My GLP-1 Pen Misfired; Now What? Three Things to Do Right Now
- Jennifer Hardy
- Sep 16
- 5 min read
This topic fills the Reddit boards these days in the GLP-1 space. Usually, a new user of Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound goes to administer a dose, and then the pen misfires. Some have ended up with the pricy med liquid spilling onto their clothes, while others swear the medicine didn't go in.
This isn't an emergency, but the resulting panic attack of realizing you just lost a medicine that can cost as much as a mortgage payment could start one.
If you're one of those people who stumbled upon this article, we're going to tell you what to do and how to get the best chance of getting a replacement. Plus, we have all the contact information you'll need to make this happen.
Take a deeeeeeep breath! You're not alone, and you're not SOL.
Why Pens Misfire in the First Place
First, let’s clear up one thing: pen malfunctions happen, and it’s usually not your fault. Sometimes the needle isn’t attached tightly enough.
Sometimes the mechanism inside the pen jams. And sometimes you press the button, hear a click, but nothing actually goes in. These are mechanical devices filled with liquid medication. Things can go wrong.
It’s also common to second-guess yourself, especially when you’re new to self-injections. Was the pen angled right? Did you hold it in long enough? Did the dose actually make it under the skin or just dribble out? Don’t beat yourself up. Even experienced users sometimes deal with a dud pen.
Step One: Don’t Try to Re-Inject
This is the hardest part, because your first instinct is to grab another needle and try again. The problem is you can’t be 100% sure how much medication went in, if any. If you attempt another injection, you risk double-dosing, and that can cause serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, or worse.
Once the needle is out of your skin, that injection attempt is over. No matter how convinced you are that nothing happened, resist the temptation to “fix it” with another poke. Write down what you observed—did the medication leak, did the pen jam, did the plunger stick? Those details will be helpful later.
Step Two: Contact the Manufacturer
Drugmakers expect this to happen occasionally, and they have patient support lines for exactly this reason. The representatives will ask you about the pen, the lot number, and what happened. They may also request photos or the actual pen returned.
The good news? In many cases, they’ll ship you a replacement at no cost. In fact, you might get a whole new month's supply for one faulty pen error!
Here are the main numbers you’ll need:
Ozempic / Wegovy (Novo Nordisk): 1-888-693-6742
Zepbound (Eli Lilly): 1-800-545-5979
When you call, have your prescription label handy. The lot number is usually printed on the pen or box. Be polite but clear about what happened: “The pen clicked, but no medication came out.” These support teams deal with this all the time, and they’re usually quick to help.
Don't be afraid to admit user error. While there’s no written guarantee, plenty of patient stories suggest manufacturers often grant a kind of “one-time forgiveness.” In practice, that means they may send you a replacement even if you accidentally botched the injection.
Step Three: Call Your Pharmacy
Even if the manufacturer agrees to send a replacement, it can take several days. That’s where your pharmacy comes in. Pharmacists have heard it all, and some pharmacies have processes for dealing with defective medication. They may be able to get a rush replacement approved by your insurance, or at least document what happened so you’re not stuck in limbo.
It’s worth asking if they can provide a temporary refill. Depending on your insurance and state laws, you might be able to get an early fill when medication is lost due to device failure. The worst they can say is no.
Extra Tips to Avoid Another Misfire
While not every malfunction is preventable, there are a few ways to lower your odds of losing a dose.
Read the Instructions. This sounds simple enough, but too many people in their excitement to start a GLP-1 journey just assume they'll figure it out as they go.
Check your needle. If your pen requires a separate needle attachment, make sure it’s screwed on tightly. A loose connection is one of the most common reasons for leaks.
Prime the pen. Some GLP-1 pens require priming before the first use. Skipping this step can lead to air bubbles and wasted medication.
Hold it steady. Most pens need to stay in your skin for at least 5–10 seconds after you press the button. Pulling out too quickly can cause drips.
Save the evidence. Don’t toss a faulty pen until you’ve spoken to the manufacturer. They may want proof before sending you a new one.
Keep in mind that if you make a habit of having "accidental misfires," you probably will raise some eyebrows. If you're fed up with the injector pens, most GLP-1s come in a vial and syringe form. While it's a bit more prep work, it's also easier to control medication loading and injecting.
DID YOU KNOW? Vials are overfilled intentionally.
GLP-1 Autoinjector Misfires & Troubleshooting FAQs
How do I know if the dose went in? If you didn’t see liquid leaking and the plunger moved down, chances are the medicine went in. Side effects like mild nausea later can also signal that the dose worked. Even if you see fluid, you won't know for sure that no medication went into your skin.
Will insurance cover a replacement? Sometimes, but not always. That’s why contacting the manufacturer is usually the better first step. They often send a replacement directly.
Can I skip a dose if I lost one? Follow your doctor’s instructions. In many cases, they’ll tell you to wait until your next scheduled dose, but never guess. ALWAYS confirm with your provider. While Reddit can be a great resource, don't always trust guidance from Redditors, especially if you're risking a double dose early on in the journey.
What if I accidentally injected into the wrong place, like a finger?
It happens more often than you’d think, usually when someone tests the pen or holds it wrong. Most of the time, it just hurts, swells a little, and that’s it. The medication won’t do what it’s supposed to because it didn’t go into fatty tissue.
Out of an abundance of caution, contact your provider, and if you’re particularly panicked, you can also call poison control for reassurance. Just be sure to keep the area clean, since hands are exposed to a lot more bacteria than, say, the upper thigh or belly.
Bottom Line
A misfired GLP-1 pen isn’t the end of the world, even if it feels like a financial disaster in the moment. Don’t re-inject, call the manufacturer, and loop in your pharmacy. These steps give you the best shot at getting back on track without paying out of pocket for another pen.
Remember, you’re not the first person this has happened to, and you won’t be the last. Stay calm, keep your paperwork handy, and know that you’ve got options.
