How long does a Wegovy pen last?
When you first start Wegovy
How long a Wegovy pen lasts, depends on the dose that is being administered.
Wegovy comes in five different strengths of pens, each containing one of the following prescribed doses of semaglutide: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg or 2.4mg.
The recommended starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week for the first four weeks. One pre-filled 0.25mg pen contains four 0.35mg doses of semaglutide in 1.5 mL solution. This pen will last for four weeks.
You would move up the doses as per diagram below on a monthly basis. Each pen contains 4 doses at the sated strength and you cannot skip a strength meaning that you must step up doses as detailed below.
It's important to follow your doctor’s dose instructions carefully and to not go over the recommended dose. Your healthcare provider will be able to answer any questions that you may have regarding dose administration and how long each pen will last.
Ongoing maintenance dose
The ongoing maintenance dose of Wegovy (semaglutide) may vary depending on the individual and their weight loss goals. However, the typical maintenance dose is 2.4 mg once a week.
The use of Wegovy should be supervised by a qualified clinician who will be responsible for monitoring a patient's response to treatment and in particular any side effects that may arise.
In some circumstances patients may not be able to tolerate the higher dosages of Wegovy, but they will experience the benefits of treatment on a lower dose of the medication. In these circumstances patients will remain at the lower dose rather than stepping up to the maintenance dose of Wegovy.
Whilst not reaching the maintenance dose of Wegovy could be considered as an off license use of the medication, under the appropriate qualified supervision a medical judgement can be made on the appropriateness of continuation of treatment on a lower dose.
Common Wegovy questions
Do I need to increase the dose every month?
No is the simple answer. If you find that you experience sufficient appetite suppression on a lower dose you can stick with this. Using lower doses will reduce the likelihood of side effects. You then have the option to increase the dose at a later date if you find that the appetite suppression is not as effective.
The dosing schedule for Wegovy (semaglutide) involves a gradual increase in the dose over the first four weeks of treatment. However, after this initial period, the dose is typically maintained at a consistent level.
Over a 16 week period, the dose of Wegovy is gradually increased until you reach the maintenance does of 2.4mg. The doses are increased slowly to minimise any gastrointestinal or other side effects.
If there are significant gastrointestinal symptoms, your doctor may advise delaying the dose increase or lowering to the previous dose until symptoms have improved.
How long can I use Wegovy for?
The length of time you can take Wegovy (semaglutide) will depend on several factors. This includes your weight loss goals, overall health, side effects and any other concerns.
Patients were treated with Wegovy for up to 68 weeks in clinical studies. However, if it continues to be beneficial and is well-tolerated, it may be continued beyond this time.
The doctor will help you to decide how long to stay on Wegovy based on your individual needs. They will monitor your progress and may adjust your dose or treatment plan as required to help you to achieve your weight loss goals.
Wegovy is not a permanent solution for weight loss, and it is possible to regain weight once the medication has stopped. It is important to develop a long-term plan for maintaining weight loss which includes healthy eating and regular exercise. Your healthcare provider will help you to develop a plan.
Where do I inject Wegovy?
Inject your dose under the skin (this is called a subcutaneous injection) in your stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm. Do not inject into a vein or muscle. Wegovy is self-injectable in the upper arm, abdomen, or thigh.
Over 40% of the population has tried to lose weight at some point in the last 5 years – so you’re certainly not alone
What time of day should I use my Wegovy injection?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is typically injected once a week at a time that is convenient for you. The exact time of day you use the medication may depend on your personal preference and schedule.
Will I experience side effects using Wegovy?
All medication will have the potential of side effects and Wegovy is no different.
Nausea is the most common side effect experienced at the start of treatment. This will normally reduce in most cases as your body becomes used to the medication. You may experience an increase in side effects when you increase the dose, these should settle within a few days. There are some self-help tips you can try if you do suffer from nausea.
- Eat bland, low-fat foods, like cracker toast and rice
- Eat foods that contain water, like soups and gelatin
- Don't lie down after you eat
- Go outside to get some fresh air
Side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and tend to improve over time as your body gets used to the medication. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, or any unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.
In rare cases, Wegovy may cause more serious side effects such as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, and allergic reactions. It's important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or difficulty breathing.
What will I do if I experience side effects?
Please contact our customer care team and they will arrange for a member of our clinical team to contact you to discuss and offer advice. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm.
If you suffer from any debilitating side effects out of these hours i.e. weekends or evenings after 5pm please contact NHS out of hours services or in an emergency 999.
England: 111, Wales: 0845 46 47, Scotland: NHS24 111, NI: Dependent on your area. Please refer to: https://111.nhs.uk/
How is Wegovy stored?
Wegovy (semaglutide) should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). However, it should not be frozen, and should not be stored at room temperature or above 86°F (30°C).
When you receive your Wegovy pen, it will come with instructions on how to properly store and handle the medication. Be sure to read and follow these instructions carefully.
If you are traveling and need to take your Wegovy with you, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 56 days, as long as it is kept away from heat and direct sunlight.
Do not use Wegovy if it has been frozen, stored above 86°F (30°C), or past its expiration date. If you have any questions or concerns about how to store Wegovy, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
- Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the pen label and carton after ‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Do not freeze wegovy and do not use it if it has been frozen.
- Keep the pen cap on in order to protect from light.
- Before opening: Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Keep away from the cooling element.
- During use: You can keep the pen for 6 weeks when stored at a temperature below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) away from cooling element.
- Do not use this medicine if you notice that the solution is not clear and colourless.
Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Can I take my Wegovy medication abroad?
If you are planning to travel abroad and need to take your Wegovy (semaglutide) with you, it's important to check the regulations of the country you will be visiting beforehand.
Always carry medicines in their original, correctly labelled packages. Carry your medicine in your hand luggage (although check your airline's regulations before travelling) with a copy of your prescription. Contact customer care if you need a copy of the prescription. [email protected]
What diet should i follow?
We know that to lose weight we need to burn more calories than we consume, but knowing where those calories come from and which foods to eat can be really confusing. That’s why we’ve developed a diet guide to help our patients make simple, effective changes that ensure you are set up for a successful weight loss journey.
The PrivateDoc diet guide was written by Sirtfood Dietitian Glen Matten. Glen has an MSc in Nutritional Medicine and has transformed the health of thousands of patients, with over 15 years of clinical practice. His previous clients include sports stars (Conor Mcgregor), celebrities (Adele) (Lorraine Pascal) and global CEOs.
Glen has worked with us to develop the PrivateDoc Sirtfood Diet which includes a complete guide to the Sirtfood diet, it’s principles, nutrition, weight loss tips and an example 7-day diet plan.
Once you have learnt the principles of the Sirtfood diet these can then be implemented to create your own menu, live healthily and continue to thrive. Our aim is that after completing this guide you will have a better understanding of nutrition, what to eat, why to eat it and when.
What if I want to stop my Wegovy treatment?
If you want to stop taking Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss, contact us so we can help you develop a plan for safely discontinuing the medication and transitioning to other weight loss strategies if needed.
It's important to note that abruptly stopping Wegovy can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Therefore, it's recommended to gradually taper off the medication over a period of several weeks.
If you are traveling and need to take your Wegovy with you, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 56 days, as long as it is kept away from heat and direct sunlight.
Do not use Wegovy if it has been frozen, stored above 86°F (30°C), or past its expiration date. If you have any questions or concerns about how to store Wegovy, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
- Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the pen label and carton after ‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Do not freeze wegovy and do not use it if it has been frozen.
- Keep the pen cap on in order to protect from light.
- Before opening: Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Keep away from the cooling element.
- During use: You can keep the pen for 6 weeks when stored at a temperature below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) away from cooling element.
- Do not use this medicine if you notice that the solution is not clear and colourless.
Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Key points moving forward
- Watch what you eat, maintain smaller portion sizes and try not to snack. Ensure you drink plenty of water – we recommend at least eight glasses of water per day.
- Consider using a diary or journal to help track what you are eating.
- Continue with regular exercise, remember if you burn more calories than you intake you should not see the weight build again. The NHS advises we should try and get around 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.
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