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What to do if Wegovy leaks out after injection is a common concern for patients using this once-weekly weight management medication. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist administered subcutaneously, and injection site leakage can occasionally occur when medication seeps back through the needle track. Whilst small amounts of leakage may not significantly affect treatment, understanding the correct response is essential. This article explains immediate steps to take if leakage occurs, how to prevent it through proper injection technique, and when to seek advice from your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
Quick Answer: If Wegovy leaks out after injection, do not re-inject or administer an additional dose; gently blot the site with clean tissue, assess the leakage amount, and contact your GP or pharmacist if substantial leakage occurs or if it happens repeatedly.
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it works by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food intake through effects on the brain's satiety centres, whilst also slowing gastric emptying and improving glycaemic control.
Injection site leakage can occur with subcutaneous medications, including Wegovy. This phenomenon happens when some of the injected medication seeps back out through the injection site after the needle is withdrawn. Leakage can occur for several reasons, including insufficient time allowed after injection before needle withdrawal, injecting too quickly, using an incorrect injection angle, or inadvertent movement during or immediately after injection. The leaked fluid may appear as a clear or slightly cloudy droplet on the skin surface.
Whilst leakage can be concerning for patients, it is important to understand that small amounts of leakage may affect the delivered dose. If you are unsure whether the full dose was delivered, contact your prescriber or pharmacist. The pre-filled Wegovy pen is designed to deliver a precise dose, but leakage could potentially impact the medication's therapeutic effect.
Understanding the causes of leakage helps patients take appropriate preventive measures and respond correctly when it occurs, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and reducing anxiety about the injection process.
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If you notice Wegovy leaking from the injection site after administering your dose, remain calm and follow these immediate steps. First, do not attempt to re-inject the medication or administer an additional dose. The pen has already delivered the programmed dose, and attempting to compensate for perceived leakage could result in overdosing, potentially causing severe nausea or vomiting. Hypoglycaemia is a risk primarily when Wegovy is used alongside insulin or sulfonylureas in patients with diabetes.
Gently blot the injection site with a clean tissue or sterile gauze pad to absorb any leaked medication. Do not rub the area, as this may cause irritation or affect medication absorption. Apply light pressure for a few seconds if needed. If a small amount of blood appears alongside the leaked medication, this is usually normal and not a cause for concern—simply apply gentle pressure until any bleeding stops.
Assess the amount of leakage. If only a tiny droplet is visible (equivalent to one or two small drops), this may represent a minimal loss. However, if you observe substantial leakage—such as a stream of liquid running down your skin or a large wet patch—this may indicate a more significant loss of medication.
Document the incident by noting the date, time, and approximate amount of leakage. Take a photograph if possible. Contact your GP, practice nurse, community pharmacist or weight management service if substantial leakage occurs, if leakage happens repeatedly, or if you have concerns about your treatment efficacy. Seek urgent advice if you experience repeated leaks or suspect under-dosing. Do not adjust your dosing schedule independently. Your healthcare provider will advise whether you should continue with your regular weekly schedule or if any modifications are needed. They may also review your injection technique to identify potential causes.
Preventing injection site leakage requires attention to proper injection technique and several key practices. The most important preventive measure is allowing adequate time after injection before removing the pen. After pressing the dose button and hearing the click indicating dose delivery, keep the pen pressed firmly against your skin and count slowly to ten seconds, as specified in the Wegovy Patient Information Leaflet. This waiting period allows the medication to disperse into the subcutaneous tissue and reduces backflow through the needle track.
Select appropriate injection sites and rotate them weekly. Wegovy should be injected into areas with adequate subcutaneous fat: the abdomen (at least 5 cm away from the navel), the front of the thighs, or the upper arms (if someone else is administering the injection). Avoid areas with scarring, bruising, or skin abnormalities. Rotating injection sites prevents tissue damage and lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps), which can affect medication absorption and increase leakage risk.
Ensure the injection is performed correctly. Hold the Wegovy pen perpendicular to the skin surface. Inject slowly and steadily—press the dose button firmly and smoothly, allowing the pen's mechanism to deliver the medication at the intended rate.
Keep your body still during and immediately after injection. Avoid tensing muscles or moving the injection site area whilst the needle is inserted and during the ten-second waiting period. Store Wegovy correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions: refrigerate unused pens between 2°C and 8°C in the original carton to protect from light, and once in use, the pen may be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days. Proper storage maintains medication viscosity and flow characteristics, reducing injection difficulties that might contribute to leakage.
Mastering the correct injection technique is essential for treatment success and minimising complications such as leakage. Before each injection, prepare your supplies: remove the Wegovy pen from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature, as cold medication can be uncomfortable and may increase injection site reactions. The Wegovy pen is a single-use, pre-filled pen with a fixed, hidden needle that does not require needle attachment or dose selection.
Check the pen carefully before use. Verify the medication name and dose strength on the label, ensure the liquid appears clear and colourless (do not use if cloudy or discoloured), and confirm the expiry date has not passed.
Prepare the injection site by cleaning it with an alcohol wipe using a circular motion, then allow the area to dry completely. Wet skin can cause stinging and may affect medication absorption. Perform the injection by removing the pen cap, selecting your injection site, and positioning the pen perpendicular to your skin. Press the pen firmly against the skin until you hear or feel a click, then press and hold the dose button until you hear or feel a second click.
Crucially, maintain pressure and keep the pen against your skin whilst counting slowly to ten. This step cannot be overemphasised, as premature withdrawal is the primary cause of leakage. After ten seconds, withdraw the pen from your skin, then dispose of the entire used pen in a sharps container immediately.
If you experience persistent difficulties with injection technique, leakage, or injection site reactions, request a review appointment with your practice nurse or diabetes specialist nurse. Many NHS services offer injection technique training, and your healthcare provider can observe your technique and provide personalised guidance to optimise your treatment experience.
If you experience any side effects, talk to your healthcare professional. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
No, do not re-inject or administer an additional dose if Wegovy leaks out, as the pen has already delivered the programmed dose and attempting to compensate could result in overdosing with potential side effects such as severe nausea or vomiting.
After pressing the dose button and hearing the click, keep the Wegovy pen pressed firmly against your skin whilst counting slowly to ten seconds before withdrawal. This waiting period allows medication to disperse into subcutaneous tissue and significantly reduces leakage risk.
Contact your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist if you observe substantial leakage (such as a stream of liquid or large wet patch), if leakage happens repeatedly, or if you have concerns about treatment efficacy or your injection technique.
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.
