Good news: your treatment hasn’t changed. You’re still taking the same medicine, Wegovy 7.2 mg (semaglutide), at the same weekly dose. What has changed is the type of pen we send and how you take it.
From the week commencing Monday 8 June, we started dispensing a new version of the 7.2 mg pen.
What's different?
Previously, the 7.2 mg dose was given using three separate 2.4 mg pens, injected one after another in the same sitting. This was because a single pen at the 7.2 mg strength was not yet available.
A dedicated 7.2 mg single-use, pre-filled pen is now available in the UK. This means:
You’ll receive four pens for a four-week supply, one pen for each week.
Each pen delivers your full 7.2 mg dose in one injection rather than three.
The dose is already set, so there is no dialling, needle attachment, or priming.
You’ll receive a larger 2.5 L sharps bin instead of the standard 0.3 L bin.
The larger sharps bin is required because the needle is integrated into the pen, so the whole unit must be disposed of, and you’ll use four pens each month rather than one.
Is the dose still the same?
Yes. It is the same medicine and the same dose: 7.2 mg of semaglutide each week. It now comes in one pen instead of three.
How do I use the new pen?
Use one pen once a week, on the same day each week where possible.
The needle is built into the pen. There are no separate needles to attach or order.
Keep your fingers away from the end that goes against your skin, as this is where the needle comes out.
The pen is single-use and contains one dose. Dispose of it safely in your sharps bin after the injection.
The dose is already set, so there is nothing to dial or prime.
Hold the pen against your skin until the injection is complete, which takes about 5–10 seconds.
Read the patient information leaflet inside your pack for full instructions.
Why haven't I received any needles?
You don’t need them, and nothing is missing. The needle is built into the new pen.
How much does the pen give, and can I change it?
The dose is preset to deliver the complete 7.2 mg dose in one injection. There is nothing to measure, set, or adjust.
If you are finding the full dose difficult to tolerate, speak to your clinician before your next injection rather than changing anything yourself. They can review your treatment and make appropriate adjustments.
How should I store it?
Keep the pens in their original packaging in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze them. The patient information leaflet explains how long a pen can remain out of the fridge if needed.
FAQs
Why is my sharps bin bigger than before?
This is expected with the new pen. The whole pen must be disposed of because its needle is integrated.
I’ve received the sharps bin before my pens
In some cases, the bin arrives first. You don’t need to do anything; your pens will follow shortly.
I’ve received an email saying my order has been cancelled
This is part of the switch process. A new order is being created in place of the original, so no action is needed.
What should I do with my old, smaller bin?
Continue using it until it is full, then dispose of it as normal.