Key Features and Benefits
WEGOVY (semaglutide injection) is used for chronic weight management in adults who have obesity or are overweight with weight-related health issues. This medication works by mimicking a natural hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, helping with weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. WEGOVY® is available in a pre-filled, disposable pen for ease of use.
- Dosage Forms: Available in single-use pens with doses of 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, or 2.4mg.
- Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injections.
- Mechanism: Acts as a GLP-1 agonist, increasing satiety and reducing hunger.
Indications
WEGOVY is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with:
- Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), or
- Overweight (BMI 27–29.9 kg/m²) with weight-related health problems.
Patients should use WEGOVY in conjunction with diet modifications and increased physical activity for optimal effectiveness.
Ingredients
- Active Ingredient: Semaglutide
- Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, and water for injection.
- Formulation: Available in a solution for injection, pre-filled pens.
How To Use
WEGOVY is injected subcutaneously once a week, ideally on the same day each week. The recommended starting dose is 0.25mg for the first four weeks, with gradual increases until the maintenance dose of 2.4mg is reached. The injection should be administered to the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Dose Escalation:
- Week 1–4: 0.25mg
- Week 5–8: 0.5mg
- Week 9–12: 1mg
- Week 13–16: 1.7mg
- Maintenance dose: 2.4mg
Patients should be instructed to follow a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity program alongside the injection for best results.
Side Effects
Like all medications, WEGOVY may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These effects usually diminish over time. Serious side effects may include pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and diabetic eye disease.
Common Side Effects:
- Very Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, headache, fatigue.
- Common: Dizziness, upset stomach, gas, bloating, heartburn, hair loss, injection site reactions.
- Serious: Thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), diabetic retinopathy, gallstones.
Clinical Studies
Clinical studies have demonstrated that WEGOVY significantly aids in weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Participants have shown significant reductions in body weight, with many patients achieving clinically meaningful weight loss over a 68-week period. The studies also indicate that WEGOVY is well-tolerated with a manageable safety profile when used as directed.
- Weight Loss: Patients experienced a reduction in body weight by an average of 15-20%.
- Study Duration: Ongoing studies over 68 weeks show sustained benefits.
Manufacturer Information
WEGOVY is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company specializing in diabetes care, obesity treatments, and hormone replacement therapies. Novo Nordisk is known for its commitment to producing high-quality, patient-focused medications that improve the lives of individuals with chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
FAQ
How Should I Store WEGOVY?
- Refrigeration: Store WEGOVY in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. It can be stored at temperatures up to 30°C for up to 28 days.
- Do Not Freeze: Dispose of the product if it has been frozen or exposed to temperatures above 30°C.
What if I Miss a Dose?
- Missed Dose: If the missed dose is within 5 days, administer it as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Can WEGOVY be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
- Pregnancy: WEGOVY should not be used during pregnancy. It is recommended to avoid using it for at least two months before trying to conceive.
- Breastfeeding: It is not recommended to use WEGOVY while breastfeeding as it is not known if it passes into breast milk.
Can I use WEGOVY if I have other health conditions?
- WEGOVY is contraindicated for patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). It is also not recommended for individuals with type 1 diabetes, a history of pancreatitis, or severe gastrointestinal issues.
How do I inject WEGOVY?
- Injection Technique: WEGOVY should be injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The injection is given once a week on the same day to ensure consistency. Ensure proper technique by following the instructions provided by a healthcare professional.
