Running out between refills is one of the most stressful things on a GLP-1, and it is usually avoidable with a little planning.
Step 1: count what you have
Count the doses you have not taken yet: unused single-dose pens, doses left in a multi-dose pen, or pills in the pack. Do not count the dose you just took.
Step 2: find the date you need new supply
Each dose covers one more interval after your latest one: a week for a weekly shot, a day for a daily pill.
Example: latest shot on Tuesday, September 22, with 3 pens left. Those cover September 29, October 6 and October 13. The shot on October 20 needs new supply.
Step 3: work back from your refill time
How long does a refill usually take for you? Include:
- The pharmacy ordering or having it in stock
- A prescription renewal if yours is running out
- Insurance or prior authorization reviews
- Delivery time if you use mail order
With a 7-day refill time in the example, you order by October 13. If you have had delays before, give yourself more.
Step 4: set a reminder
Put the order date in your calendar now. The free run-out date calculator does steps 2 to 4 and creates the calendar reminder for you.
Dose changes
If your dose is going up, your current pens will not match your next prescription. Plan the new prescription and its refill before your last dose at the current strength.
If you are short
Call your pharmacy and your prescriber as early as you can. Do not stretch doses, split pens or change your schedule on your own.