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Semaglutide Self Use Instructions

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IN HOME INFUSION SERVICES

Semaglutide Self Admin Instructions

Administering semaglutide at home requires careful adherence to prescribed guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here's a step-by-step guide for self-administration with traditional dosing amounts.

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A hand holds a blue injection pen labeled "Ozempic (semaglutide) Injection, For Single Patient Use," designed to complement quality IV solutions and safe and effective IV therapy. The pen features a transparent window displaying a dose of 0 mg.

Preparation

  1. Prescription and Supplies: Ensure you have a prescription for semaglutide and have the necessary supplies:
    • Semaglutide pen or vial
    • Alcohol swabs
    • A sharps disposal container
    • Needles (if using a vial)
  2. Storage: Store semaglutide in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F or 2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Once opened, you can keep it at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for up to 30 days.

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Dosage

  • Initial Dose: Start with 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks.
  • Maintenance Dose: After the initial 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg once weekly. Based on your response, your doctor may further increase the dose to 1 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dose.

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Administration Steps

  1. Wash Your Hands: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
  2. Check the Pen/Vial: Ensure the semaglutide solution is clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
  3. Prepare the Injection Site: Clean the injection site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) with an alcohol swab. Rotate the injection site each week to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
  4. Prepare the Pen/Vial:
    • Pen: Attach a new needle and prime the pen if necessary (follow the pen-specific instructions). Dial the prescribed dose.
    • Vial: If using a vial, draw the prescribed dose into the syringe.
  5. Inject the Dose:
    • Pen: Insert the needle into the cleaned injection site at a 90-degree angle. Press the injection button to administer the dose. Hold the pen in place for a few seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered.
    • Syringe: Insert the needle into the cleaned injection site at a 90-degree angle. Push the plunger to inject the medication. Hold the syringe in place for a few seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered.
  6. Dispose of the Needle: Safely dispose of the used needle in a sharps disposal container.
  7. Store the Pen/Vial: If using a pen, recap it and store it in the refrigerator. If using a vial, store it according to the storage guidelines mentioned above.

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Monitoring and Follow-Up

  • Blood Sugar Levels: Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels as instructed by your healthcare provider.
  • Side Effects: Watch for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Report any severe or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and adjust the dose if necessary.
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Additional Tips

  • Consistency: Administer semaglutide on the same day each week, at the same time of day.
  • Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, provided it is within 5 days of the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
  • Diet and Exercise: Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen as recommended by your healthcare provider.

If you have any doubts or experience any issues, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

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