Wegovy, the brand name for semaglutide, works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels and sends signals to receptors in the brain that manage appetite. Wegovy aids in weight loss by reducing appetite, making you feel full with fewer calories. Additionally, it slows the rate at which food empties from your stomach, prolonging the feeling of fullness.

Wegovy is prescribed in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise plan to support your weight loss journey. While Wegovy is a highly effective weight loss medication, it achieves the best results when combined with other weight loss strategies.

Wegovy comes in the form of an injectable pen, which you self-administer once a week. For optimal effectiveness, it's recommended to take it at the same time and day each week. The pen contains four doses, sufficient for four weeks, so there's no need to measure your dose. You can inject Wegovy into your lower abdomen, thigh, or upper arm (with assistance), based on what is most comfortable for you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Wegovy

1. Preparation:

   • Wash your hands and the injection site with warm, soapy water to prevent contamination.

2. Inspect the Pen:

   • Remove the pen cap and check the liquid through the viewing window. Ensure the liquid is clear and colorless. If not, do not use the pen.

3. Attach a New Needle:

   • Attach a new needle to the pen and remove the caps. Always use a fresh needle for each dose to avoid contamination or infection. Never reuse or use a damaged needle.

4. Flow Check (First Time Use):

   • If it’s your first time using the pen, perform a flow check by turning the dose selector to the ‘flow check’ symbol (two dots and a line). Press the button to see a droplet form on the needle tip. If no droplet appears, replace the needle or use a new pen.

5. Set the Dose:

   • Turn the dose selector to your prescribed dose.

6. Inject the Medication:

   • Insert the needle into your skin and press the button, holding it down until the dose counter reads 0. Continue holding for a count of six to ensure the full dose is administered.

7. Post-Injection:

   • Remove the needle slowly, then dispose of the needle and cap in a sharps container.

Best Injection Sites for Wegovy

• Upper Arm
• Upper Leg (Thigh)
• Stomach (Abdomen)

These areas are preferred for their accessibility and reduced pain due to higher body fat. For injections in the upper arm, assistance may be required.

Rotating Injection Sites

Yes, you should rotate your injection sites, even within the same body area, to minimize soreness and irritation. Some find it helpful to change body parts each week.

What If I Miss a Dose?

• More than 3 days until the next dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule.
• Less than 3 days until the next dose: Skip the missed dose to avoid side effects and continue as normal.

If you miss doses frequently or it's been more than two weeks since your last dose, consult your doctor as it may affect effectiveness. You may need to restart the dosage schedule.

Can I Split My Dose?

No, you should not split your dose of Wegovy. Follow your doctor's prescription precisely.

How Long Does a Pen Last?

Each Wegovy pen lasts for four weeks, containing enough medication for four doses, with one dose taken each week.

Wegovy begins working immediately, with most patients experiencing increased fullness within the first few days of taking it. Noticeable weight loss improvements typically occur within 5-6 weeks. If you do not see any weight loss results within 6 months of using Wegovy, consult your doctor, as it may not be the right option for you.

Wegovy is a highly effective weight loss medication, with potential weight loss of up to 15% of your starting weight over the course of treatment. Studies show that more than 80% of individuals using Wegovy experience positive weight loss results beyond what could be achieved with diet and exercise alone.

How Much Weight Can I Lose on Wegovy?

Clinical trials evaluating Wegovy's weight loss effects found that:

• 83% of adults taking Wegovy lost 5% or more of their weight, compared to 31% taking a placebo.
• 66% of adults taking Wegovy lost 10% or more of their weight, compared to 12% taking a placebo.
• 48% of adults taking Wegovy lost 15% or more of their weight, compared to 5% taking a placebo.
• 30% of people taking Wegovy lost 20% or more of their weight, compared to 2% taking a placebo.

On average, individuals lost between 14% and 17% of their starting weight. For example, if you start at 100 kg, you could lose between 14 kg and 17 kg. These results indicate that people taking Wegovy lose significantly more weight than those relying on diet and exercise alone.

Wegovy remains in your body for 5-7 weeks after your last dose. As a long-acting medication, it requires only one dose per week to be effective. Due to its extended presence in the body, it takes a longer time to be fully eliminated. During this period, you may notice a reduced appetite, which should return to normal 5-7 weeks after your final dose of Wegovy.

Wegovy is available in five different doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. Each dose comes in a distinctively colored pen, with each pen containing four doses to last four weeks.

Recommended Dosage of Wegovy

The dosage of Wegovy starts low and increases gradually over several months to allow your body to adjust to the medication.

• Month 1: Start with 0.25 mg.
• Month 2: Increase to 0.5 mg.
• Month 3: Increase to 1 mg.
• Month 4: Increase to 1.7 mg.
• Month 5 and beyond: Increase to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, which you will continue for the duration of your treatment.

Your pharmacist will provide clear instructions and support throughout this process. Each dose is color-coded to help you easily identify the correct pen and dose.

Key Points for Using Wegovy

• Clear Instructions: Your doctor will give you a precise dosing schedule and be available for any questions or concerns.
• Color-Coded Pens: Each dose has a unique color, making it easy to distinguish between different doses.
• Gradual Increase: The gradual increase over months helps minimize side effects and allows your body to adjust to the medication.

By following the prescribed schedule and instructions, you can ensure the most effective and safe use of Wegovy.

Wegovy is prescribed for overweight or obese individuals with a BMI over 30, or over 27 if you have a pre-existing medical condition affected by weight, such as high blood pressure. In the UK, only adults meeting these criteria and with a prescription from a doctor can take Wegovy.

Contraindications for Wegovy

You should not take Wegovy if:

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have had a serious allergic reaction to any ingredients in Wegovy.

Inform Your Doctor If You Have:

• A history of pancreas or kidney problems.
• Type 2 diabetes and a history of diabetic retinopathy.

Potential Drug Interactions

Certain medications can interact with Wegovy, causing unpleasant side effects. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Antidiabetic drugs: Such as sulfonylureas and insulin, which can increase the risk of low blood sugar.
• Other GLP-1 agonists: Such as Saxenda or Mounjaro, which can increase the risk of all side effects and should not be taken together.

Always consult your doctor for personalised advice and to ensure safe use of Wegovy alongside other medications.

Common Side Effects of Wegovy

Less serious and more common side effects of Wegovy may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Lower stomach pain
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Feeling bloated
• Belching and gas
• Heartburn

Contact your doctor or healthcare professional if any of these side effects persist or become bothersome. Most side effects are more pronounced when you first start treatment or after a dose increase.

Serious Side Effects of Wegovy

Wegovy may cause serious side effects, including:

• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
• Gallbladder Problems: Such as gallstones.
• Hypoglycemia: Increased risk of low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Kidney Problems: Especially if you become dehydrated due to diarrhea or vomiting.
• Serious Allergic Reactions: Such as swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing.
• Vision Changes: Particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Increased Heart Rate
• Gastroparesis: Delayed stomach emptying.

If you experience any signs of these serious side effects, contact your doctor or a healthcare professional immediately. In case of an emergency, such as a severe allergic reaction, call 999 or go to A&E straight away.

By staying informed and communicating with your healthcare provider, you can manage side effects effectively while using Wegovy.

• 0.25mg------£190
• 0.5mg-------£190
• 1.0mg-------£190
• 1.7mg-------£240
• 2.4mg-------£290