Weight loss with Saxenda: Karen's story
Kim Phelps
|
Dec 12, 2023
We spoke to Karen, who has lost 42 lbs on her personal weight loss journey so far. Hear her story, and learn more about her experience with GLP-1s.
Mounjaro and Wegovy are injectable medications used for weight loss. Mounjaro, with the active ingredient tirzepatide, is a dual agonist, meaning it activates both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. On the other hand, Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Both medications promote weight loss by mimicking a hormone that is naturally produced in your gut after eating to regulate blood sugar levels, slow stomach emptying, and keep you fuller for longer. [1]
All injectable medications must be stored appropriately to ensure they remain stable and effective. Read on for your guide to storing your medication safely.
Each Mounjaro and Wegovy pen contains enough medication for four doses, so you need to store it safely between uses. Unused pens should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C to maintain their potency. Once opened pens can be kept out of the fridge for 30 days under 30°C however we recommend storing pens in between doses in the refrigerator between 2°C – 8°C.
Do not store pens directly next to the cooling element as this may cause the medication to freeze and do not use your medication if it has been frozen. If your pen has been unrefrigerated for more than 30 days it should be discarded. [2]
Your medication will be sent to you in special packaging to keep it as cool as possible while in transit. Once you receive your medication, put it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. However, if it’s been exposed to extreme heat (above 30ºC) for an extended period, you shouldn’t use your medication and should request a new pen.
After your first use of the pre-filled injection pen, store it with the needle removed and the cap on (this will help protect it from light) out of the reach of children. Your pen should also be kept away from heat and light. [3]
As most GLP-1 treatments are once-weekly, there will likely be times when you’ll need to take your pen with you on a trip. It’s advised you carry your medicine in your hand luggage just in case your checked bags go missing or get damaged. [4] You’ll also need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you – so make sure that you bring your medication in it’s original packaging with the dispensing label visible. You should also let security know that your bags contain injection pens before they’re screened.
When travelling with your injection pen it’s important to protect it from heat and light especially in hot climates. We recommend carrying a cool pack in your bag to keep your medication slightly refrigerated. If you’ve got any questions or concerns about travelling with your weight loss drugs, you can speak to your Levity clinical team or doctor for advice.
With Levity you can access Mounjaro as well as a range of other GLP-1 medications from the comfort of your own home. First you’ll complete an online consultation so our clinical team can look at your medical history and weight loss goals to determine if you’re eligible for treatment. Included in your monthly medication costs is your initial consultation, prescription, medication – which we’ll deliver to your door each month – shipping, and unlimited clinical check-ins.
Find out what treatment is suitable for you here.
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We spoke to Karen, who has lost 42 lbs on her personal weight loss journey so far. Hear her story, and learn more about her experience with GLP-1s.
Our Levity experts created this guide to help you understand how to use the Wegovy pen so you can carry out your treatment plan with confidence.
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How much does mounjaro cost in the UK? Read our guide to the science-backed weight loss treatment and where to get it for the best price online.