Wegovy in NZ: Uses, Side Effects, Eligibility

Wegovy is a subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected under the skin. There is an easy 5-step process you can follow for using your Wegovy pen successfully. Please make sure to read the medicines consumer information included in the packaging carefully before use.

Prepare your pen with a new needle

• Check the name and dose of your pen.
• Pull the pen cap off.
• Check the Wegovy is clear and colourless in the window.
• Take a new needle, inspect it and tear off the paper tab.
• Push the needle straight onto the pen. Turn until it is tight.
• Remove the outer needle cap and keep for later.
• Remove the inner needle cap and dispose of it.

Check the flow with each new pen

• Only check the Wegovy flow before your first injection with each new pen.
• Turn the dose selector until you see the flow check symbol*
• Check the flow by holding the needing point up and pressing and holding the dose button.
• Release once the dose counter returns to -0-
• A drop of Wegovy should appear at the needle tip.
• If no drop appears, you can attempt process again.
• Do not use the pen if a drop of Wegovy still does not appear after this second attempt.

Set your dose & choose your site

• Turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows your prescribed dose.
• When your prescribed dose lines up with the dose pointer it is set.
• If the dose counter stops before you reach the prescribed dose, refer to the ‘do you have enough Wegovy?’ section below.
• Choose your injection site, you may inject into your upper leg, lower stomach, or upper arm – your healthcare professional can help you choose the site best for you.
• Do not inject into an area that is tender, bruised, red or hard. Also avoid scars or stretch marks.
• Do not inject in the exact same spot each time (same body area is ok).

Inject your dose

• Push the pen firmly against your skin and keep applying pressure.
• Make sure you can see the dose counter. Do not cover it with your fingers. This could interrupt the injection.
• Keep pressing the dose button with the needle in your skin and slowly count to 6.
• The -0- must line up with the dose pointer. There may be a click when the dose counter returns to -0-.
• Remove the needle from your skin. A drop of Wegovy at the needle tip after injecting is normal.
• Inspect the injection site, if there is blood you can use a clean cotton ball or gauze to lightly press on the area.

After your injection

• Carefully place the outer needle cap back on to the needle.
• You can place the cap on a flat surface and guide the needle inside the cap, avoid touching the needle.
• Once the needle is inside the cap, push the outer needle cap completely on.
• Unscrew the needle and safely place it in a sharps container or another suitable container.
• Dispose of it carefully as instructed by your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or local authorities.
• Put the pen cap on your pen after each use to protect Wegovy from light.
• When the pen is empty, dispose of the pen without a needle on as instructed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Wegovy® FlexTouch® Instructions for Use [PDF]