What is Wegovy?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a medication prescribed to help adults manage their weight. It is specifically intended for individuals who are classified as obese or overweight and have weight-related health issues like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a hormone produced in the intestine that signals the pancreas to release insulin after you eat. GLP-1 also slows down the emptying of your stomach and reduces your appetite. This mechanism of action helps to decrease the amount of food that a person eats and keeps them feeling full for a longer time, ultimately leading to weight loss over time.
This medication is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week. Wegovy is different from other weight-loss medications as it comes in a pre-filled pen, making it easy to use and self-administer at home.
The drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 4, 2021, making it the first and only once-weekly injection approved for chronic weight management in adults.
Consult Your Doctor First
Before injecting Wegovy, it is strongly recommended to consult your doctor. This is because they will be able to provide you with comprehensive information on the drug and whether it is suitable for you or not. Moreover, they will be able to give you instructions on how to inject the medication correctly for the best results. In addition, your doctor will be able to monitor you for any possible side effects or complications that may arise from using the medication.
Wegovy is a prescription-only medication that is mostly used to treat obesity. It contains semaglutide, an active ingredient that works by slowing down the digestion process and making you feel full for longer. As a result, it helps you eat less and lose weight. However, it is not for everyone, and your doctor will determine if it is right for you based on several factors such as your BMI, health history, and current medications.
During your consultation, be sure to inform your doctor if you are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredients in Wegovy. Also, tell them if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding, as the medication may affect your unborn baby or nursing infant. Similarly, if you have any medical conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems, or pancreatitis, inform your doctor as Wegovy may worsen these conditions.
In summary, before starting to inject Wegovy, consult your doctor first and follow their instructions carefully. Your doctor will evaluate your health status and determine if the medication is suitable for you. They will also provide you with detailed information on how to prepare and administer the injection, as well as monitor you for any potential side effects. Remember, the goal is to achieve healthy weight loss while ensuring your overall well-being, so trust your doctor and be patient!
Prepare the Injection
Before you start injecting Wegovy, it is essential to prepare the injection site, syringe and inspect the solution. This will help ensure that the injection process is done properly, reducing the risk of complications or infections.
Clean the Injection Site
The injection site should be clean and dry to prevent infection. Wash your hands and clean the area with an alcohol swab. Wait for the alcohol to dry completely before injecting. It is recommended to choose a different injection site every week to avoid causing scarring or skin irritation.
Prepare the Syringe
Using a new syringe, take the cap off the needle and pull back on the plunger until the syringe is filled with air. Next, insert the needle into the vial and inject the air into the vial. This will help to create a vacuum that makes it easier to draw the solution out of the vial. Slowly pull back on the plunger to withdraw the prescribed dose of Wegovy.
Inspect the Wegovy Solution
Before injecting, inspect the Wegovy solution for any discoloration or particles. If you see any, do not use the solution and discard it immediately. The solution should be clear and colorless, and not expired. Check the expiration date before using and discard any open vials after 4 weeks.
Following these simple steps will ensure you properly prepare the injection of Wegovy. Remember to always read and follow the instructions on the medication label carefully, and never share syringes or needles with anyone.
Inject Wegovy
For those who are prescribed Wegovy, it’s important to know how to properly inject it. Wegovy is a medication used for weight management in adults who are overweight or have obesity. It works by mimicking a hormone in the body that regulates appetite, leading to a feeling of fullness and ultimately weight loss. Here are the steps to properly inject Wegovy:
Step 1: Gather Supplies
Before starting, gather all necessary supplies, including a Wegovy pen injector, a new needle, and an alcohol swab. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling any of these items to reduce the risk of infection. Checking the expiration date on the Wegovy pen and needle is also important to ensure the medication remains effective.
Step 2: Prepare the Pen and Needle
Twist off the cap of the Wegovy pen and insert a new needle onto the end of the pen. Remove the needle cover and check for any air bubbles or leaks. If there are any issues, discard the needle and start the process again with a new one.
Step 3: Clean the Injection Site
Select an injection site, typically the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely before proceeding.
Step 4: Inject the Medication
Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle into the cleaned injection site and press the button on the end of the pen to inject the medication. Keep the button pressed until the syringe is empty to ensure all of the medication has been injected into the body.
It’s important to note that the timing of the injection can vary depending on the individual’s schedule and preferences. As long as there is consistency in the timing and location of the injections, the medication should be effective.
Step 5: Apply Pressure and Dispose of the Needle
After removing the needle from the injection site, apply pressure to the site with an alcohol swab for a few seconds to minimize bruising and bleeding. Discard the needle into a puncture-resistant container, making sure to dispose of it properly.
It’s important for those using Wegovy to follow proper injection techniques and guidelines from their healthcare provider. By doing so, they can maximize the benefits of the medication and achieve their weight management goals. If there are any concerns about the injection process or the effectiveness of the medication, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.
Dispose of Used Needle and Syringe
Proper disposal of needles and syringes is important to prevent injury and the spread of infections. After injecting Wegovy, dispose of the used needle and syringe properly in a sharps disposal container.
Do not throw the used needles and syringes in the regular trash bin. These items should be placed in a puncture-resistant container that is labeled for sharps disposal. These containers are available at many pharmacies and medical supply stores. You can also ask your healthcare professional for advice on how to dispose of sharps.
Never try to bend or break the needles before disposing of them. This can increase the risk of injury and infection. Always use a sharps disposal container that is designed to safely hold the needles and syringes until they can be properly disposed of.
When your container is full, do not dispose of it in the regular trash bin. Check with your local waste management company to see if they offer a sharps disposal program. If not, contact your healthcare professional or local health department for guidance on how to safely dispose of the container and its contents.
By properly disposing of the used needles and syringes, you are not only protecting yourself and your family from injury and infection, but you are also helping to protect the environment and the community from potential harm.
Storage of Unused Wegovy and Injection Supplies
Proper storage of unused Wegovy vials and injection supplies is important to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Store Wegovy vials in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze and do not use if frozen. Keep the vials in their box and protect them from light.
Before injecting Wegovy, check the expiration date on the vial. Do not use if the expiration date has passed. Also, check for any visible signs of damage or tampering, such as cracks or leaks in the vial or a broken seal.
Store the injection supplies, such as needles and syringes, in a clean and dry place. Keep them in their packaging until ready to use. Do not reuse needles or syringes.
It is important to keep the unused Wegovy and injection supplies out of the reach of children and pets. Accidental injection or ingestion of the medication can be harmful. Always dispose of any unused medication and supplies properly.
Final Thoughts
Proper disposal and storage of used and unused Wegovy and injection supplies is important to ensure their effectiveness and safety. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent injury, infection, and potential harm to the environment and the community. If you have any questions or concerns about the disposal or storage of Wegovy or injection supplies, contact your healthcare professional or local health department for guidance.