A malfunctioning Wegovy injection can be a stressful and confusing experience for any patient. The autoinjector is designed for simplicity, providing auditory and visual cues to confirm a successful injection, but occasional mechanical issues can occur. The first and most important step is to remain calm and follow a specific protocol to ensure your safety and that of others, and to secure a replacement pen if necessary. The following guide provides a clear, step-by-step action plan.
Identify the Signs of a Malfunctioning Wegovy Pen
Recognizing a faulty pen is the first step. A normal injection involves two distinct clicks and the slow movement of a yellow bar in the pen's window over approximately 10 seconds. A malfunction deviates from this standard process. Key indicators include:
Visual Indicators:
- Missing or incomplete yellow bar movement: The yellow indicator bar does not start or stops moving prematurely.
- Visible leakage: Medication leaks from the pen body, around the needle, or from the injection site onto the skin.
- Damaged pen: The pen has visible cracks, is broken, or appears to have been used before.
- Cloudy solution: The liquid inside the pen is not clear and colorless. A few small air bubbles are normal, but any cloudiness indicates a problem.
Auditory Indicators:
- No clicks: You don't hear the first or second click that signals the start and continuation of the injection.
- Incorrect clicks: The clicks are not heard at the appropriate times during the 10-second injection.
Mechanical Failures:
- Jammed button: The injection button fails to depress or feels stuck.
- Pen won't activate: Despite firm and proper placement against the skin, the device does not start.
- No medication delivered: You have followed all steps correctly, but suspect no medication was delivered based on the cues.
The Immediate Action Plan: Stop, Document, and Secure
If you suspect a malfunction, follow these steps immediately:
- Stop the injection: Do not attempt to force the pen or restart the process. Remove the pen from your skin immediately.
- Do not re-inject: Never attempt to inject another dose immediately. You do not know if you received a partial dose, and taking a second injection could lead to an overdose.
- Set the pen aside: Put the faulty pen in a safe, designated spot. Do not attempt to take it apart or retrieve the medication. You may need to provide it to the manufacturer for investigation.
- Record the details: Note down everything you observed during the malfunction, including:
- Date and time of the incident
- What exactly happened (e.g., "yellow bar stopped moving halfway through")
- The dose strength of the pen
- The pen's lot number and expiration date (found on the packaging)
- Use a new pen, but with caution: Do not use another pen from the same pack if it shows the same signs of damage or appears compromised. If using a new, visually undamaged pen, take your missed dose as soon as you can, provided your next scheduled dose is more than 48 hours away. If less than 48 hours, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Consult your healthcare provider if you have missed doses for two or more weeks.
Comparison of Normal vs. Faulty Pen Indicators
This table can help you quickly distinguish between a normal injection and a potential malfunction.
| Indicator | Normal Injection | Malfunction Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Auditory Cue | Hears two distinct clicks: one to start, another partway through. | Missing one or both clicks, or clicks happen at the wrong time. |
| Visual Cue | Yellow bar consistently moves through the window, stopping only when complete (approx. 10 seconds). | Yellow bar does not start, stops early, or shows inconsistent movement. |
| Medication Flow | No leakage seen from the pen or injection site. | Visible fluid leaks from the device or injection site, or squirts from the needle. |
| Injection Feel | Smooth, consistent injection with minimal discomfort. | Abnormal pressure, difficulty depressing the button, or unusual pain. |
Contacting for Assistance and Replacement
After documenting the incident, the next step is to seek a replacement. Do not discard the faulty pen until you have specific instructions.
- Manufacturer Support (Novo Nordisk): It is often best to contact the manufacturer directly to report product quality issues. They will guide you through the process of reporting the problem and may arrange for a replacement. The Wegovy Navigation Line can be reached at 1-833-4-WEGOVY (1-833-493-4689).
- Your Pharmacy: Your pharmacy can assist in coordinating with the manufacturer and may handle the replacement process on your behalf.
- Your Healthcare Provider: Your doctor or prescribing provider should be informed of the malfunction. They can offer medical advice, confirm the best way to handle the missed dose, and help with replacement prescriptions.
- FDA MedWatch: For serious product quality problems, you can submit a voluntary report to the FDA. This helps with nationwide safety monitoring.
Safe Disposal of Malfunctioning Pens
When instructed to dispose of the pen, use an FDA-cleared sharps container. Never throw used or faulty pens into your regular household trash. If you do not have a sharps container, a heavy-duty, puncture-resistant plastic container with a tight-fitting, secure lid can be used as a temporary measure. Contact your local waste management facility or pharmacy for specific sharps disposal guidelines in your area.
Conclusion
A malfunctioning Wegovy shot can be frustrating, but following a clear and cautious procedure can mitigate risks and ensure you continue your treatment safely. The most important rules are to never reuse or tamper with a faulty pen and to seek professional advice immediately. By documenting the problem, contacting the manufacturer, and following the missed-dose guidance from your healthcare provider, you can resolve the issue effectively and get back on track with your medication regimen.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
