Wegovy is a prescription medication that can help adults with obesity or overweight and weight-related medical problems to lose weight and keep it off. Wegovy is a type of medicine called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (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. In this article, we will explain where to inject wegovy, how to inject wegovy, and what to do after injecting wegovy.
Where to Inject Wegovy
Wegovy can be injected in three areas of your body: your stomach (abdomen), your thigh, or your upper arm. You can choose any of these areas that are comfortable and convenient for you. However, you should avoid injecting wegovy in areas that are:
- Injured, bruised, swollen, or infected
- Scarred, tattooed, or have stretch marks
- Close to your belly button or waistline
- Close to veins, arteries, nerves, or bones
You should also change (rotate) your injection site with each injection. Do not use the same site for each injection. This can help prevent skin problems such as irritation, redness, or pain.
How to Inject Wegovy
Wegovy comes in a prefilled pen that contains a single dose of the medicine. Each pen has a different color and dose. You should always check the label and the expiration date of the pen before using it. You should also check the appearance of the medicine in the pen. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use the pen if it is damaged, expired, or contains particles or discoloration.
To inject wegovy, you need to follow these steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them well.
- Choose an injection site on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Clean the skin with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
- Remove the cap from the pen and attach a new needle to the pen. Do not touch the needle or let it touch anything.
- Turn the dose selector on the pen until it shows 0 mg. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and tap it gently to remove any air bubbles. Press the dose button until a drop of medicine appears at the tip of the needle.
- Pinch a fold of skin at your injection site and insert the needle into your skin at a 90-degree angle. Do not insert the needle too deep or too shallow.
- Press and hold the dose button until you hear a click sound and see 0 mg on the dose selector. Keep holding the needle in your skin for 6 seconds after you hear the click sound.
- Pull out the needle from your skin and release the skin fold. Do not rub or massage the injection site.
- Dispose of the used needle in a sharps container. Do not reuse or share needles or pens.
What to Do After Injecting Wegovy
After injecting wegovy, you should:
- Monitor your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Wegovy can lower your blood sugar levels and increase your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You may need to adjust your diabetes medications or diet accordingly.
- Watch for signs of allergic reactions or serious side effects. Wegovy can cause allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing. Wegovy can also cause serious side effects such as thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, vision problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts. If you have any of these symptoms, stop using wegovy and seek medical help right away.
- Store your unused pens in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). Do not freeze them or expose them to heat or light. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Use your next pen on the same day of the week as your previous injection. If you miss a dose of wegovy, take it as soon as possible within 5 days after your missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed since your missed dose, skip it and take your next dose on your regular schedule.
Conclusion
Wegovy is a prescription medication that can help adults with obesity or overweight and weight-related medical problems 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. Wegovy can be injected in three areas of your body: your stomach, your thigh, or your upper arm. You should avoid injecting wegovy in areas that are injured, bruised, swollen, infected, scarred, tattooed, or have stretch marks. You should also change your injection site with each injection. To inject wegovy, you need to use a prefilled pen that contains a single dose of the medicine. You need to check the label, the expiration date, and the appearance of the medicine before using it. You need to attach a new needle to the pen and remove any air bubbles from it. You need to pinch a fold of skin at your injection site and insert the needle into your skin at a 90-degree angle. You need to press and hold the dose button until you hear a click sound and see 0 mg on the dose selector. You need to pull out the needle from your skin and dispose of it in a sharps container. After injecting wegovy, you need to monitor your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, watch for signs of allergic reactions or serious side effects, store your unused pens in a refrigerator, and use your next pen on the same day of the week as your previous injection. For more information about wegovy, you can visit their official website 1 or read their medication guide . Thank you for reading this article and have a great day!
