Semaglutide Reconstitution Calculator
Reconstitution Results
Diluent Volume to Add: mL
Semaglutide per Insulin Syringe Unit: mg/unit
Units for Desired Dose ( mg): units
Understanding Semaglutide Reconstitution
Semaglutide is a medication primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes and, in higher doses, for chronic weight management. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. While some forms of semaglutide come in pre-filled pens, others are supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a vial, requiring reconstitution before use.
Why Reconstitution is Necessary
Lyophilized powders are stable for longer periods and do not require refrigeration until reconstituted. However, for injection, the powder must be dissolved in a sterile liquid, known as a diluent, to create a solution of a specific concentration. This process, called reconstitution, is critical to ensure accurate dosing and patient safety.
The Role of the Diluent
The most common diluent used for reconstituting semaglutide is Bacteriostatic Water for Injection (BWC). BWC contains a small amount of benzyl alcohol, which acts as a preservative, allowing the reconstituted solution to be stored for a certain period (typically 28 days) after mixing, provided it's kept refrigerated.
How the Calculator Works
Our Semaglutide Reconstitution Calculator simplifies the process of determining the correct amount of diluent to add. You simply input:
- Semaglutide Powder Amount in Vial (mg): This is the total amount of semaglutide in the vial you purchased (e.g., 2mg, 5mg, 10mg).
- Desired Final Concentration (mg/mL): This is the concentration you aim to achieve after mixing. Common concentrations might be 1mg/mL, 2mg/mL, or 5mg/mL, depending on your dosing needs and the total semaglutide in the vial.
- Common Desired Injection Dose (mg): This input helps the calculator provide a quick reference for how many units on an insulin syringe correspond to a typical dose you might administer (e.g., 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg).
The calculator then provides:
- Diluent Volume to Add (mL): The precise volume of diluent (e.g., BWC) you need to draw into your syringe and inject into the semaglutide vial.
- Semaglutide per Insulin Syringe Unit (mg/unit): This tells you how much semaglutide is in each "unit" mark on a standard U-100 insulin syringe (where 100 units = 1 mL).
- Units for Desired Dose: Based on your specified common desired dose, this tells you exactly how many units to draw on your insulin syringe.
Example Reconstitution Scenario
Let's say you have a vial containing 5 mg of Semaglutide powder, and you want to achieve a final concentration of 2 mg/mL. You also want to know how many units to draw for a common dose of 0.5 mg.
- Input: Semaglutide Powder Amount = 5 mg
- Input: Desired Final Concentration = 2 mg/mL
- Input: Common Desired Injection Dose = 0.5 mg
Based on these inputs, the calculator would determine:
- Diluent Volume to Add: 5 mg / 2 mg/mL = 2.5 mL
- Semaglutide per Insulin Syringe Unit: 2 mg/mL / 100 units/mL = 0.02 mg/unit
- Units for 0.5 mg Dose: 0.5 mg / 0.02 mg/unit = 25 units
This means you would add 2.5 mL of diluent to your 5mg semaglutide vial. Once reconstituted, to administer a 0.5 mg dose, you would draw 25 units on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Important Considerations for Reconstitution
- Sterile Technique: Always use sterile needles, syringes, and diluent. Clean vial tops with alcohol wipes before piercing.
- Gentle Mixing: After adding the diluent, do not shake the vial vigorously. Gently swirl or roll the vial between your palms until the powder is completely dissolved. Shaking can denature the protein.
- Storage: Store reconstituted semaglutide in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F). Discard any unused portion after 28 days, or as specified by your product's instructions.
- Air Pressure: When adding diluent, it's often helpful to first draw an equal amount of air into the diluent syringe and inject that air into the semaglutide vial to equalize pressure before drawing the diluent into the vial.
- Consult a Professional: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist for specific instructions regarding your medication and reconstitution process.