You’ve finally gotten weight loss medication to assist you in your journey! That’s excellent news, but now you might have some questions about how to use the take-home vials you’ve been prescribed.
While pharmacy laws and regulations vary by state and by medication, we’re here to help you navigate them. Proper use, cleaning, and monitoring of your weight loss medication will help you succeed and stay safe. Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Are Multi-Use Vials Good For?
Weight loss medication vials are safe to use for either 28 days after first being used or until the expiration date. Whichever date comes first is the one you should follow. For example, if you’ve been using your multi-use vial for 14 days and its expiration date is in seven days, you’ll need to stop using it on Day 21 instead of 28.
That might seem inconvenient, but guidelines like these are in place to protect your health and safety. You can always reach out to our Medical Director if you have questions or concerns about how to use your weight loss medication.
What Happens if My Medication Expires?
Very old or expired vials of weight loss medication are less effective and more risky to use. The chemical makeup of your medication is only designed to hold up for the period on its label. After that, anything may happen to the mixture inside.
If you use an expired vial, you may notice reduced efficacy (which then stalls your weight loss journey) and unpleasant side effects. There’s also an increased risk of infection when using old vials as well.
If you’re seeing a provider who’s giving you vials to use for three to four months or longer, we recommend that you discontinue your relationship with them immediately. You should always be getting fresh vials that are meant for use within their 28-day expiration period, not beyond it.
Take-Home Vials vs. In-Office Vials
You might see us provide weight loss medication injections in our office from vials that aren’t prescribed to a specific client and are for office-use only. These vials are different from the take-home vials that our patients are prescribed. If another provider ever tries to send you home with an office-use vial, that’s a big red flag.
You need a prescription for at-home weight loss medication vials. Once your prescription goes through a pharmacy, it will either be shipped to you or you can pick at the office. Review the vial and make sure it has your correct information for the prescription.
Injection Cleanliness and Safety Tips
When using weight loss medication at home, you need to practice safe injection practices, as unsafe techniques can harm you and put others around you at risk.
Follow these guidelines closely to prevent unwanted problems and side effects:
Clean the Top of the Vial Beforehand
Always use an alcohol swab to wipe down the puncture point on the vial before using it. Doing so will kill any lingering bacteria, fungi, or viruses that could infect you through the needle.
Wash Your Hands
Thoroughly wash your hands with an antibacterial soap before starting the injection process. Scrub your palms, in between your fingers, and underneath your nails as much as you can.
Never Reuse Needles
Reusing or sharing needles with another person can result in dangerous and even deadly diseases. Only use one needle on yourself per dose of weight loss medication. Never use a pre-used or discarded needle, even if you think you know where it came from or you’re close to the previous user.
What to Do if You Need More Weight Loss Medication
Communication is key, and your provider should value your input in your treatment plan. After all, it’s your health that’s on the line.
With that in mind, some red flags for weight loss medication providers include the following:
- Failing to respond to requests for refills
- Keeping you in the dark about your treatment plan
- Giving you in-office vials
- Not paying attention to your vials’ expiration dates
- Giving you long-term use vials (beyond 28 days)
- Not briefing you on needle and injection safety
If you notice anything concerning going on, it’s best to switch providers. Weight loss medication is just as much a prescription drug as any other medication.
Our Medical Director works closely with each patient to establish a beneficial treatment plan. Afterward, we monitor you and continue to check in long after you start your regimen.
Book a Personalized Consultation for Weight Loss Medication in Sioux Falls
If you need help shedding extra pounds, finding a reputable provider of weight loss medication in or around Sioux Falls is important. At Vital Flow Infusions, we take weight management seriously. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and book a one-on-one consultation with our Medical Director to get started.
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