Understanding Wegovy for Weight Loss
Wegovy is a prescription injectable medicine for chronic weight management. It is intended for adults with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition. Wegovy helps people feel fuller sooner, eat less food, and lose weight when used with diet and exercise. It requires regular self-administered injections to be effective.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It mimics an intestine hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that lowers appetite. Wegovy works by activating areas of the brain that reduces hunger, leading to decreased food intake and weight loss over time.
Effectiveness of Wegovy
Clinical studies have shown that Wegovy produces significant weight loss in adults struggling with obesity. People taking Wegovy lost an average of 15% to 18% of their starting body weight over a period of 16 to 20 months. Participants also had reductions in waist circumference and improved heart disease risk factors.
Wegovy Dosage
Wegovy is taken as a subcutaneous injection once weekly. The usual dose schedule starts at 0.25 mg weekly for the first 4 weeks. The dose is then increased to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and finally to 2.4 mg. The 2.4 mg maintenance dose produces the greatest weight loss. Wegovy comes in pre-filled pens or syringes containing doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg.
How to Administer Your Wegovy Injection
Wegovy is given as an injection under the skin, known as a subcutaneous injection. It requires proper technique to administer correctly. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to give yourself a Wegovy shot:
1. Gather the supplies
You’ll need alcohol wipes, the pre-filled Wegovy pen or syringe with attached injection needle, a sharps container for disposing the used needle, and optional ice. Have them ready before starting.
2. Clean your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them well before moving on to the next step.
3. Check medication
Examine the pre-filled Wegovy pen or syringe packaging. Don’t use if it looks damaged. Also check that it is the correct dose prescribed by your doctor.
4. Choose injection site
Common injection sites include your thigh, stomach or upper arm. Rotate sites with each injection. Clean the area with an alcohol wipe and let it dry.
5. Remove cap
Pull off the cap from the injection needle. For pen users, attach the needle before removing the cap. Be careful not to bend or touch the exposed needle.
6. Insert needle
Use your free hand to gently pinch up at least 1 inch of skin around the injection site. Insert the entire needle at a 90 degree angle in one quick motion. For pens, press firmly against skin to trigger injection.
7. Push plunger
After needle insertion, push in the syringe plunger at a steady rate until all the medication is injected. Leave needle inserted for 6 seconds to ensure full dose delivery before removing.
8. Remove and discard
Carefully remove needle from your skin. Place it immediately in a sharps container for safe disposal according to package instructions.
9. Clean area
Put light pressure on the injection site with a sterile gauze for 10 seconds. You can put an adhesive bandage over it if needed.
Tips for Easier Wegovy Injections
Following proper technique helps make your weekly Wegovy injections relatively quick, easy and painless. Here are some extra tips for hassle-free self-injecting:
Let medication come to room temperature
Take Wegovy out of the fridge at least 15-30 minutes before injecting so it's not cold against your skin, which can sting.
Use an ice pack
Applying an ice pack to the injection site beforehand can numb the skin to reduce feeling the needle.
Go slowly
Don’t rush through the injection steps. Insert the needle in one smooth motion without hesitation. Push in the plunger steadily.
Stay relaxed
Tensing your muscles will make the injection more uncomfortable. Remember to breathe and stay relaxed.
Properly dispose sharps
Never reuse needles. Follow guidelines for placing them into an approved sharps container immediately to avoid needlestick injury.
Rotate injection sites
Vary the location of injections to allow each site to recover and avoid skin irritation. Abdomen, thighs and arms are common sites.
Report problems
Contact your healthcare provider if you have persistent redness, swelling, itching or pain at the injection site.
Consider autoinjector
If you have trouble self-injecting, ask about an autoinjector pen designed for easier, virtually painless injections.
Storing Wegovy Properly
To keep your Wegovy usable for the full 14 days it can be stored at room temperature, follow these storage guidelines:
Refrigerate until first use
Keep unused Wegovy pens or syringes in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F until you are ready to inject your first dose.
Can store at room temperature after opening
Once you start using your Wegovy, you can store it for up to 14 days at room temperature no higher than 86°F.
Don't freeze
Avoid storing Wegovy in the freezer or any temperatures below 36°F as freezing can damage it.
Protect from light
Keep Wegovy pens or syringes in their original box to shield from light until ready to inject.
Discard after 14 days unrefrigerated
Throw away any unused Wegovy after being stored out of the refrigerator for 14 days. Start with a new pen or syringe.
Check expiration date
Do not use Wegovy past the expiration date printed on the packaging. Use an unexpired product.
Side Effects of Wegovy
When taken as prescribed, Wegovy is generally well tolerated. However, some temporary side effects can occur, especially at the start of treatment, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Injection site reactions
These side effects are usually mild to moderate and resolve with continued treatment. Contact your doctor if any side effects persist or are severe.
The Bottom Line on Wegovy
When used under medical supervision along with dietary changes and increased physical activity, Wegovy can be an effective medication for chronic weight management in adults struggling with obesity. Follow your doctor’s instructions for safe self-injection technique and proper medication storage. With the right approach, you can successfully incorporate Wegovy into your weight loss plan.
FAQs
How often do you take Wegovy shots?
Wegovy is taken once weekly by subcutaneous injection. The dose is gradually increased over the first 5 weeks until reaching the 2.4 mg maintenance dose.
Where should I inject Wegovy?
Common Wegovy injection sites include the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. Rotate sites with each shot. Clean with alcohol first.
Do Wegovy injections hurt?
Wegovy should not be painful if injected properly. Use an ice pack before injecting, insert the needle steadily, and relax the muscle to minimize discomfort.
How long can unopened Wegovy be stored?
Unopened Wegovy pens or syringes can be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F until ready for first use.
What are the most common Wegovy side effects?
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and injection site reactions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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