PHARMACISTS in Australia should be aware of potential errors when dispensing Wegovy (semaglutide), now available for chronic weight management.
Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) Professional Officers have reported several incidents recently where patients received the incorrect strength of Wegovy due to prescription confusion.
Variations in prescriber software formats have led to misunderstandings, resulting in patients being supplied more than the intended dose.
For example, prescriptions for Wegovy 0.25mg have been written by total strength/volume (e.g. 1mg/1.5ml) but incorrectly dispensed as 1mg.
This is four times the correct dose received by the patient, explained the profession's insurer.
Some prescriptions mimic US formats, further contributing to dosing errors.
PDL advises pharmacists to familiarise themselves with Wegovy FlexTouch Pens, as different pens are required for dose transitions, unlike Ozempic.
Additionally, non-PBS Ozempic prescriptions have been mistakenly used to supply Wegovy, leading to complaints about price differences.
Pharmacists are urged to prioritise Ozempic for type 2 diabetes patients and inform weight management patients about Wegovy.
PDL recommends extra caution when dispensing Wegovy, verifying prescriber intent, and counselling patients on correct dosing.
Pharmacists should also stay informed on the risks of the "click" method of semaglutide pens, as improper use can result in higher-than-intended doses. JG
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