Key points
- Inject into your stomach, thigh or upper arm (for Mounjaro, the arm only with a helper).
- Use a different spot each week.
- Follow the leaflet for your pen; vials need careful measuring with a new syringe.
- Dispose of needles in a sharps container or hard, sealed bottle.
Where to inject
| Site | Who can use it | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach | You | At least 5 cm (two finger-widths) away from your belly button. |
| Front of the thigh | You | The middle of the front of the thigh, between hip and knee. |
| Back of the upper arm | Mounjaro: someone helping you. Wegovy: you or a helper. | Mounjaro's instructions say another person should inject here. |
Use a different spot each week. You can stay in the same area, but move the needle at least a few centimetres from the last site. Avoid skin that is bruised, tender, scarred or hard.
Using a pen
- Wash your hands. Check the medicine name, dose and expiry date.
- Clean the skin and let it dry.
- Attach a new needle if your pen needs one, and follow the leaflet to prime or set the dose.
- Insert the needle into a pinch of skin and press the button. Hold for the time the leaflet says before removing it.
- Dispose of needles in a sharps container or a hard, sealed plastic bottle.
Using a vial and syringe
Vials need a new syringe each time and careful measuring. Your doctor or nurse will show you how and check your technique before you inject on your own. Never share syringes or needles.
Common worries
- Does it hurt? The needles are very fine, and most people feel only a small prick.
- Redness or itching? Mild reactions at the site are common and pass. Tell your doctor if they spread or last.
- Bleeding? A drop of blood is normal. Press gently with cotton; don't rub.
Questions
Can I inject at any time of day?
Yes, on the same day each week, with or without food.
What if I inject the wrong dose?
Contact your doctor straight away and tell them what you took.
Can I travel with my pen?
Yes. Carry it in your hand luggage in an insulated pouch, with your prescription.
