Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection prescribed for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. If Wegovy leaked out of your injection site, you may be concerned about whether you received your full dose. Leakage is a relatively common occurrence, often caused by premature pen removal or incorrect injection technique. Understanding what to do immediately after leakage, when to contact your healthcare provider, and how to prevent future episodes can help you optimise your treatment. This article provides practical guidance on managing injection site leakage and ensuring effective Wegovy administration.

Why Wegovy May Leak from the Injection Site

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Leakage from the injection site is a relatively common occurrence that can happen for several reasons, and understanding these causes can help you optimise your injection technique.

Common causes of injection site leakage include:

• Premature pen removal – Removing the pen too quickly after injection, before the medication has properly dispersed into the tissue

• Injection site movement – Moving or tensing the injection area during or immediately after administration

• Incorrect pen placement – Not holding the pen flat against the skin surface

• Poor site rotation – Repeatedly using the same injection area, which may lead to lipohypertrophy (thickened tissue) and affect absorption

• Improper pressure – Not maintaining consistent pressure throughout the injection process

The subcutaneous tissue beneath the skin requires time to accommodate the injected volume. Wegovy pens are designed to deliver a precise dose, but the medication needs several seconds to disperse properly within the tissue. When the pen is withdrawn too rapidly, the natural pressure within the injection site can force some medication back through the needle tract.

It is important to note that small amounts of leakage are generally not cause for significant concern according to clinical guidance, though they may result in receiving a slightly reduced dose. Understanding proper injection technique can help you minimise future occurrences. If leakage happens frequently despite following the instructions for use, discuss this with your prescriber, pharmacist or practice nurse, who can observe your injection method and provide personalised guidance.

What to Do If Wegovy Leaks After Injection

If you notice Wegovy leaking from your injection site immediately after administration, it is natural to feel concerned about whether you have received your full dose. However, there are clear steps you should follow, and it is crucial not to attempt to re-inject or administer additional medication without professional guidance.

Immediate steps to take:

• Do not re-inject – Never administer another dose or additional medication on the same day, as this could result in overdosing

• Apply gentle pressure – Use a clean cotton wool ball or gauze to apply light pressure to the injection site for 5–10 seconds

• Observe the amount – Note whether the leakage was a small droplet or a more substantial amount of clear liquid

• Document the incident – Record the date, time, and approximate amount of leakage in your medication diary

• Continue as scheduled – Proceed with your next scheduled dose at the usual time (one week later)

If only a small amount of medication has leaked (typically appearing as a single drop or small wet patch), you have likely received most of your prescribed dose. The Wegovy pen is designed to deliver the medication efficiently, and minor leakage rarely represents a significant loss.

When to contact your healthcare provider:

• If you observe substantial leakage (more than a few drops)

• If leakage occurs repeatedly over consecutive weeks

• If you experience unexpected side effects or lack of efficacy

• If you are uncertain about your injection technique

• If you believe no dose was delivered due to device failure (follow missed-dose instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet)

Seek urgent medical attention if you notice:

• Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain or pus at the injection site

• Fever or feeling generally unwell after injection

• Signs of allergic reaction such as wheezing, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing

Your GP or prescribing clinician can assess whether any dose adjustment is necessary and may arrange for a practice nurse to review your injection technique. Do not adjust your dosing schedule independently, as Wegovy follows a specific dose-escalation protocol designed to minimise gastrointestinal side effects whilst optimising therapeutic benefit.

Understanding Your Wegovy Dose After Leakage

When leakage occurs, patients often worry about the impact on treatment efficacy and whether their weight management goals will be compromised. Understanding the pharmacology of semaglutide and the dosing strategy can provide reassurance and help you make informed decisions.

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. It reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and improves glycaemic control. The medication has a long half-life of approximately one week, meaning it remains active in your system for an extended period. This pharmacokinetic property means that missing a small portion of a single dose is unlikely to significantly impact your overall treatment outcomes.

Key considerations regarding dose impact:

• Cumulative effect – Semaglutide builds up to steady-state concentrations over several weeks of consistent dosing

• Minor leakage tolerance – Small amounts of leakage (1–2 drops) represent a minimal percentage of the total dose

• Dose escalation schedule – Wegovy follows a gradual titration protocol (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, to maintenance 2.4 mg or 1.7 mg if 2.4 mg is not tolerated)

• Long-acting formulation – The once-weekly dosing schedule accounts for the extended duration of action

If substantial leakage occurs during the early titration phase, your prescriber may consider repeating that dose level for an additional week before escalating, though this decision should be made on an individual basis. During the maintenance phase, occasional minor leakage is unlikely to require intervention.

It is important to maintain realistic expectations: weight management with Wegovy is a gradual process, and single-dose variations rarely derail overall progress. Continue to follow your prescribed schedule, maintain healthy lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity), and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your response to treatment. If you have concerns about treatment efficacy or experience reduced appetite suppression, discuss these with your healthcare provider rather than attempting to compensate by altering your dosing regimen.

If you experience any side effects, you can report them via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or through the Yellow Card app.

How to Prevent Wegovy Leakage During Injection

Preventing injection site leakage primarily involves following the correct injection technique as described in the Wegovy Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use. With attention to detail and consistent method, most patients can significantly reduce or eliminate leakage episodes.

Optimal injection technique:

1. Site preparation

• Rotate injection sites between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm (note that upper arm injections may require assistance from another person)

• Ensure skin is clean and completely dry before injection

• You may allow the pen to reach room temperature if this is more comfortable (check the Patient Information Leaflet for specific guidance)

• Avoid areas with scars, bruises, or skin abnormalities

2. During injection

• Check that the pen is not damaged and is within its expiry date

• Hold the pen flat against the skin surface

• Press and hold the injection button firmly until the yellow indicator stops moving

• Keep the pen pressed against your skin and count to 10 after the indicator stops moving

• Maintain steady pressure throughout the injection

3. After injection

• Remove the pen from your skin only after counting to 10

• Do not rub the injection site immediately after withdrawal

• If a small amount of blood appears, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze

The 10-second hold after the indicator stops moving is particularly important and is the most commonly overlooked step. This pause allows the medication to properly disperse into the subcutaneous tissue and reduces backflow through the needle tract. Many patients instinctively remove the pen as soon as the indicator stops moving, but this premature removal is the primary cause of leakage.

Additional preventive measures:

• Request injection technique training from your practice nurse, pharmacist or weight management team

• Watch the official Wegovy injection demonstration video provided by the manufacturer

• Consider using a mirror when injecting less visible sites

• Ensure you're injecting into an area with adequate subcutaneous tissue

• Avoid injecting through clothing

If you consistently experience leakage despite following correct technique, discuss this with your healthcare provider. In rare cases, individual anatomical factors or tissue characteristics may require technique modifications. Remember that injection technique improves with practice, and occasional leakage, particularly when first starting treatment, is not uncommon.

Frequently Asked Questions