This article describes Wegovy’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to use it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Wegovy. If you want to know more about Wegovy, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Wegovy is a brand-name medication that comes as a liquid solution for injection under your skin. It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Wegovy.
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Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid cancer
Wegovy has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Form and strengths of Wegovy
Wegovy comes as follows:
- Form: pre-filled, single-dose pen with a solution for injection under the skin
- Strengths: pens are available as 0.25 milligrams (mg) in 0.5 milliliters (mL), 0.5 mg in 0.5 mL, 1 mg in 0.5 mL, 1.7 mg in 0.75 mL, and 2.4 mg in 0.75 mL
Dosage of Wegovy
This article describes the recommended dosages for Wegovy. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Wegovy without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Wegovy in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Wegovy called a starting dose. Then, they’ll adjust it every 4 weeks until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Wegovy that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for weight loss and weight management in adults
| Purpose | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|
| weight loss and weight management | 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks | 2.4 mg once weekly or 1.7 mg once weekly |
Dosages of Wegovy in children
Wegovy is approved for use in adolescents 12 years and older with a BMI in the 95th percentile or greater for their age and sex.
The starting dosage for adolescents is the same as for adults: 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
Your child’s doctor will slowly increase their dose every 4 weeks until it reaches the recommended maintenance dosage of 2.4 mg once weekly.
Dosage adjustments for Wegovy
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Wegovy based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- how well you tolerate Wegovy
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Wegovy
If you miss a dose of Wegovy and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days (48 hours) away, take the missed dose. If it’s less than 2 days (48 hours) before your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. In both cases, take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.
If you miss two or more doses of Wegovy in a row, call your doctor for instructions. They may tell you to take your current dose or take a lower dose.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Wegovy and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Wegovy and its dosage.
Can I start at a dose of Wegovy 1.7 mg?
No, you should not start Wegovy at a dosage of 1.7 mg. The recommended starting dosage is 0.25 mg once per week. Then your doctor will slowly raise your dosage over several weeks.
Slowly increasing your dosage helps lower the risk of side effects. It’s important not to use more Wegovy than your doctor prescribes.
If you have questions about the starting dose of Wegovy and how it will increase, talk with your doctor.
How many doses are in a Wegovy pen?
Each Wegovy pre-filled, disposable pen contains one dose. You use a new pen for each dose that you inject under your skin.
If you want to know more about the doses of Wegovy pens, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Wegovy used long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Wegovy as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should use Wegovy, talk with your doctor.
How Wegovy is used
You’ll inject Wegovy subcutaneously (under your skin) once per week. The areas that work well for these injections include the skin around your stomach area (abdomen), thighs, or upper arms. Try to rotate the injection area each time so you don’t use the same area too often. Do not inject Wegovy into a muscle or vein.
It’s best to inject Wegovy on the same day each week, at any time of the day. You can use it with or without food.
Before you start using Wegovy, your doctor will show you how to give yourself injections. They’ll also be able to answer any questions you have about how to inject the medication yourself.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty using your medication. They can offer recommendations about using it.
Wegovy coupon
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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