TrimRX | Adjusting Your Wegovy Schedule: What Happens If You Take It Early?

Introduction

Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, disrupting even the most carefully planned routines. Perhaps you have a trip coming up, a busy week on the horizon, or you simply forgot your usual injection day. For individuals managing their weight with medications like Wegovy®, these disruptions can lead to a common question: what happens if you take Wegovy early? The thought of shifting your dose might seem like a simple solution to an inconvenient schedule, but understanding the precise implications of adjusting your medication timing is crucial for both safety and effectiveness.

Wegovy®, an FDA-approved injectable medication containing semaglutide, has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against obesity and overweight with related health conditions. Its mechanism—mimicking the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite and food intake—is designed to work optimally when administered on a consistent, once-weekly schedule. However, daily life is rarely perfectly consistent, and the need for flexibility can arise.

At TrimRx, our journey began with a shared vision to help individuals embrace healthier lifestyles by merging cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss solutions. We understand that sustainable weight loss should be achieved through science, empathy, and a transparent approach. Our platform is a user-friendly and supportive space where individuals receive personalized, medically guided care—all designed to make sustainable weight loss attainable and tailored to the individual. We believe in empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your health, ensuring your journey is as effective and safe as possible.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the nuances of Wegovy dosing, exploring the official guidelines, potential risks of early administration, and practical strategies for managing your schedule. We will cover what current research and clinical experience suggest about dose flexibility, how to handle missed doses, and the critical role of professional guidance. By the end of this post, you will have a clear understanding of how to navigate your Wegovy treatment safely, maintain its efficacy, and ensure your weight loss journey remains on track with the unwavering support we offer.

Understanding Wegovy and Its Designed Efficacy

Wegovy® (semaglutide) represents a significant advancement in medical weight management. As an FDA-approved prescription medication, it offers a proven pathway for adults struggling with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) who also have weight-related medical problems such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Furthermore, it’s approved for adolescents aged 12 and older at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex. Its role extends beyond weight reduction, as it is also approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and a BMI of 27 or higher.

At its core, Wegovy works by harnessing the power of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This compound mimics a natural hormone in your body that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and glucose metabolism. When administered, semaglutide helps you feel fuller faster and for longer, reducing overall caloric intake. It also slows gastric emptying, which contributes to sustained feelings of satiety, ultimately supporting weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This sophisticated mechanism is why precision in its administration is so important.

The Significance of Once-Weekly Dosing

The design of Wegovy as a once-weekly injection is not arbitrary. Semaglutide has a unique pharmacokinetic profile, characterized by a long half-life of approximately one week. This extended duration of action allows the medication to maintain stable therapeutic levels in your body throughout the entire seven-day period. This consistency is vital for optimizing its effects on appetite regulation and glucose control, ensuring that you benefit from its weight-management properties without daily injections.

Administering Wegovy on the same day each week helps establish a steady-state concentration of the medication in your bloodstream. This steady-state is where the drug’s effectiveness is maximized, and potential side effects are typically most manageable as your body adapts. Any deviation from this consistent schedule can disrupt this delicate balance, potentially leading to fluctuations in medication levels that could impact both efficacy and safety.

The Wegovy Dosing Schedule: A Journey of Gradual Adjustment

Embarking on a weight loss journey with Wegovy involves a carefully structured dosing schedule, specifically designed to help your body adapt to the medication gradually. This process, known as dose escalation or titration, is a cornerstone of safe and effective treatment.

Typical Dose Escalation Plan

When you start Wegovy, your healthcare provider will prescribe an initial low dose, typically 0.25 mg, administered once weekly. Over the next several months, this dose will be gradually increased every four weeks until you reach the full maintenance dose, usually 2.4 mg once weekly. A typical schedule looks like this:

Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg once weekly
Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg once weekly
Weeks 9–12: 1.0 mg once weekly
Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg once weekly
Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg once weekly (maintenance dose)

This step-by-step approach serves a critical purpose: to minimize the likelihood and severity of common side effects. Many people experience gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation when first starting GLP-1 medications or increasing their dose. By incrementally increasing the dose, your body has time to adjust, making the transition smoother and improving overall tolerability.

Some individuals may find that they achieve desired results and manage side effects effectively at a lower dose than the maximum. In such cases, your healthcare provider might recommend maintaining a lower dose, tailoring the plan to your individual response. Our commitment at TrimRx is to provide a personalized approach, ensuring that your treatment plan is optimized for your specific needs and how your body responds. We facilitate access to comprehensive care, including doctor consultations and support, to guide these critical decisions.

What Happens If You Take Wegovy Early? Official Guidance and Risks

The primary question many individuals face is about the flexibility of their weekly Wegovy injection. While life’s demands can make maintaining a rigid schedule challenging, understanding the official recommendations and potential consequences of taking your dose early is paramount.

The Manufacturer’s Recommendation for Timing

The core instruction for Wegovy administration is to take it once weekly on the same day each week. This consistency is key to maintaining stable drug levels and maximizing therapeutic benefits. However, the manufacturer acknowledges that life happens and provides guidance for adjusting your dose day if absolutely necessary.

According to the official prescribing information, if you need to change your dosing day, you should ensure that at least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since your last dose of semaglutide. This minimum interval is critical to prevent the accumulation of too much medication in your system. For example, if you typically inject on a Monday and wish to move your injection to a Friday in the same week, this would mean only a 4-day gap, which is acceptable (as it’s more than 3 days). If you were to move it from Monday to Wednesday, however, that would only be a 2-day gap (less than 72 hours), which is not recommended.

Why This Rule Exists: Pharmacokinetics and Safety

The 72-hour guideline is rooted in the pharmacokinetics of semaglutide. As mentioned, semaglutide has a long half-life. Administering doses too closely together shortens the interval between injections, leading to a temporary increase in the concentration of semaglutide in your bloodstream. While the body can typically metabolize and excrete the medication, an artificially high concentration can overwhelm this process, potentially leading to adverse effects.

Potential Risks of Taking a Dose Too Early:

Increased Side Effects: The most common consequence of taking Wegovy too early is an exacerbation of dose-related side effects. These often include:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Intensified feelings of queasiness or episodes of vomiting.
- Diarrhea or Constipation: More frequent or severe bowel irregularities.
- Stomach Pain: Increased abdominal discomfort or cramping.
- Headache and Fatigue: These general side effects may also become more pronounced.
- Dizziness: A heightened sense of lightheadedness or imbalance.
  These side effects are generally more pronounced when your body is adjusting to semaglutide or a higher dose, and taking it early can mimic a sudden dose increase.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): While Wegovy is not typically associated with hypoglycemia in non-diabetic individuals, those who also take other diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, are at an increased risk. Taking Wegovy too early could potentially contribute to lower blood sugar levels, especially if combined with these medications. It’s crucial for individuals with type 2 diabetes to carefully monitor their blood glucose levels and discuss any dosing changes with their healthcare provider.
Disruption of Steady-State: Consistent weekly dosing helps maintain a “steady-state” of the medication, where the amount of drug entering your system equals the amount leaving it. Taking a dose early disrupts this balance, potentially causing peaks and troughs that could lessen the overall efficacy of the treatment over time, even if not immediately noticeable.
Overdose Potential: While a severe overdose from a single early injection is uncommon, consistently administering doses too close together can lead to higher than intended cumulative levels of semaglutide, increasing the risk of adverse events. Symptoms of overdose are typically an amplification of the common side effects, but in severe cases, medical attention might be required.

It’s important to differentiate between taking a dose a few hours early versus a full day or more. A minor shift within the same day is unlikely to cause significant issues due to the medication’s long half-life. However, deliberately taking a dose a full day or more ahead of schedule without adhering to the 72-hour rule should be avoided. The key principle is to avoid artificially shortening the interval between doses.

Managing Your Wegovy Schedule: Practical Strategies for Flexibility

Despite the importance of consistency, life’s demands sometimes necessitate adjustments to your medication schedule. Here are practical strategies for managing your Wegovy injections while prioritizing safety and effectiveness.

1. Plan Ahead for Schedule Changes

If you anticipate a conflict with your regular injection day—such as travel, a significant event, or a period where consistency might be difficult—plan to adjust your dose day in advance. Remember the 72-hour rule: if you want to shift your injection day, ensure there are at least three full days between your last injection and the new one. For instance, if you normally inject on Wednesday and want to move to Friday for a trip, you would need to wait until the following Friday to ensure sufficient time has passed. This might mean skipping a dose in the current week or pushing your injection out by a few days to establish the new consistent day.

2. Adhere to the 72-Hour Rule

This is the most critical guideline. Do not take two Wegovy doses with less than 3 days (72 hours) between them. This interval is crucial for preventing drug accumulation and minimizing side effects. If a planned shift would result in a shorter interval, it’s safer to either delay your dose slightly (to meet the 72-hour minimum) or, if a significant shift is desired, wait an extra week to establish the new day while ensuring the minimum interval.

3. Handling a Missed Dose

If you forget to take your Wegovy dose, here’s what to do:

If your next scheduled dose is more than 2 days (48 hours) away: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, continue with your regular weekly schedule.
If your next scheduled dose is less than 2 days (48 hours) away: Skip the missed dose entirely. Do not take it. Instead, take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one, as this significantly increases the risk of side effects and potential overdose.

4. Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Any decision to alter your regular dosing schedule, especially significant shifts or concerns about side effects, should always be discussed with your healthcare professional. They possess your medical history and can offer personalized advice tailored to your health status and other medications you might be taking. At TrimRx, we prioritize this continuous support. Our comprehensive program includes doctor consultations and unlimited support, ensuring you always have expert guidance available to navigate any questions about dosing, side effects, or schedule adjustments without any hidden fees.

5. Don’t Double Up Your Doses

This cannot be stressed enough: Never take more than one dose of Wegovy within your weekly cycle, and certainly never double up to compensate for a missed dose. Overdosing, even inadvertently, increases the concentration of semaglutide in your system beyond therapeutic levels, leading to a much higher incidence and severity of side effects.

Keeping Track of Your Doses

To avoid confusion and maintain consistency, develop a system for tracking your injections. This could be a simple calendar mark, a reminder on your phone, or a dedicated app. Many find that setting a recurring weekly alarm helps ensure they administer their dose on the same day and time, making adherence easier.

Beyond Dosing: Comprehensive Support for Your Weight Loss Journey with TrimRx

While correctly managing your Wegovy dosing schedule is vital, it’s just one component of a successful, sustainable weight loss journey. At TrimRx, we believe in a holistic approach that integrates cutting-edge medication with personalized support and lifestyle guidance, all rooted in science, empathy, and transparency.

Our brand story began with a profound understanding that individuals seeking weight loss deserve more than just medication; they need a robust support system, expert guidance, and a plan tailored to their unique physiology and lifestyle. This led us to merge telehealth innovations with effective, medically guided weight loss solutions. Our platform is a welcoming and supportive space where personalized, medically supervised care is accessible, making sustainable weight loss truly attainable.

Our Personalized Weight Loss Program

For those considering prescription weight loss medications like Wegovy®, our program is designed to provide comprehensive care. We emphasize that sustainable weight loss should be achieved through transparent practices and clinical excellence. Our commitment to transparent service means our approach remains consistent, regardless of dosage changes. We also prioritize your safety by working exclusively with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for the shipping of weight loss medications.

Our personalized weight loss program begins with a crucial first step: a free assessment quiz. This quiz helps us understand your health profile, weight loss goals, and eligibility for various treatment options. Based on your assessment, you may qualify for a personalized treatment plan that includes prescription medications such as:

It’s important to clarify that while medications like Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, and Wegovy® are FDA-approved, compounded medications are not FDA-approved. However, we partner with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for the shipping of all weight loss medications.

Our comprehensive service goes beyond just medication. It includes everything you need for a supportive journey:

Doctor Consultations: Access to qualified medical professionals for personalized guidance.
Lab Work: Essential health assessments to tailor your treatment.
Medication: Your prescribed weight loss medication, shipped directly from our partner FDA-registered, inspected pharmacies.
Unlimited Support: Ongoing access to our care team for questions, concerns, and motivation.
Shipping: Convenient, hassle-free delivery of your medication.

All these elements come with no hidden fees, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and making your journey straightforward and stress-free. To see if you qualify for our personalized prescription weight loss program and begin your transformative journey, we encourage you to take our free assessment quiz today.

Quick-Access Supplements for Immediate Support

We also understand that some individuals may be looking for immediate, accessible support for their overall wellness during their weight loss journey, or to complement a prescription plan. For these needs, we offer quick-access supplements that do not require a quiz:

GLP-1 Daily Support: Designed to support your body’s natural processes, this supplement can be a valuable addition to your regimen.
Weight Loss Boost: This supplement provides additional support to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

These quick-access supplements are available for immediate purchase, offering a convenient way to enhance your well-being.

Ensuring Safety and Efficacy: Storage and Administration Best Practices

Beyond adherence to the dosing schedule, proper storage and administration techniques are fundamental to the safety and efficacy of your Wegovy treatment.

Proper Storage Guidelines

Maintaining the integrity of your medication is crucial. Wegovy pens should always be stored properly to ensure their potency and safety:

Refrigeration: Unused Wegovy pens must be stored in the refrigerator, between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F). This temperature range is critical for maintaining the medication’s stability.
Avoid Freezing: Never freeze your Wegovy pens. If a pen has been frozen, it should be discarded, even if it has thawed, as freezing can compromise the medication’s effectiveness and safety.
Room Temperature Limits: Once you start using a Wegovy pen, or if it is removed from refrigeration for convenience, it can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for a maximum of 21 days. After 21 days, any unused medication in that pen should be discarded.
Protect from Light: Always store your pens away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Keep the pen cap on when not in use.

Planning your storage, especially when traveling or adjusting your dose day, ensures your medication remains effective.

Safe Administration Techniques

Administering your Wegovy injection correctly is straightforward but requires attention to detail:

1. Checking Your Pen

Before each injection, visually inspect your Wegovy pen. The liquid inside should be clear and colorless. Do not use the pen if the liquid appears cloudy, discolored, or contains any particles, as this could indicate improper storage or degradation of the medication. Ensure the pen’s expiry date has not passed.

2. Selecting the Correct Dose

Wegovy pens are pre-filled and designed to deliver a specific dose. Always confirm you are using the pen corresponding to your prescribed dose (e.g., 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg). During the dose escalation phase, you will switch to a higher-dose pen as directed by your healthcare provider.

3. Attaching a New Needle

Always use a new, sterile needle for each injection. Remove the paper tab from the needle and push it straight onto the pen, turning until it is tight and secure. Remove both the outer and inner needle caps; discard the inner cap. Never reuse a needle, and never use a bent or damaged needle.

4. Priming Your Pen (Flow Check)

Before your first injection with a new pen, or if you suspect an issue, you may need to perform a flow check (priming) to ensure the needle is not blocked and the medication is flowing correctly. Follow the instructions provided with your pen to dial to the flow check symbol, hold the needle upwards, and press the dose button until a drop of medicine appears at the needle tip.

5. Choosing an Injection Site

Wegovy is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) into areas with a reasonable amount of fatty tissue. The recommended injection sites are the abdomen (at least two inches away from the belly button), the front of your thighs, or the upper arms. If injecting into your arm, it’s often easier for another person to administer the dose.

Rotate Injection Sites: To prevent skin irritation, lumps, or tissue damage, it’s important to rotate your injection site with each dose. For example, alternate between different areas of your abdomen, or switch from your abdomen to your thigh.

6. Injecting the Medication

Once the site is chosen, pinch a fold of skin, insert the needle, and press the dose button until the dose counter returns to zero. Hold the needle in place for a few seconds (as per pen instructions) to ensure the full dose is delivered. Withdraw the needle, and carefully remove it from the pen using the outer cap. Dispose of the used needle in a sharps container immediately.

Important Safety Information

While Wegovy is generally well-tolerated, it is vital to be aware of potential serious side effects and when to seek medical attention.

Thyroid Tumors: Studies in rodents showed Wegovy and similar medicines caused thyroid tumors, including cancer. It is unknown if this occurs in humans. Inform your healthcare provider if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Pancreatitis: Severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away, with or without vomiting, could indicate inflammation of the pancreas. Seek medical help immediately.
Gallbladder Problems: Symptoms like pain in the upper stomach, fever, yellowing skin/eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools could indicate gallstones.
Hypoglycemia: Increased risk, especially if taking other diabetes medications. Be aware of symptoms like dizziness, sweating, confusion, and shakiness.
Kidney Problems: Dehydration from severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to kidney issues. Stay hydrated and report persistent symptoms to your provider.
Severe Stomach Problems: Persistent or severe stomach issues should be reported.
Allergic Reactions: Swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, trouble breathing, severe rash, fainting, or rapid heartbeat require immediate medical attention.
Increased Heart Rate: Monitor for a racing or pounding heart that lasts several minutes.
Depression or Suicidal Thoughts: Pay attention to any sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience new or worsening mental health concerns.

By diligently following these best practices for storage and administration, you can enhance the safety and effectiveness of your Wegovy treatment, contributing positively to your weight loss journey.

The Broader Picture: Consistency, Patience, and Long-Term Success

The journey to sustainable weight loss is rarely a sprint; it’s a marathon that requires consistency, patience, and a holistic approach. Wegovy is a powerful tool, but it’s important to view it within the broader context of lifestyle changes and long-term commitment.

Consistency Over Speed

When asking “what happens if you take Wegovy early,” the underlying desire is often to accelerate results. However, with medications like semaglutide, consistency in administration is far more effective than attempting to speed up the process. The gradual dose escalation schedule is specifically designed to allow your body to adapt, minimizing discomfort and building a stable foundation for weight loss. Rapid increases or early dosing can destabilize this foundation, potentially leading to increased side effects that might even hinder long-term adherence.

Many individuals do not experience significant appetite suppression or weight loss at the initial lower doses of Wegovy. This is normal and expected. The starting doses are primarily intended to introduce your body to the medication safely. Noticeable changes often begin around the 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg stages, typically several weeks into treatment. Patience during this initial phase is crucial, as you build the healthy habits that Wegovy will help reinforce as your dose increases.

Wegovy as a Catalyst, Not a Cure-All

Wegovy is an incredibly effective tool, but it is not a magic solution. Its greatest impact is realized when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It helps by making those lifestyle changes easier to implement and sustain—by reducing hunger, increasing satiety, and curbing cravings. However, the foundational work of mindful eating, nutritious food choices, and regular movement remains essential.

This is where the comprehensive support offered by TrimRx truly shines. Our approach recognizes that medication is just one piece of the puzzle. We empower you to build sustainable habits by providing access to medical consultations and unlimited support, guiding you through dietary adjustments, incorporating physical activity, and addressing any challenges you encounter. We champion a philosophy where cutting-edge medical science meets personalized care, fostering an environment where individuals can not only lose weight but also cultivate healthier, more vibrant lives.

Our Commitment to Your Sustainable Results

At TrimRx, our brand is empathetic, innovative, trustworthy, supportive, results-oriented, and personalized. We offer compassionate care that respects every individual’s unique journey by combining advanced medical science with modern technology. Our vision is to empower you to embrace healthier lifestyles, providing the tools and guidance for sustained success. We are dedicated to safe, effective weight loss through an individualized approach.

Your weight loss journey is personal, and our commitment is to be your trusted partner every step of the way. We believe in providing clear, actionable insights and robust support, ensuring that you feel confident and capable in managing your medication and achieving your health goals.

Conclusion

Navigating the intricacies of Wegovy dosing, especially questions like “what happens if you take Wegovy early,” highlights the importance of precise medication management and professional guidance. While the desire to accelerate progress or accommodate a busy schedule is understandable, the key to safe and effective treatment lies in respecting the medication’s designed weekly rhythm and adhering to the 72-hour rule when adjusting your injection day. Taking doses too close together can increase the risk of side effects and disrupt the steady-state essential for optimal efficacy.

We’ve explored the critical role of gradual dose escalation, the necessity of proper storage, and the best practices for administering your injections safely. Beyond these practical considerations, we understand that successful weight loss is a holistic endeavor, integrating medication with sustainable lifestyle changes and unwavering support.

At TrimRx, our mission is to empower you on this journey. We merge cutting-edge telehealth innovations with personalized, medically guided care, providing a user-friendly and supportive space where sustainable weight loss is attainable. Our comprehensive program, including doctor consultations, lab work, medication from FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies, unlimited support, and shipping, is designed to ensure you receive transparent, empathetic, and results-oriented care.

We encourage you to prioritize safety and consistency, and always consult with a healthcare professional regarding any adjustments to your medication schedule. For those seeking a tailored approach to weight loss, we invite you to take our free assessment quiz to see if you qualify for our personalized prescription weight loss programs. If you’re looking for immediate supplementary support, explore our GLP-1 Daily Support and Weight Loss Boost supplements. Together, we can build a path to a healthier, more vibrant you.

FAQ

Q1: Can I change my Wegovy injection day permanently?

Yes, you can change your regular Wegovy injection day, but it requires careful planning. According to the manufacturer, you should ensure that at least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since your last dose before administering your next injection on the new chosen day. For example, if you usually inject on Monday and want to switch to Friday, you would need to wait until the following Friday to ensure the minimum 72-hour gap between doses is maintained. It’s always best to discuss any significant schedule changes with your healthcare provider or our TrimRx support team for personalized guidance.

Q2: What should I do if I accidentally take my Wegovy dose too early?

If you realize you’ve taken your Wegovy dose earlier than your typical weekly schedule, first assess how much time has passed since your last injection. If the interval is less than 3 days (72 hours), you may experience an increase in side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain due to a temporary higher concentration of the medication in your system. Do not take another dose on your usual day. Monitor your symptoms closely, stay hydrated, and contact your healthcare provider or our TrimRx support for advice, especially if you experience severe or persistent side effects.

Q3: What happens if I miss a dose of Wegovy?

If you miss your weekly Wegovy dose, the course of action depends on how much time remains until your next scheduled dose:

If your next scheduled dose is more than 2 days (48 hours) away: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, continue with your regular weekly schedule.
If your next scheduled dose is less than 2 days (48 hours) away: Skip the missed dose entirely. Do not take it. Instead, take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day. Never double your dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

Q4: Does taking Wegovy early speed up weight loss?

No, taking Wegovy earlier than prescribed does not speed up weight loss and is not recommended. Wegovy is designed for once-weekly administration due to its long half-life, which maintains stable drug levels in your body over seven days. Adhering to the prescribed dosing schedule, including the gradual dose escalation, is crucial for both safety and effectiveness. Attempting to accelerate results by taking doses too close together can increase the risk of side effects and disrupt the medication’s intended steady-state, potentially hindering rather than helping your long-term weight loss progress. Consistent use, combined with a healthy diet and exercise, is the most effective approach.

Adjusting Your Wegovy Schedule: What Happens If You Take It Early?

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