{"id":628905,"date":"2024-07-10T09:15:13","date_gmt":"2024-07-10T13:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628905"},"modified":"2025-02-19T15:52:56","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T20:52:56","slug":"taking-wegovy-for-the-first-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/taking-wegovy-for-the-first-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking Wegovy for the first time: Tips and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve considered taking Ozempic for weight management but discovered it\u2019s only approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, there is another possible option: <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s similar to Ozempic both in how it\u2019s administered (by injection) and its active ingredient (semaglutide). But, <\/span>unlike Ozempic<\/span><\/a>, Wegovy is FDA approved for chronic weight management in certain populations, including people 12 years and older who meet specific body mass index (BMI) requirements or have other health conditions affecting their cardiovascular health.<\/span><\/p>\n

The recent popularity of injectable weight loss drugs has given many people a sense of familiarity with them, but it can still feel intimidating when you\u2019re sent home with your first dose of Wegovy<\/a>. While your healthcare provider or pharmacist will likely have talked to you about how to self-administer Wegovy, you may have more questions about what you can expect after taking your first dose. Here\u2019s everything you need to know to get started with your first dose of Wegovy, from where to inject it and what it will feel like to when you can expect results (and potential side effects).<\/span><\/p>\n

How to use the Wegovy pen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wegovy comes in a single-use pen that is pre-loaded with your dose. According to <\/span>Jared Braunstein, DO<\/span><\/a>, an internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to LabFinder, the usual starting dose of Wegovy is 0.25 milligrams (mg) once a week. <\/span>Starting at a higher dose <\/span><\/a>isn\u2019t advised, because your body needs time to adjust to the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to follow the instructions your healthcare provider or pharmacist has given you about injecting yourself with the Wegovy pen. Your prescription should also come with detailed instructions for use, and Wegovy\u2019s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has <\/span>this information (and a helpful instructional video)<\/span><\/a> on its website for further reference. Wegovy should be kept refrigerated until use or kept at room temperature in its carton for a maximum of 28 days. \u201cYou can take it with or without food,\u201d says Dr. Braunstein. Be mindful of the medication\u2019s environment. Do not let the medication freeze or stay in a hot car or mailbox.<\/span><\/p>\n

Per Novo Nordisk, the basic steps for using the Wegovy pen are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Wash your hands.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Inspect your pen for defects, including cracks on the outside of the pen or discolored medication inside the pen. Check that the expiration date has not passed.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Choose an injection site (if you need more help, read more about <\/span>where and how to inject Wegovy<\/span><\/a>), and clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Pat the area dry.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Remove the medication\u2019s pen cap.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Place the pen against the injection site and press down to get the yellow injection bar moving. You will hear two clicks during this process. Once the yellow bar has stopped moving, the injection is complete, and you can slowly lift the pen away from your skin.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Dispose of the pen in an FDA-approved <\/span>sharps container<\/span><\/a> (or acceptable alternative) and gently dab any blood at the injection site with a cotton pad or ball.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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