Wegovy is a prescription medication that can help adults and children aged 12 years or older with obesity or excess weight to lose weight and keep it off. Wegovy is a type of medicine called a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. Wegovy is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week, on the same day each week, with or without food.
To use Wegovy safely and effectively, it is important to choose and use the best injection site for the medication. The injection site is the area of the body where the needle is inserted to deliver the medication. Choosing and using the best injection site can help prevent pain, bruising, bleeding, infection, or other complications from the injection.
In this article, we will explain how to choose and use the best injection site for Wegovy, as well as provide some tips and precautions to follow.
How to Choose the Best Injection Site for Wegovy
According to the medication guide for Wegovy, there are three main areas of the body that can be used as injection sites for Wegovy:
- The stomach (abdomen), except for a 2-inch area around the navel
- The front of the thigh
- The back of the upper arm
These areas have enough fat tissue under the skin to absorb the medication and avoid hitting any nerves, blood vessels, or muscles. These areas are also easy to reach and see, which can make the injection more comfortable and convenient.
To choose the best injection site for Wegovy, you should consider the following factors:
- Your preference: You should choose an area that you feel comfortable with and that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you wear tight-fitting clothes or have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid injecting in your stomach. If you have difficulty reaching your back or upper arm, you may want to avoid injecting there.
- Your rotation: You should change (rotate) your injection site with each injection to prevent skin irritation or damage. You should not use the same site for each injection. You can use different areas within the same body part (such as different spots on your stomach) or switch between different body parts (such as your stomach one week and your thigh the next week).
- Your cleanliness: You should choose an area that is clean and dry to prevent infection. You should avoid injecting in areas that are dirty, sweaty, oily, hairy, or have cuts, bruises, scars, tattoos, or rashes.
How to Use the Best Injection Site for Wegovy
Once you have chosen the best injection site for Wegovy, you should follow these steps to use it correctly:
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Check the expiration date and appearance of your Wegovy pen. Do not use it if it is expired, damaged, or has particles or discoloration in it.
- Remove the cap from your Wegovy pen and attach a new needle to it. Do not reuse needles or share them with others.
- Select your dose by turning the dose selector until you see your prescribed dose in the dose window.
- Clean your injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
- Pinch a fold of skin at your injection site with one hand and hold your pen at a 90-degree angle with the other hand.
- Insert the needle into your skin with a quick motion and press the dose button until it stops moving. You will hear a click sound when you start and finish injecting.
- Keep the needle in your skin for at least 6 seconds before pulling it out. Do not rub or massage your injection site after injecting.
- Dispose of your used needle in a puncture-proof container according to local regulations. Do not throw away your pen until it is empty.
Tips and Precautions for Choosing and Using the Best Injection Site for Wegovy
Here are some tips and precautions to keep in mind when choosing and using the best injection site for Wegovy:
- Read and follow the instructions that come with your Wegovy pen carefully before using it. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse for help.
- Store your Wegovy pen in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) until you are ready to use it. Do not freeze it or expose it to heat or sunlight. Once you start using it, you can keep it at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 56 days. Do not use it after this time.
- Do not inject Wegovy into a muscle (intramuscularly) or vein (intravenously), as this can cause serious side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
- Do not inject Wegovy into areas that are affected by lipodystrophy (a condition that causes abnormal fat distribution) or cutaneous amyloidosis (a condition that causes lumps or bumps under the skin), as this can affect the absorption of the medication.
- Do not inject Wegovy with other medications or liquids, as this can cause interactions or contamination.
- Do not mix Wegovy with other semaglutide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines, as this can cause overdose or adverse reactions.
- Do not share your Wegovy pen or needles with others, as this can spread infections or diseases.
- Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, medical conditions, or medications that may affect your use of Wegovy. Some of these include problems with your pancreas, kidneys, eyes, thyroid, or liver; type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy; pregnancy or breastfeeding; or blood thinners or insulin.
Conclusion
Wegovy is a prescription medication that can help adults and children aged 12 years or older with obesity or excess weight to lose weight and keep it off. Wegovy is injected under the skin once a week, on the same day each week, with or without food. To use Wegovy safely and effectively, it is important to choose and use the best injection site for the medication. The best injection site for Wegovy is the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. To choose and use the best injection site for Wegovy, you should consider your preference, rotation, and cleanliness. You should also follow the steps to use your Wegovy pen correctly and follow the tips and precautions to prevent complications. If you have any questions or concerns about choosing and using the best injection site for Wegovy, you should consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse for advice.
