Where to Inject Wegovy®: Best Sites, Rotation, and Technique

Starting Wegovy® for the first time can be a challenge if you’re worried about self-injecting, and that’s completely understandable. In particular, it may be hard to figure out exactly where you’re meant to inject your Wegovy®. Using one of the recommended injection sites is a good place to start – stomach, thighs and upper arms.

It also helps to know where exactly on your chosen injection site to insert your needle, when and how to rotate injection sites and what injection technique you need to use. This guide covers all these points to help you inject Wegovy® with confidence.

The Three Approved Injection Sites

You can inject Wegovy® in 1 of 3 places – the stomach (abdomen), the upper thighs or the upper arms. There is no ‘right choice’ when it comes to injection sites. The right site for you is the one you feel comfortable with and suits you practically.

You can use the same area each week if that works best for you, but you need to change the exact spot you use each time. You can also switch between areas if that helps, such as injecting in the thigh one week and then the upper arm the next.

When choosing where to inject, you should consider:

• Whether the skin is bruised, sore, red or hardened – you shouldn’t inject into skin that is already damaged or irritated

• If you can easily see and reach the area – you need to be able to easily see and reach your injection site so you can use your injection pen correctly, if you can’t see or reach any areas, or you want to inject in the upper arm, have someone else inject for you

• Whether it’s likely that your injection site will be bumped or irritated – if you inject into an area that is at risk of being bumped, such as your upper arm on a crowded bus, it can cause extra discomfort and irritation

• Your clothing and if your injection site might be rubbed – tight clothing can rub against your injection site causing extra irritation, like tight trousers or shirts

Injecting into the stomach

Your stomach may be a convenient place to inject as it can be easy to see and access. If you do choose your stomach, remember to leave 5cm (2 finger widths) between your belly button and where you inject. Also, try to inject into areas with fat rather than bonier areas like your hip.

Injecting into the upper thigh

The thigh may be a convenient injection site if you can easily see and reach it. You can use either thigh and switch between them if you like. It’s important to use the upper, outer parts of your thigh and avoid using the inner thigh for injecting. You don’t have to sit down, but you can if it helps.

Injecting into the upper arm

The upper arm is an approved injection site like the others. The only difference is it’s not recommended for self-injecting. It’s best to have someone else inject for you if you want to use your upper arm as your injection site. The reason for this is because the upper arm is difficult to see and reach, plus you would likely be trying to inject one-handed.

Choosing a site around your cycle

Your periods can make certain injection sites less comfortable. If you get bloating around your period, your stomach may feel tender, swollen or otherwise more uncomfortable than usual. If this is the case for you, it may make sense to switch to an alternative injection site.

Don’t feel you need to stick to your stomach every week if it’s not right for you. Changing to a more comfortable site may be the right decision.

Why and how to rotate injection sites

Rotating injection sites means avoiding injecting in the exact same spot each week. Injecting in the same spot can lead to a number of side effects, including thicker or lumpier fatty tissue under the skin (lipohypertrophy)*. Other possible side effects include damage to the skin, your medication not being absorbed properly and even infection or scarring.

To inject safely you should leave a gap of 2 to 3cm (a finger’s width) between injection spots each week. You should wait at least 3 to 4 weeks before using the same injection spot again. So, a simple injection rotation would be:

1. First injection, Spot A

2. Second injection, Spot B – 2 to 3cm from Spot A

3. Third injection, Spot C – 2 to 3cm from Spot A and Spot B

4. Fourth injection, return to Spot A or choose another spot 2 to 3cm from Spot B and Spot C

If you have trouble remembering where you injected and you feel comfortable using other injection sites you could rotate them to make sure you don’t accidentally inject in the same spot twice:

• First injection, right thigh

• Second injection, left thigh

• Third injection, right side of stomach

• Fourth injection, left side of stomach

• Repeat from the right thigh

Once you’ve found a rotation pattern that works for you, you could write it down and use calendar app reminders on your phone to keep track.

*Mader JK, et al. (2025). Risk factors for lipohypertrophy in people with insulin-treated diabetes: a systematic meta-analysis.

How to Inject Wegovy®

If you’ve chosen your injection site and you’re ready to use your Wegovy®, follow the instructions that come with your medication. You can also refer to the steps below, however these are not meant to be used as a substitute for the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step-by-step injection technique

1. Cleaning the injection site

• Wash and dry your hands

• Find the spot you plan to inject in – make sure the skin isn’t red, bruised, sore or hardened

• Wipe the spot on your skin clean with an alcohol swab

• Let the skin dry before injecting

2. Preparing the pen

• Remove the pen cap

• Check the pen is not expired or damaged and that the liquid inside isn’t cloudy or discoloured

• Remove the paper seal from a new needle and screw it onto the top of your pen

• Take off the outer cap and save it for later, then remove the inner needle cap

• Turn the dose selector until the flow symbol is shown (··-)

• Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and press the dose button until the counter reaches 0 and a drop of Wegovy appears on the needle

3. Injecting: angle, hold time, and removal

• Turn the dose selector until your dose is shown

• Insert the needle into your skin – insert it at a 90° right angle

• Press and hold down the dose button and count slowly to 6 until ‘0’ is shown

• Remove the needle from your skin

4. Disposing of the needle safely

• Put the outer needle cap back on and then unscrew the needle and throw it away in your sharps bin

• Put the pen cap back on your pen and return it to the fridge

Injecting Wegovy® 7.2mg 

The 7.2mg Wegovy® pen is different from the standard Wegovy® FlexTouch® pens. It is a single-use pen with a pre-set dose and you don’t need to set the dose yourself. The needle comes preattached, so you don’t need to attach it yourself and the whole pen should be thrown away into your sharps bin after use.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Wash and dry your hands

2. Find the spot you plan to inject in – make sure the skin isn’t red, bruised, sore or hardened

3. Wipe the spot on your skin clean with an alcohol swab

4. Let the skin dry before injecting

5. Remove the pen cap

6. Check the pen is not expired or damage and that the liquid inside isn’t cloudy or discoloured

7. Place the pen against your skin – hold it at a 90° right angle

8. The injection will start automatically – keep the pen firmly against your skin for 5 to 10 seconds until the yellow bar stops moving*

9. Remove the pen from your skin and throw the whole pen away in your sharps bin

Remember that the 7.2mg dose is not a starting dose and should only be used after you have been on the 2.4mg dose for more than 4 weeks.

*Novo Nordisk Limited. (2026). Wegovy 7.2 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen: summary of product characteristics (SmPC).

Does the Injection Site Affect How Well Wegovy® Works?

No. There is no meaningful difference in how much semaglutide (Wegovy®) is in your body depending on which injection site you use.* Since no injection site works better than the others, the best injection site for you will be one that is easiest for you to use.

The only factor that may affect how well Wegovy® works is whether you’re rotating your injection site properly. Injecting in the same spot every week may cause your Wegovy® to not be absorbed properly.

*Novo Nordisk Limited. Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen: summary of product characteristics (SmPC). 

Tips for a More Comfortable Injection

There are a few things you could try to make your Wegovy® injections as straightforward and comfortable as possible:

• Let your pen reach a comfortable temperature before injecting – you don’t need to warm up your pen, but removing it from the fridge and allowing it to approach room temperature can make the injection more comfortable. You should not heat up or microwave the pen.

• Choose healthy skin to inject into – avoid any areas that are bruised, red, sore or hardened

• Wear loose-fitting clothing – this can help avoid your clothing rubbing against your injection site and causing extra irritation

• Use a cool pack after injecting – wrap a cool bag in a towel and hold it against your injection site to help soothe irritation, but do not apply ice directly to the skin

• Rotate your injection site – remember not to inject in the same spot without waiting 3 to 4 weeks, try to leave 2 to 3cm (a finger’s width) between injection spots

What to Do if You Inject Incorrectly

If you think something may have gone wrong during your injection, don’t panic. Avoid injecting yourself again and contact a healthcare professional if needed.

If you removed the needle too early

If you take the needle out before the counter shows ‘0’, you may not have received the full dose. Some medication may also come out of the needle if it’s removed early. Do not attempt to inject yourself again – talk to a Hers clinician about next steps instead.

If the dose counter does not return to 0

If the counter never returns to ‘0’ then the needle may be blocked or damaged, in which case you have not received your medication. Replace the needle and follow the instructions to inject again. If you are not sure whether you’ve received your dose or not, speak to a Hers clinician.

If you see a small drop of Wegovy® after your injection

Seeing a small drop of Wegovy® on the end of the needle after injecting is normal. It doesn't mean you have missed part of your dose. As long as the dose counter reaches ‘0’ while injecting, it should be ok.

If you accidentally inject into the wrong area

If you accidentally injected somewhere other than the approved injection sites, do not inject yourself again to compensate. If you’re not sure that you injected in the right place, check for injection site reactions like swelling, pain or other reactions and get medical help if needed.

If you accidentally inject more Wegovy® than prescribed

If you think you have injected more Wegovy® than you were meant to, contact a doctor right away, or call 111 or 999 if you feel unwell. Overdoses of Wegovy® can cause side effects like feeling sick. Don’t take another dose until you’ve spoken to a Hers clinician.

If you are not sure whether you received your dose

If you’re not sure if you’ve received your full dose, don’t try to guess how much you’ve missed or try to inject again. Keep your pen and report what happened to a Hers clinician for more advice.

Does the Wegovy® Injection Hurt?

It’s normal to feel nervous about this, especially if you’re not used to injections. For most people, Wegovy® injections are brief and only cause very mild pain or discomfort. You may feel a quick pinch, sting or slight pressure when the needle is inserted.

Some soreness, tenderness or sensitivity around the injection site is normal afterwards. Following your instructions carefully and changing injection sites each time can help minimise pain and discomfort.

Is it normal for the injection site to hurt afterwards?

Some mild reactions at the site of injection can be normal when using Wegovy®. You may notice:

• Mild tenderness or soreness

• A small bruise

• Itching

• A small, firm lump that improves after a few days

These symptoms should improve on their own – if they don’t go away or get worse, you may need to speak to a Hers clinician, including if you get a lump that doesn’t get smaller after several weeks.

Get medical help if you get spreading redness, warmth or swelling, pus or a fever. Get urgent medical help and call 111 or 999 if you get signs of an allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing or feeling faint.

What about burning or tingling with the 7.2 mg dose?

It’s common to notice new sensations like this when moving to a higher dose. Skin sensations like burning, tingling, increased sensitivity or any other unusual feelings can be more likely with the 7.2mg dose.

If you get these symptoms and they don’t go away, are severe or you find them difficult to manage, contact your Hers clinician for support.

*Lingvay I, et al. (2025). Once-weekly semaglutide 7.2 mg in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes (STEP UP T2D): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial.

FAQs

Can I inject Wegovy® into the same spot every week?

No. You can inject Wegovy® into the same area but you need to make sure each injection spot is 2 to 3cm (a finger’s width) away from the last few. Rotating injection sites this way can help avoid some side effects.

Can someone else inject Wegovy® for me?

Yes. As long as they are clear on the instructions they need to follow, another person can carry out your injection for you. This can help if you can’t easily see or reach your injection site. It’s also recommended if you’re planning to inject in your upper arm.

Should you pinch the skin when injecting Wegovy®?

The instructions for using Wegovy® in the UK don’t tell you to pinch your skin. Needle length can vary, so it’s important you follow the instructions included with your medication or given by your prescriber rather than using generic advice by default.

Is it better to inject Wegovy® in the stomach or thigh?

Neither one makes Wegovy® more or less effective. Which is better to inject in for you depends on how easily you can see and reach each area and how comfortable you feel injecting there. Both are approved injection sites and you can switch between them if needed.

Can you inject Wegovy® in the bum?

No. The buttocks (bum) is not an approved injection site for Wegovy®. Injecting somewhere other than the approved sites could mean your medication is not absorbed properly.