This article covers Wegovy injections for adult weight management. A dose means your total prescribed weekly amount, which may require more than one injection. Follow your own prescription and the leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Wegovy is taken once a week, so it can be easy to forget a scheduled dose occasionally.
If you've missed your usual injection day, don't panic.
What you should do depends on how long it has been since your missed scheduled dose.
The missed-dose instructions and the instructions for changing your weekly injection day are different. Follow the rule for your situation, and never double your prescribed dose to catch up.
Here's what you need to know:
I forgot my Wegovy injection dose. What should I do?
The current Wegovy product information gives a simple rule:
If it has been 5 days or less
Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
You can then return to your normal weekly injection schedule.
If it has been more than 5 days
Skip the missed dose.
Take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day.
Do not double your prescribed weekly dose to make up for a missed one.
If five days or less have passed since the dose was due, take the missed dose as soon as possible, then take the next dose on the usual scheduled day. If more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the usual scheduled day. Never double the prescribed weekly dose to catch up. If several doses have been missed or you are unsure, ask your prescriber before restarting.
Can I use Wegovy injection late?
Yes.
If your usual injection day has passed but it has been no more than 5 days, the missed dose can be taken as soon as possible.
For example, if you normally take Wegovy on Monday but remembered it on Wednesday, you can take the missed dose when you remembered it on Wednesday.
You can then return to your usual schedule taking your injection on Monday.
If more than 5 days have passed, say you remembered your missed dose on Sunday, skip the missed dose. You can then take the next dose on Monday as scheduled.
Can I change my Wegovy injection day?
Yes, if necessary.
To change your weekly injection day, allow more than 72 hours since your last actual dose, as specified in the Wegovy prescribing information.
For example, if you took your dose on Monday at 9 am, Thursday at noon is 75 hours later. This meets the interval for changing your injection day to Thursday.
Once you've changed your injection day, you can continue taking Wegovy once a week on the new chosen day (Thursday).
Important Note:
This is the rule for changing your weekly day. For a missed dose, follow the five-day instructions above. If the timing is unclear, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
For a planned change of weekly injection day, allow more than 72 hours since the last actual dose. Monday at 9 am to Thursday at noon is 75 hours. After the change, continue once weekly on Thursday. For a missed dose, follow the separate five-day instructions. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you are unsure.
What if I accidentally use two doses too close together?
Don't use another Wegovy dose until you've received appropriate advice.
The Wegovy prescribing information warns that an overdose can cause digestive symptoms and dehydration; medical monitoring and supportive treatment may be needed. Low blood sugar is also a risk with Wegovy, especially when used with insulin or a sulfonylurea.
If you have used more Wegovy than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately.
If you're experiencing severe symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.
What if I've missed more than one Wegovy dose?
The standard missed-dose instructions cover a single missed dose.
If you've missed multiple doses, don't simply assume that you should restart at your previous dose.
Speak to your prescriber before restarting treatment, particularly if you've been without Wegovy for an extended period.
Your previous dose, how long you've been without treatment, and your individual circumstances may all be relevant.
Will missing a Wegovy dose affect my weight loss?
Missing one dose does not mean that your treatment has failed.
However, using Wegovy consistently as prescribed is important because the medicine is designed to be taken once weekly.
If you've missed a dose, follow the instructions above rather than trying to compensate by taking an extra weekly dose.
If you are regularly forgetting doses, consider setting a weekly reminder on your phone or choosing a consistent day that fits easily into your routine.
What if I miss my dose because I'm feeling unwell?
If you've missed your injection because you're experiencing side-effects, don't automatically take the missed dose without considering how you're feeling.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are common side-effects of Wegovy, particularly during dose escalation. They generally become less prominent over time.
If you're experiencing significant or persistent side-effects, speak to your prescriber.
With significant digestive side effects, the Wegovy prescribing information says the prescriber may delay a dose increase or return to the previous dose until symptoms improve. Request any dose change through your prescriber; do not adjust it yourself.
What if I miss my dose while travelling?
Travelling doesn't change the missed-dose rules.
If you have your Wegovy with you and are within 5 days of your scheduled dose, follow the usual instructions.
If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next injection on your normal day.
You should also make sure that Wegovy is stored correctly while travelling. Follow the storage instructions provided with your medicine and check the Patient Information Leaflet for specific requirements.
The main thing to remember
If you forget your Wegovy dose, follow the five-day instructions and do not double your prescribed weekly dose to catch up.
Remember:
- 5 days or less: take the missed dose as soon as possible.
- More than 5 days: skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the usual day.
- Do not take an extra weekly dose to make up for a missed one.
- If you've missed multiple doses or you're unsure what to do, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
How many days can I be late using Wegovy injection?
You can use a missed dose within 5 days of the scheduled time. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the dose.
Should I double my Wegovy dose if I miss one?
No. Never double your prescribed weekly dose to make up for a missed dose. This is different from using multiple injections to deliver a weekly dose that your prescriber has specifically prescribed.
What happens if I miss using Wegovy for a week?
If more than 5 days have passed since your scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use your next dose on your normal day.
Can I change the day I inject Wegovy?
Yes. When changing your weekly injection day, allow more than 72 hours since your last actual dose. Then continue once weekly on the new day.
What happens if I miss several Wegovy doses?
Speak to your prescriber before restarting, particularly if you've been without treatment for an extended period. Don't assume that you should automatically restart at your previous dose.
Can I take Wegovy early?
If you are changing your weekly injection day, allow more than 72 hours since your last actual dose. This is separate from the five-day missed-dose rule. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you are unsure.
