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Many patients using Wegovy (semaglutide) report feeling little to no sensation during their weekly injection, which is entirely normal and does not indicate a problem with medication delivery. The pre-filled pen device uses an extremely fine, hidden needle designed to minimise discomfort when injecting into subcutaneous fatty tissue. This tissue layer contains fewer nerve endings than skin or muscle, making injections less perceptible. Whether you feel a slight pinch or nothing at all, the medication works systemically once absorbed, producing therapeutic effects regardless of injection sensation. Understanding why injections may be imperceptible can provide reassurance about proper technique and medication efficacy.
Quick Answer: Not feeling your Wegovy injection is completely normal and does not indicate the medication has failed to be delivered correctly.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is administered subcutaneously using a single-dose, pre-filled pen device with an integrated hidden needle, and many patients report feeling little to no sensation during injection. This is entirely normal and does not indicate a problem with the medication delivery. Several factors contribute to why you might not feel your Wegovy injection.
The injection needle is extremely fine and designed specifically to minimise discomfort when penetrating the skin. Subcutaneous injections target the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin, which contains fewer nerve endings than the dermis or muscle tissue. The recommended injection sites—abdomen, thigh, or upper arm—are chosen partly because these areas have adequate subcutaneous fat and relatively lower nerve density, making injections less perceptible.
Additionally, each Wegovy pen delivers a fixed volume of 0.5 ml, with the different strengths (ranging from 0.25mg to 2.4mg) determined by the concentration of the medication rather than the volume injected. The pen device delivers the medication slowly and steadily, which further reduces sensation. Some patients become accustomed to the injection process over time, particularly if they've been using the medication for several weeks or months, and may notice the sensation even less as they develop a routine.
Temperature can also play a role: if the pen has been at room temperature for the recommended period before injection (as per manufacturer guidance in the Patient Information Leaflet), the medication is closer to body temperature, which can make it less noticeable. Cold medication injected directly from the refrigerator may be more perceptible, though this is not the recommended practice.
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Yes, it is completely normal not to feel your Wegovy injection, and this does not mean the medication has not been delivered correctly. The absence of sensation during injection is a common experience reported by many patients using subcutaneous injectable medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide.
Clinical experience with Wegovy and similar injectable therapies demonstrates that the perception of injection varies considerably between individuals. Factors such as individual pain threshold, skin sensitivity, injection site selection, and technique all influence whether you feel the injection. Some patients report a slight pinch or pressure sensation, whilst others feel nothing at all—both experiences are within the normal range.
The effectiveness of Wegovy is not dependent on whether you feel the injection. The medication works systemically once absorbed from the subcutaneous tissue into the bloodstream, where it acts on GLP-1 receptors in various organs including the pancreas, brain, and gastrointestinal tract. The therapeutic effects—appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and improved glycaemic control—occur regardless of injection sensation. This mechanism of action is well-documented in the European Medicines Agency's European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) for semaglutide.
If you're concerned about whether the injection has worked, there are more reliable indicators to monitor. These include observing the dose counter on your pen (which should move to show the dose has been delivered), checking for a small droplet of medication at the needle tip after injection (which is normal and represents a tiny amount), and most importantly, monitoring your clinical response over time. Weight loss, reduced appetite, and any side effects you may experience are evidence that the medication is working systemically. If you have ongoing concerns about injection technique or medication efficacy, discuss these with your prescribing clinician or practice nurse.
Correct injection technique is essential to ensure Wegovy is delivered effectively and to minimise the risk of injection site reactions or medication wastage. Following the manufacturer's instructions and guidance from your healthcare team will help you achieve consistent, successful injections.
Preparation is key: Remove your Wegovy pen from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature for approximately 15-30 minutes before injection. Check the medication visually through the pen window—it should be clear and colourless. Do not use the pen if the solution appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles. Wash your hands thoroughly and select an appropriate injection site, rotating between the abdomen (at least 5cm away from the navel), front of the thighs, or upper arms.
The injection process: Clean the selected site with an alcohol wipe if recommended by your healthcare provider, and allow it to dry completely. Remove the pen cap and place the pen firmly against your skin at a 90-degree angle. Press the button fully and hold the pen in place for at least 10 seconds to ensure complete medication delivery—this is crucial as releasing too early may result in incomplete dosing. You may optionally pinch a fold of skin gently between your thumb and forefinger before placing the pen against your skin, though this is not required according to the Wegovy Patient Information Leaflet.
After injection: Withdraw the pen straight out and dispose of it safely in a sharps container. Do not rub the injection site. Check the dose counter window to confirm it shows '0', indicating the full dose was delivered. If you see a drop of medication at the needle tip after withdrawal, this is normal and does not mean you've missed your dose. Record the injection site and date to help with site rotation. If you experience persistent problems with injection technique, request a demonstration from your practice nurse or diabetes specialist nurse, who can observe your technique and provide personalised guidance.
If you experience any side effects, report them to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, which helps monitor the safety of medicines.
If you're uncertain whether your Wegovy injection was successful, there are several steps you can take to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. It's important not to administer a second dose immediately, as this could result in overdosing and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Immediate checks: First, examine your injection pen. The dose counter window should display '0' if the full dose was delivered. If it shows a number other than zero, this indicates that the complete dose was not administered. Check if you held the pen in place for the full 10 seconds as recommended in the Patient Information Leaflet. Look at the injection site for any obvious leakage of medication, though a small droplet is normal and doesn't indicate a missed dose.
If you believe the injection failed: Do not attempt to re-inject immediately. According to the Wegovy Summary of Product Characteristics, if you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 5 days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if your next scheduled dose is within 5 days, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. If you're unsure whether you received your full dose, you should not take another injection of the same dose.
When to seek advice: Contact your GP, prescribing clinician, or specialist nurse if you frequently have concerns about injection delivery, as this may indicate a need for technique review or additional training. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience signs of overdose (severe nausea, persistent vomiting, or severe abdominal pain). If you are also taking insulin or sulfonylureas, be alert for symptoms of hypoglycaemia such as trembling, sweating, confusion, or rapid heartbeat, as these may require immediate attention. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect an overdose.
Keep a record of any injection concerns to discuss at your next review appointment. Your healthcare team can assess whether your weight loss and clinical response are appropriate for your dose level, which provides reassurance that the medication is working effectively. Remember that Wegovy's effects are cumulative, and consistent weekly dosing over time produces the therapeutic benefit—one uncertain injection is unlikely to derail your treatment progress.
No, not feeling the injection does not mean it didn't work. Wegovy's fine needle and injection into fatty tissue with fewer nerve endings means many patients feel little to nothing, whilst the medication still absorbs and produces therapeutic effects systemically.
Check that the dose counter window displays '0' after injection, ensure you held the pen in place for at least 10 seconds, and monitor your clinical response over time. Weight loss and reduced appetite indicate the medication is working effectively.
Do not re-inject immediately. Check the dose counter for '0' and contact your GP or prescribing clinician for guidance, as administering a second dose could cause overdose and increase adverse effects.
All medical content on this blog is created based on reputable, evidence-based sources and reviewed regularly for accuracy and relevance. While we strive to keep content up to date with the latest research and clinical guidelines, it is intended for general informational purposes only.
DisclaimerThis content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns. Use of the information is at your own risk, and we are not responsible for any consequences resulting from its use.
