How to Take Wegovy: Step-by-Step Pen & Pill Guide

Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription medicine you take to support chronic weight management.

Wegovy is now available in two forms: a once-weekly injection pen and a once-daily pill (NPR; NBC News). This guide covers how to take both.

To feel confident taking Wegovy at home, you usually need:

• A clear, step-by-step walkthrough of how to use the Wegovy pen (if using the injection)
• Understanding of the strict timing rules for the pill (if using the oral form)
• Practical guidance for when to take it, what to do if you miss a dose, how to store it, and how to handle common hiccups

This guide is educational—not a substitute for your prescriber's instructions. Before your first dose, review the official Instructions for Use and confirm technique with your clinician or pharmacist (Wegovy "How to use the pen").

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Summary: How to take Wegovy correctly

Injection: Choose the same day each week, check the pen, clean the skin, press the pen straight against your abdomen/thigh/upper arm, hold until the yellow bar stops moving, then keep holding for 10 seconds, and dispose of the used pen in a sharps container (Wegovy "How to use the pen").

Pill: Take it once daily in the morning on an empty stomach with a sip of water, then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else, or taking other oral medications (NPR; USA Today).

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How to take the Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide)

The FDA-approved Wegovy pill offers a needle-free option for people who prefer not to inject (NPR; NBC News).

Step-by-step: how to take the Wegovy pill

1. Take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (NPR; USA Today).
2. Swallow with a sip of water (no more than 4 oz) (NPR).
3. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else, or taking other oral medications (NPR; USA Today).

Why the timing rules matter

Oral semaglutide has to survive your stomach and get absorbed properly. The pill is formulated to protect the drug from stomach acid—and that's why the dosing rules are so specific (NPR).

In clinical trials, people who didn't follow the strict empty-stomach schedule lost less weight (NBC News). Following the timing rules isn't optional if you want full effectiveness.

Pill dosing schedule

Like the injection, the Wegovy pill uses a dose-escalation (titration) approach—starting low and increasing—because gastrointestinal side effects are common early and during dose jumps (NBC News). Consult your prescriber and official labeling for specific pill titration steps.

For a complete breakdown of the oral option, see: Wegovy pills: 2026 guide to approval, cost & results.

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Step-by-step: how to inject Wegovy (the official technique, explained simply)

Wegovy pens are single-use and have a preset dose—you use a new pen for each weekly injection (Wegovy pen guide).

Step 1) Gather your supplies

Have these ready before you start:

• Your Wegovy pen
• Alcohol swab
• Gauze/cotton ball
• Sharps container (FDA-cleared is ideal)

This list matches the manufacturer's suggested setup (Wegovy pen guide; Wegovy Quick Start Guide PDF).

Step 2) Wash your hands

Simple, but it lowers infection risk.

Step 3) Check the pen (don't skip this)

Before you inject:

• Confirm it's Wegovy and the correct dose strength
• Check the expiration date
• Look through the pen window: the medicine should be clear and colorless
• Don't use it if the pen looks damaged or appears previously used

Air bubbles are normal, per the manufacturer (Wegovy pen guide).

Step 4) Choose an injection site (and rotate it)

Wegovy can be injected in the:

• Abdomen (lower stomach), at least 2 inches away from the belly button
• Thigh (upper leg)
• Upper arm

Avoid skin that's tender, bruised, red, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks (Wegovy pen guide; Wegovy Quick Start Guide PDF).

Rotation tip (helps comfort): You can inject in the same general body area each week, but try not to inject in the exact same spot repeatedly (Wegovy Quick Start Guide PDF).

A simple 4-week site-rotation planner

Then repeat—or swap in upper arm weeks if a caregiver is helping.

Step 5) Clean the skin and let it dry

Use an alcohol swab and let the area dry before injecting. The manufacturer also advises not touching the cleaned area before injecting (Wegovy pen guide).

Step 6) Remove the cap (pull straight off)

Pull the pen cap straight off. The needle is hidden, but still treat the pen carefully to prevent needlestick injuries (Wegovy pen guide).

Step 7) Inject: press, listen for clicks, and count to 10

1. Place the pen straight against your skin.
2. Push firmly until the injection starts (you'll see the yellow bar move).
3. You'll hear two clicks as the injection progresses.
4. Keep pressing until the yellow bar stops moving, then continue holding the pen in place for 10 seconds.
5. Slowly lift the pen away.

This timing is straight from the manufacturer's instructions (Wegovy pen guide; Wegovy Quick Start Guide PDF).

If you see a drop of blood: Apply light pressure with gauze/cotton ball (Wegovy pen guide).

Step 8) Dispose of the used pen safely

Don't throw used pens in household trash or recycling. Use an FDA-cleared sharps container, or (if you don't have one) a heavy-duty household plastic container with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid (the FDA gives the example of a laundry detergent bottle) and label it as hazardous waste (FDA sharps disposal guidance).

Note: Novo Nordisk also states it can provide complimentary sharps disposal containers for Wegovy users (Wegovy "How to use the pen").

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When (and how often) to take Wegovy

Injection timing

• Wegovy injection is taken once per week, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food (Wegovy dosing schedule; Wegovy Quick Start Guide PDF).
• You can change your injection day if needed—just make sure at least 2 days have passed since your last dose (Wegovy dosing schedule).

Pill timing

• Wegovy pill is taken once per day, every day, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (NPR).
• You must wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than a sip of water, or taking other oral medications (USA Today).

Dosing schedule (overview)

Both forms use a titration approach, gradually increasing the dose. For the injection, doses typically increase every 4 weeks for the first 16 weeks, then you continue on a maintenance dose (1.7 mg or 2.4 mg) as directed by your clinician (Wegovy dosing schedule).

For the full chart and "missed dose" rules in one place, see: Wegovy Dosing Chart and Weekly Schedule.

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Missed a dose? Here's what to do

Missed injection dose: the 48-hour / 2-week rules

The official missed-dose guidance for injections is:

• If your next scheduled dose is more than 48 hours away: take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If your next scheduled dose is within 48 hours: skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regular day.
• If it's been 2 weeks or more since your last dose: ask your healthcare professional how to restart treatment.

Source: Wegovy dosing schedule

Missed pill dose

Missed-dose instructions for the pill may differ from the injection. Use the official prescribing information and your clinician's instructions for the oral formulation.

A "forget-proof" reminder setup

Try a layered system:

• Two alarms (phone + smart watch) on injection day (or every morning for the pill)
• A repeating calendar event with an alert
• A "visual cue" you'll see (e.g., sticky note on the coffee machine, pill by your bedside)
• Optional: the WeGoTogether® app for reminders and progress tracking (WeGoTogether support)

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How to store Wegovy (and what makes it unusable)

Injection pen storage

Wegovy injection pens should be kept:

• In the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
• In the original carton to protect from light

If needed, you can store it outside the refrigerator from 46°F to 86°F (8°C to 30°C) in the original carton for up to 28 days (Wegovy pen guide).

Do not freeze Wegovy. If a pen has been frozen, left out too long, or exposed to heat above 86°F, the manufacturer says to dispose of it (Wegovy pen guide).

Pill storage

The pill doesn't require refrigeration and doesn't involve sharps disposal, which may make it more convenient for travel. Consult the official labeling for specific pill storage requirements.

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Troubleshooting: common Wegovy injection problems (and what to do next)

"I didn't hear a click" or "the yellow bar didn't move"

The Quick Start Guide notes that if you don't hear the first click or see the yellow bar moving, you may need to press more firmly (Wegovy Quick Start Guide PDF). If you're unsure whether the dose delivered correctly, contact your clinician/pharmacist for guidance.

"Medicine leaked out" or "I saw liquid on my skin"

The manufacturer warns that if medicine appears on the skin or squirts from the needle, you may not have received the full dose—and you should not restart the injection without clinical guidance (Wegovy pen guide).

"This hurts more than expected"

A few comfort tweaks that often help:

• Let the skin dry completely after cleaning.
• Try a different site area (abdomen vs thigh).
• Press the pen against firm tissue; the manufacturer suggests changing sites to find a firmer area if needed (Wegovy pen guide).

Severe or worsening pain, swelling, or signs of infection should be evaluated by a clinician.

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Side effects: what's common, what's urgent

Many Wegovy side effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain) (Wegovy dosing schedule; EMA Wegovy overview). These side effects are similar for both the injection and pill forms (NPR).

Call your healthcare professional promptly if symptoms are severe or persistent. The official product information lists serious risks that require medical attention, including symptoms of pancreatitis or gallbladder problems, serious allergic reactions, and more (Wegovy dosing schedule).

Practical nausea-management habits (non-medication)

The Quick Start Guide suggests strategies such as eating bland, lower-fat foods; eating slowly; avoiding lying down after eating; and getting fresh air (Wegovy Quick Start Guide PDF). Additional lifestyle tips (like minimizing heavy/greasy meals and alcohol) are commonly recommended in consumer medication guides (GoodRx Wegovy injection tips).

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Cost and savings: ways people lower Wegovy out-of-pocket price

Costs change frequently based on insurance, pharmacy, and eligibility. Start with official resources:

• The manufacturer's Wegovy Savings Offer page (commercial insurance vs self-pay/uninsured options, terms apply) (Save on Wegovy)
• The manufacturer's cost/coverage tools and support program (WeGoTogether support)

NBC News reports the Wegovy pill is expected to be less expensive than the weekly injection, though what you actually pay depends on coverage and savings programs (NBC News).

If you're comparing pharmacies or looking for coupons, consumer tools can help (but always verify dose availability and legitimate supply) (GoodRx Wegovy injection tips).

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Make your results measurable: track fat loss and muscle while on Wegovy

Many people judge progress only by the scale—then get confused when weight loss slows or fluctuates. A more useful question is: am I losing fat, losing muscle, or both?

BodySpec DEXA scans break weight into:

• Fat mass and body fat %
• Lean mass (a close proxy for muscle)
• Visceral fat (deep abdominal fat)

Learn more: DEXA Scan for Visceral Fat: Accuracy, Cost & Results.

If your goal is to lose fat while keeping strength, this matters because a DEXA substudy from the STEP 1 trial found semaglutide users lost substantial fat mass but also saw decreases in lean mass in absolute terms over 68 weeks (Wilding et al., 2021).

Helpful next reads:

• Wegovy Before and After: Realistic Results and Timeline
• Ozempic Muscle Loss: How to Prevent Lean Mass Reduction (principles apply to GLP‑1–driven weight loss broadly)
• Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Wegovy? Reasons and Strategies

Ready to get a baseline? Book your DEXA scan today.

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FAQ: Wegovy questions people ask most

Can I take Wegovy at night?

Wegovy injection can be injected any time of day, with or without food. The key is consistency—same day each week (Wegovy dosing schedule).

The pill should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach (NPR).

Where is the best place to inject Wegovy?

There isn't one best site for everyone. The manufacturer-approved sites are abdomen, thigh, or upper arm; rotating sites can help reduce skin irritation (Wegovy pen guide; Wegovy Quick Start Guide PDF).

Can I inject Wegovy in the same spot every week?

You can inject in the same general body area, but it's recommended not to inject in the exact same spot repeatedly (Wegovy Quick Start Guide PDF).

What if I miss my Wegovy dose?

For the injection, use the 48-hour / 2-week rules from the official dosing page (Wegovy dosing schedule).

For the pill, follow your prescriber's instructions and the official labeling for missed-dose guidance.

How long does a Wegovy injection take?

The manufacturer notes the injection takes about 5–10 seconds, and you should keep the pen in place and count to 10 seconds after the yellow bar stops moving (Wegovy pen guide).

Is there a pill version of Wegovy?

Yes—the FDA has approved a once-daily oral Wegovy tablet (NPR; NBC News). In clinical trials, average weight loss was roughly 13% to 17% of starting body weight over ~64–68 weeks. For full details, see: Wegovy pills: 2026 guide to approval, cost & results.

Should I choose the injection or the pill?

The main trade-offs:

If you have trouble with needles, the pill may be appealing. If you struggle with daily routines or strict timing, the weekly injection may be easier to maintain. Discuss your preferences with your prescriber.

How effective is the Wegovy pill compared to the injection?

Early reporting suggests the pill's weight loss is in a similar overall range to the injection in some studies, but results depend on dose and adherence (NPR; NBC News).

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The bottom line

To take Wegovy safely and consistently:

If using the injection:

• Follow the official pen steps (press firmly, wait for the yellow bar to stop, then hold for 10 seconds).
• Stick to a weekly schedule and use reminders.
• Store pens correctly (refrigerated, protected from light; room temp only within the manufacturer's limits).
• Dispose of pens in a sharps container.

If using the pill:

• Take it every morning on an empty stomach with a sip of water.
• Wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications.
• Be consistent—the timing rules matter for effectiveness.

For a complete guide to the oral option, see: Wegovy pills: 2026 guide to approval, cost & results.

Medical note: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow your prescriber's directions and the official Wegovy Instructions for Use.