Wegovy Dosage Details: Forms, Potencies, Injection Procedures, and Further Information
Wegovy, a popular medication for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction, comes as a solution inside prefilled, single-dose pens. It's given as a subcutaneous injection, which can be administered in the abdomen, at least 2 inches away from your belly button, thigh, or upper arm.
To help lower the risk of certain side effects, a starting dose and a dose escalation schedule for Wegovy are recommended. The typical dose escalation schedule starts at 0.25 mg once weekly and gradually increases every four weeks until reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly. Here's a breakdown of the dose escalation schedule:
- Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg once weekly
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg once weekly
- Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg once weekly
- Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg once weekly
- Week 17 and onward: 2.4 mg once weekly (maintenance dose)
However, if a patient cannot tolerate a dose increase, escalation may be delayed by four weeks. Your doctor will have you start with a 0.25 mg weekly dose for the first month, and then they'll typically increase your dosage each month after that.
Injection site and time of day can be flexible without dose adjustments. It's important to rotate your injection site each time you inject a dose to avoid irritation.
Overdose symptoms of Wegovy can include severe nausea, severe vomiting, and severe low blood sugar, which may cause tremors, sweating, heart palpitations, dizziness, rapid heart rate, confusion, fainting, or seizures. If you believe you've used too much Wegovy, call your doctor right away.
It's crucial to never change your dosage of Wegovy without your doctor's recommendation. If you miss a Wegovy dose and your next scheduled injection is due in less than 48 hours, skip the missed dose then take your next dose at the usual time. If it's more than 48 hours, take the missed dose as soon as possible.
For those who are prescribed Wegovy for their children, the method of administration may depend on the child's age. In some cases, parents may give the injections, while in others, the child may learn to give themselves injections under a doctor's supervision.
If you have questions about the dosage of Wegovy that's best for you, talk with your doctor. In case of an emergency, you can also contact America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. Remember, always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
- Wegovy, a medication for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction, comes in prefilled, single-dose pens and is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
- The starting dose of Wegovy is 0.25 mg given once weekly, with a recommended dose escalation schedule for lowering side effects.
- The dose escalation schedule typically increases every four weeks, going from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg, with potential delays if a patient cannot tolerate a dose increase.
- Injection site and time of day can be flexible with Wegovy without the need for dose adjustments, but it's important to rotate injection sites.
- Overdosing on Wegovy can lead to severe symptoms, such as severe nausea, severe vomiting, and severe low blood sugar.
- Always consult a doctor before changing your dosage of Wegovy or in case of an overdose.
- If a Wegovy dose is missed, take it as soon as possible if it's more than 48 hours since the last dose, but skip the missed dose if the next one is due in less than 48 hours.
- In some cases, parents may administer Wegovy injections to their children, while in others, the child may learn to give herself/himself injections under a doctor's supervision.
- You can discuss any dosage-related concerns with your doctor or contact America's Poison Centers in case of an emergency.
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