Wegovy
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Wegovy®(Semaglutide)

Introduction

A prescription medication called Wegovy® (semaglutide) is used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular issues and aid in weight loss. Wegovy® is supplied in a prefilled, single-dose injectable pen as a liquid solution.

Wegovy® is advised in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and exercise to:

  • Help persons with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese lower their risk of cardiovascular issues (including heart attacks and strokes) and mortality.
  • Assist obese adults and children aged 12 and above with weight loss and long-term weight management.
  • Adults who are overweight and suffer from a weight-related illness

Wegovy®: What is it?

An injectable prescription medication called WEGOVY® (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg is used in conjunction with a lower-calorie diet and more exercise:

  • To lower the risk of significant cardiovascular events in people with documented heart disease who are obese or overweight, such as death, heart attack, or stroke.
  • That could assist obese adults and children 12 years of age and above, as well as some overweight individuals with weight-related health issues, in losing and maintaining excess body weight.

Wegovy® is used to help individuals who are obese or overweight and have food-related medical issues lose weight and keep it off over the long run. By decreasing hunger and slowing down the digestive system, Wegovy® helps you eat less, which leads to weight loss and aids with weight management. Adults with cardiovascular disease who are obese or overweight can also utilize Wegovy® to lower their risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and cardiovascular death.

Since semifluid, the active ingredient in Wegovy® is also included in Ozempic and Robles’s, these medications shouldn’t be taken together. Patients with type 2 diabetes can reduce their blood sugar levels using Robles’s, a once-daily pill, and Ozempic, a weekly subcutaneous injection. For certain patients with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is also used to reduce their risk of serious cardiovascular events.

Wegovy® is an FDA-approved medication that is administered subcutaneously once a week. To assist control weight, this medication should be taken in conjunction with a lower-calorie diet and more exercise.

Since Wegovy® contains semifluid, it should not be taken with other products that also contain semifluid or medications that act as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

The safety and efficacy of using Wegovy® in children less than 12 is unknown.

How is Wegovy® operated?

Wegovy® is a synthetic form of GLP-1, a hormone that is found naturally in the body and regulates food intake by acting on multiple brain regions. Wegovy® reduces hunger and delays the stomach’s emptying by activating the brain’s GLP-1 receptors. This makes you feel fuller for longer and encourages you to eat less, which helps you lose weight. The mechanism of action (MOA) of Wegovy® (semaglutide) is that of a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Who is eligible to use Wegovy®?

FDA-approved Wegovy® is an anti-obesity medication that helps people lose extra body weight and keep it off over time in:

  • Grownups and obese patients older than twelve
  • Adults with a weight-related medical condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol) who are also overweight

Before using this medication

This medication should not be used if you have an allergy to it or if you have:

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (see your doctor for treatment); medullary thyroid cancer in your family or personal history; or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands).

Tell your doctor if you previously experienced:

  • pancreatitis, kidney disease, stomach or intestinal disorders, or are preparing for surgery or another operation involving deep sedation or anesthesia;
  • diabetes-related eye issues (diabetic retinopathy);
  • Possess or have previously experienced mental health conditions such as depression or suicidal thoughts.
  • Semaglutide produced thyroid cancer or tumors in animals. Whether these consequences might manifest in humans is unknown. Consult your physician about your risk.

Being pregnant

Being pregnant
Being pregnant

This medication should be discontinued at least two months before your intended pregnancy. This drug may cause harm to your unborn child. Consult your physician about a safer medication to take at this time. Gaining the proper amount of weight and managing diabetes is crucial throughout pregnancy. Losing weight during pregnancy could be harmful to the fetus, even if you are overweight.

Women who take Wegovy® while pregnant are listed in a pregnancy exposure register. This registry was created to gather data regarding your health and that of your unborn child.

How is Wegovy® injected?

  • When you’re ready to inject, take off the pen cap.
  • Press the pen firmly against the skin and hold it there until the yellow bar stops moving to inject Wegovy®.
  • You should press the pen harder on your skin if the yellow bar does not begin to move.
  • During the injection, you will hear two clicks. When the injection has begun, click 1, and when it is still in progress, click 2.
  • Before the yellow bar in the pen window stops moving, do not take the pen off your skin. You might not receive your entire dosage if you take out the needle too soon.
  • When you withdraw the pen from your skin, the needle cover will lock. The injection cannot be stopped and resumed at a later time.

Where can I get Wegovy®?

  • Using a single-dose pen device, Wegovy® is injected beneath the skin of your upper arm, thigh, or stomach (abdomen). It is not recommended to administer this medication intramuscularly or intravenously.
  • With every injection, switch up the injection site. Even though you might inject in the same place every week, it’s crucial to use a new location each time.
  • Immediately after use, dispose of the used Wegovy® pen in a sharps disposal receptacle approved by the FDA. It is not appropriate to dispose of the pen in the trash.
  • The Wegovy® pen should not be used by blind or visually impaired people without assistance from a qualified user.

Instructions for general Wegovy® injection

  • Wegovy® is taken once per week (Same Day). You can have an injection with or without eating, at any time of day.
  • If you decide to switch up the weekly injection day, begin your new routine at least two days following your last injection.
  • The dosage for the Wegovy® pen is predetermined, and it is intended for single use only.
  • Don’t prepare an injection until you’re ready to administer it.
  • Verify your injection to see whether the medication appears hazy, has changed color, or contains any particles.
  • The needle cover covers it The needle is hidden from view since the needle cover covers it.
  • You run the risk of suffering a needle stick injury if you contact or press on the needle cover.
  • See Instructions for Wegovy® Use for detailed instructions with illustrations on how to use Wegovy®.

Wegovy® Dosage Details

For four weeks, the first Wegovy® dosage is 0.25 mg once weekly. After that, it will increase every four weeks until it reaches a maintenance dose of 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg weekly. To lower the chance of gastrointestinal adverse effects, the Wegovy® dosage plan begins with a low dose and builds over several months.

Wegovy® Dosage Chart

Initial Escalation Schedule for Adult Wegovy® Dose:

  • For weeks one through four (month one), take 0.25 mg once weekly.
  • 0.5 mg once weekly during weeks five through eight (the second month)
  • For weeks nine through twelve (month three), take 1 mg once weekly.
  • For weeks thirteen through sixteen (month four), take 1.7 mg once weekly.

Dosage of Adult Maintenance Wegovy®:

  • 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly starting in Week 17. Consider postponing dosage escalation for four weeks if patients are unable to tolerate a dose during this phase.

Initial Wegovy® Dose Escalation Schedule for Children 12 Years of Age and Up:

  • For weeks one through four (month one), take 0.25 mg once weekly.
  • 0.5 mg once weekly during weeks five through eight (the second month)
  • For weeks nine through twelve (month three), take 1 mg once weekly.
  • For weeks thirteen through sixteen (month four), take 1.7 mg once weekly.

Maintenance Wegovy® Dosage for Children 12 Years of Age and Up:

  • 2.4 mg once every week starting in Week 17.
  • The maintenance dosage may be lowered to 1.7 mg once weekly if patients are unable to tolerate the 2.4 mg once weekly.
  • If the patient is unable to handle the weekly dosage of 1.7 mg of Wegovy®, stop using it.
  • Additionally, Wegovy® is FDA-approved to lower the risk of serious.

Cardiovascular events such as non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and cardiovascular mortality in:

  • Persons who are overweight or obese and have a history of cardiovascular disease
  • Increased physical activity and a lower-calorie diet should be combined with this injection.

How much does Wegovy® cost?

With insurance, the cost of Wegovy® may be zero dollars for a 28-day supply; without insurance, it may be zero dollars. A supply of Wegovy® lasts for 28 days and can cost $650. Insurance, the pharmacy you choose, and if you have patient assistance, a savings card plan, or coupons all affect how much Wegovy® costs.

Prescription medication costs might vary based on several factors. These elements include the drugstore you use and the coverage provided by your insurance plan. You can read this Wegovy® cost post for more information.

There is no generic version of Wegovy®. Typically, generic medications are less expensive than name-brand ones.

For additional information on reducing prescription drug costs, see this article.

Consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding how to pay for Wegovy® medicine expenses, such as the cost of the 2.4-milligram (mg) strength. To view their support choices, you may also go to the Wegovy® manufacturer’s website.

By controlling your body’s appetite and calorie intake, Wegovy® aids in long-term weight loss. Read this article to find out more about Wegovy’s weight loss benefits.

Wegovy® is also used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular issues in obese or overweight persons with cardiovascular disease. This use is explained in the section below titled “Is Wegovy® used to reduce cardiovascular risks?”

Is Wegovy® used for managing and losing weight?

Indeed. Wegovy® is used for long-term weight loss and weight management in conjunction with exercise and a low-calorie diet in:

  • Obesity in adults and children aged 12 and up
  • Overweight persons with a weight-related medical issue, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

Side effects of Wegovy®

Typical Side Effects of Wegovy®
The following are typical adult Wegovy® side effects:

  • Nausea (44%).
  • Diarrhea (30%)
  • Vomiting (24%).
  • Constipation (24%).
  • Discomfort in the stomach (20%)
  • Headache (14%).
  • Fatigue (11%).
  • 9 percent of people have indigestion.
  • Bloating (7%)
  • Burping (7%).
  • 6% of individuals with type 2 diabetes have low blood sugar.
  • Farts or gas (6%)
  • Gastrointestinal illness (6%).
  • 5 percent of people have heartburn.

In clinical trials, 5% or more of adult patients who were overweight or obese and using Wegovy® 2.4 mg experienced these adverse effects. Usually, they go away a few weeks after you start treatment or a few weeks after you increase your dosage. The majority of the time, these Wegovy® side effects are modest and transient, and they won’t likely affect long-term therapy. In clinical trials, 16 percent of Wegovy® patients discontinued treatment because of side effects, compared to 8 percent of patients receiving a placebo.

Advice for handling the adverse effects of Wegovy® stomach

The most frequent adverse effects of Wegovy® are stomach-related. When beginning therapy, you can assist manage any nausea or other gastrointestinal side effects by:

  • Consuming food more slowly
  • Consume bland, low-fat foods (such as rice, bread, and crackers).
  • Eat smaller meals more frequently and stay away from greasy or fried food.
  • consuming water-based meals (such as soup or gelatin)
  • After eating, avoid lying down and instead remain upright.
  • Getting some fresh air outside
  • As directed by your physician, begin with a low dose of Wegovy® and gradually increase it.
  • Contact your healthcare professional for guidance if you experience discomfort, worsening, or persistent gastrointestinal side effects.

Your doctor may lower your maintenance dose to 1.7 mg once weekly if you are unable to take the 2.4 mg once weekly dosage. Your doctor may stop prescribing the 1.7 mg once-weekly dosage if you are unable to take it.

Serious adverse effects of Wegovy®

Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia, kidney issues, severe allergic reactions, elevated heart rate, suicidal thoughts or actions, eye complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (diabetic retinopathy), and food or liquid entering the lungs during deep sedation or anesthesia are just a few of the severe side effects that Wegovy® can cause.

If you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction—hives, itching, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat—get emergency medical attention.

If you have any of the following other severe Wegovy® side effects, you should contact your doctor right away:

  • changes in eyesight; strange mood swings, suicidal ideas; fluttering or hammering heartbeats; dizziness, as if you believed you could faint;
  • Symptoms of a thyroid tumor, include a lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, and dyspnea;
  • Signs of pancreatitis: rapid heartbeat, nausea with or without vomiting, and excruciating upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back;
  • gallbladder issues, such as fever, clay-colored feces, upper abdominal pain, and jaundice (eye or skin yellowing);
  • low blood sugar symptoms, such as headache, weakness, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heartbeat, or jitters; kidney issues, such as swelling, decreased urination, fatigue, or shortness of breath; or symptoms of the stomach flu, such as cramping in the stomach, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea (which may be bloody or watery).

Usage Restrictions

Wegovy® is not prescribed by doctors in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or medications that contain semaglutide, the main ingredient in Wegovy®. The diabetes drugs Rybelsus and Ozempic are two examples.

If you have pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or have had it in the past, you should inform your doctor before beginning Wegovy. Pancreatitis can be brought on by Wegovy®, and it’s unclear if those who have previously experienced pancreatitis are at a higher risk.

What is the use of Wegovy®?

Use-of-Wegovy®
Use-of-Wegovy®
  • Pre-filled pens with an injectable solution are available for Wegovy. Once a week, it is injected beneath the skin in the upper arm, thigh, or belly.
  • The weekly dosage is progressively raised over 16 weeks to lower the chance of gut-related problems.
  • Patients can give themselves the medication.

Only with a prescription can one receive the medication. See the package booklet or speak with your healthcare professional for more details on how to use Wegovy®.

Does Wegovy® lower the risk of cardiovascular disease?

Wegovy® helps lower the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) issues, including heart attack and stroke, as well as death when combined with exercise and a low-calorie diet. Adults with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese are treated with it for this reason.

Wegovy® functions by decreasing blood glucose (sugar) levels and hunger. It can aid with weight loss as well. These effects have the potential to reduce your risk of cardiovascular issues over time.

Wegovy® is authorized to assist with long-term weight management in addition to this purpose. The medication has certain usage restrictions as well.

What is the most crucial information I should know about Wegovy®?

Wegovy® may produce serious side effects, including:

Potential cancerous thyroid tumors. Inform your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a lump or swelling in your neck. Thyroid cancer symptoms could include these. Wegovy® and similar medications have been shown to produce thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer, in animal trials. Wegovy®’s potential to produce thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a kind of thyroid cancer, in humans is unknown.

If you or any members of your family have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a kind of thyroid cancer, or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), which affects the endocrine system, do not take Wegovy®.

If you have medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid cancer, or Multiple endocrine Neoplasia is syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you have experienced a severe allergic reaction to semifluid in or any other of the ingredients in Wegovy®, avoid using Wegovy®.

Inform your doctor about any other health issues you may have before using Wegovy®, such as type 2 diabetes, a history of diabetic retinopathy, or issues with your kidneys or pancreas.

  • Possess or have previously experienced mental health problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, have surgery or other procedures involving anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation) scheduled, or both. Wegovy® could be harmful to your unborn child. Two months before your planned pregnancy, breastfeeding, or intended breastfeeding, you should cease using Wegovy®. Whether Wegovy® enters your breast milk is unknown.

Inform your doctor about all of your medications, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain medications may have an impact on how Wegovy® functions and Wegovy® may have an impact on how certain medications function. If you are on any other diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, let your doctor know. Wegovy® decreases stomach emptying and may have an impact on medications that must be immediately absorbed.

What are Wegovy®’s potential adverse effects?

The following are some severe side effects of Wegovy®:

Pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis). If, with or without vomiting, you experience severe abdominal pain that does not go away, stop taking Wegovy® and contact your doctor immediately. You can experience discomfort radiating from your abdomen to your back due to gallbladder issues. Gallstones are among the gallbladder issues that Wegovy® may cause. Certain gallstones may require surgery. If you experience any symptoms, such as clay-colored feces, fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or upper stomach (abdomen) pain, call your doctor.

Elevated risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, particularly in people who already take diabetic medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. This adverse effect may be rather severe. Before beginning and during taking Wegovy®, check your blood sugar levels and discuss with your healthcare professional how to identify and manage low blood sugar.

Dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood swings, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, disorientation or sleepiness, shakiness, vulnerability, headache, fast heartbeat, or jitteriness are some of the symptoms of low blood sugar.

Issues with the kidneys (kidney failure). Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can result in dehydration, which can exacerbate renal problems in those who already have them. Drinking fluids is crucial to lowering your risk of dehydration and serious stomach issues. Wegovy® users have reported experiencing stomach issues, sometimes severe.

Inform your healthcare practitioner if you experience severe stomach issues or persistent allergic reactions. If you experience any signs of a significant allergic reaction, such as swelling around the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; severe skin inflammation or itching; fainting or feeling lightheaded; or an extremely fast heartbeat, stop using Wegovy® and get medical attention immediately.

Eyesight changes in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Inform your doctor if you have changes in your vision while taking Wegovy®, which raises your heart rate. Wegovy® can raise your resting heart rate. Inform your doctor if you have depression or suicidal thoughts, or if your heart races or the pounding in your chest lasts for many minutes.

Any changes in your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or mood should be noticed, especially if they occur suddenly. If you experience any new, worsening, or concerning mental changes, contact your healthcare practitioner immediately.

Food or liquid enters the lungs during surgery or other operations involving deep sleepiness (deep sedation) or anesthesia. During surgery or other operations, Wegovy® may make it more likely for food to enter your lungs. Before you are scheduled for surgery or other procedures, let all of your healthcare providers know that you are taking Wegovy®.

Nausea, vomiting, loose stool, constipation, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching, decreased blood sugar in individuals with diabetes with type 2 diabetes, gas, and the stomach. Flu, heartburn, runny nose, or sore throat are among the most frequent side effects of Wegovy®.

What occurs if I don’t take my dose?

  • After taking the medication as soon as you can, resume your normal routine. However, omit the missed dose and resume your routine if your next dose is due in less than two days (48 hours).
  • If you miss more than two consecutive Wegovy® doses, contact your doctor. To prevent gastrointestinal issues, you might need to resume taking the medication at a lower dosage.

Avoid taking two semaglutide dosages at once.

What would happen if I took too much?

Severe nausea, vomiting, or low blood sugar can result from an overdose.

  • Wegovy is used to assist people to lose weight and maintain it in check when combined with diet and exercise. Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher (obesity) or at least 27 kg/m² but less than 30 kg/m² (overweight) and weight-related health issues (diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fat levels, “obstructive sleep apnea,” or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood vessel issues) are prescribed treatment.
  • Teenagers who weigh more than 60 kg and have a BMI that is at or above the 95th percentile for their age and gender (obesity) are also treated with it starting at age 12.

FAQs

Does India have access to Wegovy?

Although Wegovy is not available in India, there are other drugs with comparable active components that are available there, like GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Does Wegovy help people lose weight?

Wegovy: all the information you require regarding the injection for weight loss…
Semaglutide is a medication that is marketed under the name Wegovy. In conjunction with diet and exercise, it is authorized for use in the NHS to treat obesity and excess weight in some individuals. Only specialized weight-management clinics are equipped to provide it.

What is the price of Wegovy?

Wegovy’s price is determined by your pharmacy and insurance coverage. Four pens, each pre-filled with a single dose of Wegovy, are included in a package. Wegovy costs $1,349.02 per month or a 28-day package without insurance, which equates to $337.25 per week or $16,188.24 annually.

What distinguishes Ozempic from Wegovy?

The FDA-approved uses of Ozempic and Wegovy differ, which is significant for several reasons. Wegovy is given for long-term weight loss in adults and children, whereas Ozempic is used to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Both medications include the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide.

Which prescription medication is the most effective for weight loss?

Among the most potent weight-loss medications on the market right now are: Bupropion with naltrexone (brand name Contrave) Topiramate/phentermine (marketed under the name Qsymia) Orlistat (also known as Alli or Xenical)

What adverse effects might Wegovy cause?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching, low blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, runny nose, or sore throat are all common adverse effects of Wegovy®.

Reference

  • Prescription Weight Loss Medication | Wegovy® (semaglutide) Injection 2.4 mg. (n.d.). https://www.wegovy.com/
  • Wegovy | European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2022, October 3). European Medicines Agency (EMA). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/wegovy#overview
  • Mba, A. B. P. (2024a, August 1). Wegovy Injection overview. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/wegovy#use-for-cardiovascular-risks

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