Where to Inject Wegovy: Safe Sites, Rotation, and Weekly Tips

Starting Wegovy can feel like a big step, especially if you are new to self-injections. The good news: the technique is straightforward, the pen is designed for simplicity, and a few practical habits can make each weekly dose quick and comfortable.

This guide covers exactly where to inject Wegovy, how to rotate sites, a step-by-step routine, pain-reduction strategies, and what to do when something does not go as planned.

Note: Always follow the patient leaflet that comes with your specific pen and your clinician’s guidance.

Quick takeaways

• Wegovy is injected into the fatty layer under the skin (subcutaneous tissue)
• Approved sites: abdomen, outer thigh, or upper arm (upper arm often requires another person)
• Rotate sites weekly to protect skin and keep absorption consistent
• Let the pen warm to room temperature, relax the target area, and avoid massaging after the injection

Approved Wegovy injection sites

Wegovy is designed for subcutaneous injection. Choose an area with a soft fat layer and avoid damaged skin. For long-acting GLP-1 medicines like semaglutide, site choice does not meaningfully change clinical effect, so pick the area you can reach comfortably and rotate regularly.

Abdomen

• Use the front of the belly, at least 5 cm or 2 inches away from the navel
• The lower abdomen and sides of the belly often feel most comfortable
• Avoid scars, stretch marks that feel tight, bruises, moles, or areas that are red or tender

Outer thigh

• Target the middle third of the outer thigh, away from the knee and groin
• Many people like this site because it is easy to see and reach

Upper arm

• Use the back of the upper arm in the fleshy area between shoulder and elbow
• Typically easier if another person gives the injection

Do not inject into veins or muscles. You do not need to aspirate (no pulling back on the pen).

How to rotate injection sites without overthinking it

Rotating sites helps prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy (firm fatty lumps that can affect absorption). A simple plan keeps your skin healthy over months of treatment.

A practical 8-week rotation example

• Week 1: Right abdomen, lower outer area
• Week 2: Left abdomen, lower outer area
• Week 3: Right outer thigh, middle third
• Week 4: Left outer thigh, middle third
• Week 5: Right abdomen, upper outer area
• Week 6: Left abdomen, upper outer area
• Week 7: Right outer thigh, slightly higher than week 3
• Week 8: Left outer thigh, slightly higher than week 4

Then repeat the cycle. If you use the upper arm with help, slot those sites into the rotation in place of thigh weeks.

The grid method for the abdomen

Imagine your abdomen split into four quadrants, each at least 5 cm from the navel. Pick a different quadrant each abdomen week and move around the quadrant like a clock face to avoid repeating the exact spot. Mark your calendar or use your phone to track sites.

Your 5-minute Wegovy injection routine

A calm, consistent routine reduces discomfort and helps you stay on track.

1. Prepare the pen

   • Remove from the fridge and allow to reach room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes
   • Check the label, dose, and expiry; do not use if the pen looks damaged or was frozen
   • Wash hands with soap and water

2. Choose and inspect the site

   • Pick a site from your rotation map
   • Avoid bruised, scarred, irritated, or hardened areas

3. Clean and position

   • Clean with soap and water or an alcohol swab and let it fully air dry
   • Sit or stand so the target area is relaxed
   • If you are lean, gently pinch up a fold of skin; keep it pinched during the injection

4. Inject

   • Place the pen flat against the skin at 90 degrees
   • Activate the pen as instructed for your device, then keep it pressed until the indicator shows the dose is delivered or for about 10 seconds

5. Finish up

   • Remove the pen and apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if needed; do not rub or massage
   • Dispose of the single-use pen in a sharps container; never throw needles or pens into household waste
   • Log the site you used for next week’s rotation

Comfort and skin-care tips that really work

• Bring the pen to room temperature: a cold pen can sting more
• Let alcohol dry: injecting through wet alcohol can cause stinging
• Relax the muscle: shaking out the leg or taking slow breaths can reduce tension
• Use a skin pinch if you are very lean to avoid injecting into muscle
• Do not massage the area after the injection; gentle pressure is enough
• Consider a cool compress for a few minutes if you notice redness or mild swelling
• Clothing matters: choose loose waistbands on abdomen days to avoid friction

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Which site is best?

Choose the site that is most comfortable and easiest for you to reach. For weekly, long-acting semaglutide, there is no clinically meaningful difference in effect between approved sites, as long as you inject into the fatty layer.

Can I inject into the buttock?

Stick to the approved sites: abdomen, outer thigh, or upper arm. The buttock is not an approved Wegovy site.

Is it okay to inject through clothing?

No. Inject only through clean, bare skin.

I saw a drop of blood after removing the pen

This is usually minor. Apply gentle pressure for 30 to 60 seconds. Choose a different spot next time. Seek care if bleeding is persistent or you develop signs of infection.

I felt stinging or burning

Common causes include a cold pen, injecting before alcohol dries, or tension in the muscle. Warm the pen to room temperature, let the skin fully dry, and relax the area before injecting.

A small bump appeared under the skin

A small, painless bump that fades within a day or two is common. Use a different site next time. Firm, lasting lumps or areas that look or feel unusual can be lipohypertrophy; avoid injecting into those spots and ask your clinician for advice.

Some medication seemed to leak out

A tiny drop at the skin can happen. Do not take another dose. Log it and continue with your next scheduled injection. If leaks are frequent, review your technique with a clinician.

Can I self-inject in the upper arm?

Some people can, but it is often easier and safer when another person administers it. If you self-inject in the arm, use a mirror and only if you can clearly see and stabilize the pen at the correct area.

Should I rotate within the same site area or switch sites each time?

Either strategy works if you avoid using the exact same spot repeatedly. Many people alternate between belly and thighs week to week. Others use the abdomen for two weeks in different quadrants, then switch to thighs. Pick a plan you can stick to.

Do I need to aspirate?

No. Wegovy is a subcutaneous injection; aspiration is not required.

Safety reminders

• Use Wegovy only as prescribed and with the pen provided for it
• Do not share pens or needles
• Store as directed in the patient leaflet; do not freeze; protect from heat and light
• Tell your clinician about any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal disease, or kidney problems
• Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy; discuss plans for pregnancy and contraception with your clinician
• Seek urgent care for signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or widespread hives

When to contact your clinician

• Persistent injection site pain, redness, or swelling lasting more than 48 to 72 hours
• Hard or growing lumps at sites despite careful rotation
• Severe, persistent stomach pain with or without vomiting
• Recurrent bruising or bleeding at sites, or if you are on anticoagulants and notice excessive bleeding
• Trouble self-injecting despite following instructions

This article is for education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber and the patient information for your specific device.