be safely stored outside of refrigeration for up to 6 weeks at room temperature (below 30°C).
When it’s time for your injection/Preparing for your injection
- Remove the pen from the fridge
- Let it warm to room temperature for 5–30 minutes (this helps make the injection more comfortable)
What should you do before you inject Wegovy?
- Every time before you go to inject a dose of Wegovy, you must firstly wash your hands well. Use warm water and soap, or hand sanitiser if needed. This is important to reduce the risk of infection.
- Check your medication is intact. Make sure the liquid in the pen window is clear and colourless. Some condensation is normal when the pen comes from the fridge.
Do not use the pen if the liquid looks cloudy or discoloured.
Where is the best place to inject Wegovy?
Wegovy is to be injected just under the skin (subcutaneously). You can inject Wegovy into:
- Your stomach (except the 5cm area around your belly button)
- Your thigh
- The upper arm (if someone else is giving the injection)
Rotate your injection site each week as injecting in the same place repeatedly can cause irritation or lumps under the skin.
Always choose a clean, dry area, and avoid bruised, sore, or broken skin.
How to use the wegovy pen: step-by-step guide
Follow this step-by-step guide to taking your Wegovy dose, or watch our ‘How to inject Wegovy’ video for a visual walkthrough.
Step 1: Remove the pen cap
Take off the main pen cap and check the medication window.
Step 2: Attach a new needle
- Peel the paper tab off a new needle
- Push it straight onto the pen
- Twist it on until secure
- Remove the outer needle cap and keep it to one side
- Remove the inner needle cap and dispose of it in normal household waste
Important: The needle will now be exposed — handle carefully.
Step 3: If this is your first dose from a new pen – check the flow
Every new Wegovy pen must go through a flow check before its first use.
- Turn the dose dial until the flow symbol lines up with the pointer
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing upwards
- Press and hold the dose button until it returns to 0
- Look for a small drop of liquid at the needle tip
This confirms your pen is ready.
If no drop appears:
- Try again (you can check the flow twice)
- If still no drop, change the needle and repeat
- If there is still no drop after changing the needle — do not use the pen. Contact Morrisons Clinic for support.
Step 4: If this is not your first dose – select your prescribed dose
- Turn the dial at the end of the pen until the counter stops
- Your prescribed dose will line up with the pointer
- Use the dashed line as a guide
The pen only allows you to select one full dose — you cannot accidentally dial the wrong amount.
Step 5: Inject your Wegovy dose
- Hold the pen firmly against your skin
- Press and hold the dose button
- Keep holding until the 0 lines up with the pointer
- Continue pressing and slowly count to six
- You may hear a click — this is normal
- Remove the pen from your skin
If you see a small spot of blood, press lightly with cotton wool.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully injected your dose!
What should you do with the injection pen after injecting Wegovy?
Wegovy contains 4 doses per pen and you need to dispose of the needle after every dose.
After injecting:
- Place the exposed needle into the outer cap on a flat surface
- Do not touch the needle — never attempt to put the inner cap back on
- Screw off the needle carefully
- Dispose of the used needle in your sharps bin immediately
- Replace the pen cap
Keep the sharps bin closed and return it according to your local council’s disposal guidance.
Did you know the Wegovy FlexTouch pen is recyclable?
When all four doses have been used and the final needle removed, the empty pen can go in your household general waste or you can recycle your pen using the manufacturer’s PenCycle service.
FAQ’s
What time of day should you inject Wegovy?
Wegovy can be injected at any time of the day, with or without food. The most important thing is you choose a day and time that fits easily into your weekly routine that you will remember each week. Each dose must be taken on the same day each week.
How often should you inject Wegovy?
Each Wegovy dose must be injected once a week, on the same day each week.
You can change your injection day if you need to. However, make sure:
- Your next dose is at least 2 days (48 hours) away
- You do not inject twice within 48 hours
If you miss a dose and it has been less than 5 days, take it as soon as possible.
If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next injection on your usual day.
When should you contact Morrisons Clinic?
We’re here to help you when you need it. You can always get in touch with our Patient Care Team if you have any concerns with your pen, if you’re struggling with injections or side effects or have any other questions.
With practice, most patients find the Wegovy pen simple and comfortable to use.
If you ever need help, reassurance, or guidance, Morrisons Clinic is always here to support you.
References
Wegovy Patient Information Leaflet - https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13801.pdf
https://www.wegovy.com/taking-wegovy/how-to-use-the-wegovy-pen.html
