How To Take Wegovy
Wegovy® is a prescription weight-management medicine that is taken once weekly. It is designed to be taken on the same day each week, at any time of the day, and can be taken with or without food. Wegovy® is available in 5 different dose strengths, ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg, with each dose coming in a different color pen. Your healthcare provider will gradually increase your dose over time until you reach your maintenance dose.
Storage and Handling
It is important to store Wegovy® in the refrigerator. However, if necessary, it can be kept outside of the refrigerator between 46°F to 86°F for up to 28 days. It should be kept in the original carton to protect it from light. If Wegovy® has been frozen, it should be discarded. Before using the pen, it is advisable to let it reach room temperature, ensuring that the cap remains on during this time.
Instructions for Use
Before using your Wegovy® pen for the first time, it is crucial to read the Instructions for Use and Medication Guide that come with the pen. It is also recommended to consult your healthcare provider about the correct preparation and injection of Wegovy®.
Each pack of Wegovy® contains 4 pens of the same dose, with each pen intended for one-time use only. The needle is covered and will not be visible. The preparation, injection, and disposal of the pen should be done as per the provided instructions.
Injection Process
When preparing for the injection, it is important to ensure that the pen indicates the correct medication and dose prescribed by your healthcare provider. The pen window should be checked to ensure that the medicine is clear and colorless. If the pen appears to have been used, is broken, or has passed the expiration date, it should not be used, and healthcare provider should be contacted.
Your healthcare provider can assist in choosing the injection site that is best for you, which can be the upper legs, lower stomach, or upper arms. It is important to clean the injection site with an alcohol swab or soap and water and to avoid touching the area after cleaning. The injection should be administered by firmly pressing the pen against the skin for about 10 seconds, ensuring that the yellow bar in the pen window starts moving. The pen should only be removed from the skin after the yellow bar has stopped moving.
Disposal
After use, the pen should be safely disposed of in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container or a sturdy household container with a tight-fitting lid. It is important not to throw the pen away in household trash. If there are any difficulties or questions regarding the use of Wegovy®, it is advisable to contact the provided support number for assistance.
FAQs
1. Can Wegovy® be stored outside of the refrigerator?
Yes, Wegovy® can be kept outside of the refrigerator between 46°F to 86°F for up to 28 days. It should be kept in the original carton to protect it from light.
2. What should I do if the pen appears to have been used or is broken?
If the pen appears to have been used or is broken, it should not be used, and your healthcare provider should be contacted for further guidance.
3. How should I choose the injection site for Wegovy®?
Your healthcare provider can help you choose the injection site that is best for you, which can be the upper legs, lower stomach, or upper arms. It is important to avoid injecting into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.
4. What should I do if blood appears after the injection?
If blood appears at the injection site, it is advisable to press lightly with a gauze pad or cotton ball.
5. Can I reuse a Wegovy® pen?
No, each pen is intended for one-time use only and should be safely disposed of after use.
6. What should I do if I have difficulties injecting Wegovy®?
If you experience difficulties injecting Wegovy®, you can switch to a more firm injection site, such as your upper leg or upper arm, or consider standing up while injecting into the lower stomach. If you continue to experience issues, it is advisable to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.