Wegovy is a medication indicated for the treatment of overweight and obesity in adults and adolescents over the age of 12. It is used in combination with a low calorie diet and regular physical activity.
This medication contains semaglutide, which acts to regulate appetite and increase satiety (fullness). This can causes a decrease in the amount of calories consumed daily, supporting weight loss and weight maintenance.
Wegovy comes in the form of an injector pen that contains 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2.4 mg of medication. Wegovy should be used only under a doctor's supervision.
Indications for use
Wegovy is indicated for the treatment of:
- Adults with obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2);
- Adults with overweight (BMI greater than 27 kg/m2 and less than 30 kg/m2) with other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol;
- Adolescents aged 12 years and older with obesity (with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile based on age and sex).
Wegovy for weight loss should be used in combination with lifestyle changes such as a low calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Expected weight loss
Wegovy can result in weight loss of up to 15 to 17% of total body weight.
How it works
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a synthetic hormone, similar to the GLP-1 hormone that is naturally produced in the body, that acts on the part of the brain that regulates appetite.
In this way, Wegovy helps to decrease appetite and increase satiety, resulting in fewer calories consumed daily. This, along with a low calorie diet and regular exercise, can promote weight loss and maintenance.
Like other medications containing semaglutide (such as Ozempic and Rybelsus), Wegovy stimulates the production of insulin in the pancreas, lowering blood sugar levels and helping to manage comorbidities related to overweight and obesity.
Similar medications
Wegovy and Ozempic are both once weekly injections in the form of injector pens containing semaglutide.
These medications have different indications, however. While Wegovy is indicated for weight loss in adults and adolescents over age 12, Ozempic is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults over the age of 18.
Despite this, Ozempic has been used for weight loss, since people with diabetes have reported weight loss with the use of Ozempic.
Instructions for use
Wegovy comes in the form of an injector pen and is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the thigh or upper arm.
Wegovy is given once a week, at any time of day, with or without a meal. Prescribers will typically start patients out on a low dose and increase the dose gradually each month.
Dosing recommendations for Wegovy are:
Dose increases should only be done in consultation with a doctor, based on treatment response and assessment of any side effects.
Missed doses
A missed dose should be given as soon as you remember, up to five days following the missed dose.
If it has been more than five days since the missed dose, or if the next scheduled dose is in less than 48 hours, you should skip the missed dose and continue with the next weekly dose as scheduled.
For example, if a dose was scheduled for Monday morning at 10AM, and this dose was missed, it could be given up until Saturday morning at 10 AM, at which point there would still be at least 48 hours until the next weekly dose on Monday.
Side effects
The most common side effects from Wegovy are headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
In addition, Wegovy may cause dizziness, gas and bloating, frequent burping, indigestion, gastritis, and acid reflux.
In people with type 2 diabetes, Wegovy can cause diabetic retinopathy and hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar).
Wegovy can also cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallstones (cholelithiasis), and paralysis of the stomach (gastroparesis).
Localized reactions may also occur, including pain, itchiness, irritation, and bruising at the injection site.
Contraindications for use
Wegovy should not be used in people under 12 years of age or those who have an allergy to semaglutide or other components of the formula.
In addition, this medication should not be used in people with certain endocrine-related cancers, diabetic ketoacidosis, or a personal or family history of thyroid cancer. Tell your health care provider about any history of thyroid or endocrine-related cancers to determine whether you are a good candidate for this medication.
Wegovy should not be used in pregnancy or in people who are breastfeeding. People who can become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control while taking Wegovy.
People who are using other GLP-1 agonists, such as liraglutide and semaglutide (Ozempic and Rybelsus, for example), should not take Wegovy.
Wegovy should be used with caution in people with diabetic retinopathy or a history of pancreatitis.
Treatment precautions
Important care instructions for Wegovy include:
- Choose a day and time that works for you, so that the dose can be given at the same time each week;
- Do NOT increase the dose without first consulting your health care provider;
- Keep your regular medical appointments and advise your health care provider about any side effects you may have;
- Drink at least 8 glasses (2 liters) of water per day to maintain good hydration and avoid dehydration in the case of vomiting or diarrhea;
- Avoid drinking alcohol;
- Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while on Wegovy.
Make sure to inspect the solution in the injector pen before use. If it is not clear and colorless do not use it.
Storage instructions
Wegovy should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures between 36º and 46ºF (2º to 8ºC), in its original package, and away from the light. Avoid storing Wegovy on the refrigerator door, as frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator can cause fluctuations in the temperature of the medication.
Wegovy can be kept outside of the refrigerator for up to 28 days at temperatures less than 86ºF (30ºC) .
Pens that have been frozen, exposed to the light, kept at room temperature for more than 28 days, or exposed to temperatures higher than 86ºF should be discarded.