Good news: your treatment hasn't changed. You're still on the same medicine (Wegovy 7.2mg, semaglutide) at the same weekly dose. What's changed is the type of pen we send you and how you take it.
From the week commencing Monday 8 June, we've started dispensing a new version of the 7.2mg pen.
What's different?
Until now, the 7.2mg dose was given as three separate 2.4mg pens, injected one after another in the same sitting to add up to your full weekly dose. This was because a single pen at the 7.2mg strength wasn't yet available.
A dedicated 7.2mg single-use, pre-filled pen is now available in the UK, so we've switched to sending you this instead. This means:
You'll now receive four pens for a four-week supply, one pen for each week.
Each pen delivers your full 7.2mg dose in one injection, rather than three.
The dose is already set, so there's no dialling, needle to attach, or priming step.
You will also be sent a larger sharps bin (2.5L instead of the standard 0.3L). Two reasons for this:
The needle is now integrated into the pen, so the whole unit needs to be disposed of rather than just a small needle.
Patients on the new format use 4 pens a month instead of one, so more disposal capacity is needed.
Is the dose still the same?
Yes. It's not a different medicine and it's not a different dose. You're receiving exactly the same amount of semaglutide each week (7.2mg). The only thing that's changed is that 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, and you won't find any in your pack. Keep your fingers away from the end of the pen that goes against your skin, as this is where the needle comes out during your injection.
The pen is single-use. It contains one dose. After your injection, dispose of it safely in your sharps bin and use a new pen the following week.
The dose is already set, so there's nothing to dial or prime. Hold the pen against your skin until the injection is complete, which takes about five to 10 seconds.
For the full step-by-step instructions, please read the patient information leaflet inside your pack, and see our guide How to take Wegovy 7.2mg.
Why haven't I received any needles with this new 7.2mg pen?
You don't need them, and nothing is missing from your pack. The needle is built into your new 7.2mg pen, so there's nothing to attach and no separate needles to order.
How much does the pen give, and can I change it?
The dose is already set. The pen is designed to deliver your complete 7.2mg dose in a single injection, so there's nothing for you to measure, set or adjust. If you have any concerns about your dose, for example if you've been finding the full dose difficult to tolerate, please speak to your clinician before your next injection rather than changing anything yourself. They can review your treatment with you and make any adjustments that are right for you.
How should I store it?
Exactly as before. Keep your pens in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C, in their original packaging, and don't freeze them. The patient information leaflet explains how long a pen can be kept out of the fridge if needed.
FAQ 📚
Why is my Sharps Bin is bigger than before?
This is the expected behaviour for the new pen.
I've received the Sharps Bin before my pen
In some cases the bin will arrive ahead of the pens. This is expected and you do not need to do anything, your pen will follow shortly.
I've received an email saying their order has been cancelled.
This is part of the switch process and your new order is being created in place of the original, so no action is needed.
What should I do with my old & smaller bin?
You can continue using it until full and dispose of it as normal.