Wegovy is a once-weekly injection used to regulate blood sugar levels and help with weight loss.
Learn about Wegovy pens
Wegovy is a prescription drug for weight loss that contains the same active ingredient semaglutide as drugs such as Ozempic.
It comes in an injection pen, also known as a “medication pen” or simply “pen.” If you have been prescribed Wegovy, it may be your first time giving a self-injection.
Most people find syringe pens easier to use than syringes because they allow for easy and accurate administration of injectable medications.
The Wegovy pen is approximately 6 inches long and has a pen cap on one end and a small plunger button on the other end. The pen comes in five colors, each corresponding to a pre-measured dose. Each box of Wegovy contains four pens, all with the same dosage.
When you remove the cap of the pen, you can see the nib and the transparent drug chamber just behind it. The body of the pen has a label with drug and dosage information.
Unlike many other injectable medication pens, the Wegovy pen has no visible needle. This is because, although it has an auto-injector similar to insulin pens and Ozempic pens, the Wegovy pen administers pre-loaded single doses.
If you have never used a pen before, your doctor or pharmacist can teach you how to use the Wegovy pen safely. Additionally, the manufacturer provides detailed instructions on its website.
What will the dosage be?
The prescribed amount in milligrams should match the dosage listed on the pen label. Each pen contains a one-week supply and is designed to be used only once before being discarded.
There are five different dose sizes, each with a different pen color.
- 0.25 milligrams (mg) (teal) at the beginning of treatment
- 0.50mg (pink)
- 1mg (brown or orange)
- 1.7mg (blue)
- 2.4mg (dark gray)
Always make sure that the prescribed dose is clearly listed on both the package and the pen. Pen colors and labels are subject to change, so please check accuracy before injecting.
Never exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor, as overdosage can cause serious side effects.
Where is the best place on the body to inject Wegovy?
Wegovy is designed to be administered directly under the skin by injection.
Medications that are injected under the skin are most effective when they are injected into areas of the body that have fatty tissue.
Injections into thin areas of the body or areas with most muscle are not recommended because they are more painful, may cause more bleeding than usual, and may reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
Never inject Wegovy into a vein or artery.
According to the drug’s manufacturer, the three best places on the body to inject Wegovy are the front of the thigh, the abdomen (at least 2 inches from the belly button), and the upper arm, especially the back of the upper arm.
read more: How to avoid bruising at the injection site.
How to inject Wegovy
Once a week, on the same day each week, a prescribed dose of Wegovy is injected into the fatty tissue under the skin. The time zone doesn’t matter.
Here are the steps to follow:
check the pen
First, make sure the pen is not damaged or the medicine is expired.
If none of these apply to you, please contact the manufacturer at 1-833-934-6891.
If all of these conditions are met, follow these steps:
- Prepare a pen and an alcohol swab.
- Make sure you have the correct pen and dose.
- Remove the pen cap and make sure the liquid inside the pen is clear and colorless.
Prepare the injection site
Choose areas with a lot of fatty tissue, such as the abdomen, upper thighs, and upper arms.
Wipe the area with an alcohol swab.
Injection of Wegovy
Press the pen firmly into the skin at a 90 degree angle. Press the pen firmly against your skin to activate the auto-injector.
Listen for the first click indicating that the injection has started.
Press and hold the pen for approximately 10 seconds until you hear a second click, indicating the injection is complete.
Watch the yellow plunger bar move within the pen window as you administer the medication.
Close the cap and discard the pen
Replace the pen cap and discard disposable pens.
A small amount of blood is normal. Apply pressure with an alcohol swab if necessary.
Does the injection hurt?
The Wegovy pen uses a tiny needle to inject medication into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. The needles are very thin and short, so most people don’t feel any pain.
If you are sensitive to cold liquid injections, consider removing the pen from the refrigerator 1 to 2 hours before use.
Bringing the drug to room temperature before injection reduces potential discomfort. Be sure to keep the cap closed until you are ready to administer.
How do I know if I have injected correctly?
To confirm proper injection:
- Listen for two clicks and look through the pen’s clear window to see the yellow plunger move the medication into your body.
- Make sure the plunger has stopped moving before removing the pen from your skin.
- Keep the auto-injector in firm contact with the skin for at least 10 seconds.
If you have any concerns or think you may have a problem, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
When is the best time to inject Wegovy?
The best time to inject Wegovy has not been clinically proven. The key is to choose a consistent day each week.
For example, if you decide to take Wegovy on Monday, you can take it any time, but continue to take it at the same time every Monday for the duration of your treatment.
To help you remember, mark the day on your calendar or pen box, or set a reminder on your phone to avoid missing a dose.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible within 5 days. However, if more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take it on the next scheduled day.
That is, if your next scheduled dose is within 2 days (48 hours), do not take the missed dose. Please wait and resume your normal dosing schedule.
How should I store my Wegovy pen?
Proper storage of Wegovy is essential to maintain its effectiveness.
- Refrigerate at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Do not freeze.
- Store medicines in their original containers and away from light.
Why doesn’t the Wegovy pen have a needle?
When you open the new Wegovy pen, you’ll notice that unlike insulin pens, there is no visible needle.
This is because the Wegovy pen uses an auto-injector with a small needle built into the body of the pen.
As a result, you don’t have to see or handle needles when taking medicine.
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