: Every click-based injection requires a brand-new, sterile pen needle to prevent infection and blockages.
A second reason is availability and cost. During periods of shortage for the lower-dose pens, the 1 mg pen may be the only option available, prompting clinicians to use a 1 mg pen to administer the 0.25 mg starting dose via 18 clicks.
In the US, without insurance, Ozempic can cost over $900 per pen. A blue starter pen (2 mg total) costs the same as a red 1 mg pen (4 mg total). By counting clicks, you effectively get .
The following is an overview of click counts for various amounts of medication:
Data from TrimRx and Rivas Medical Weight Loss.