Wegovy is an injectable agent for treating obesity and rapidly gains popularity in weight loss.
This article provides important information about this treatment.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a drug approved in 2021 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in obesity or overweight in at least one weight-related condition (such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.).
It was also approved in 2024 to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks and stroke in adults with either cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight.
As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, this drug:
Despite these benefits, weight loss is only approved, not as a diabetic drug.
Wegovy is a prescription-only injectable, administered once a week. Other drugs in the GLP-1 agonist class include ozenpic (semaglutide), victoza (liraglutide), suxenda (liraglutide), and turlulu (duraglutide).
read more: Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Which medicine is right for you?
What are the advantages of Wegovy?
This therapy offers several benefits, including:
Weight loss
The drug has been proven to support significant weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing digestion, helping the liver prevent glucagon release and avoid blood sugar spikes.
In the study, adults receiving the injection lost an average of 15% of starting weight, while adolescents lost 16%.
Improved insulin sensitivity
This drug promotes glycemic control, lowers A1C levels, and improves insulin sensitivity.
The step 2 trial showed that people with type 2 diabetes not only lost weight with Wegovy, but also experienced significant improvements in blood sugar and A1C levels.
Even in people without diabetes, this treatment can help improve insulin resistance and slow or prevent diabetes.
Low cardiovascular risk
The active ingredient, Semaglutide, has been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and death in 26% of adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Why are you prescribed Wegovy?
The drug is FDA approved for obesity, weight loss and chronic weight management, but it is not a diabetic drug despite it helps lower blood sugar levels and improve A1C.
To qualify for a prescription, individuals must meet certain body mass index (BMI, weight measure compared to height) criteria. BMI of 30 or greater, or 27 BMI with at least one weight-related condition, such as high cholesterol, hypertension (hypertension), or type 2 diabetes.
This treatment is also approved for chronic weight management for individuals over 12 years of age if adolescents have a BMI of the 95th percentile or higher of age and gender.
If you do not meet the criteria for this therapy, you are eligible for another GLP-1 drug, such as Ozempic, especially if you are managing type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
Consult your doctor to determine if Wegovy or another medication is right for you.
What are the side effects?
When starting this medication, many people experience mild to moderate side effects, such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- constipation
- Weight loss
- Hypoglycemia (if you are taking insulin)
Rare but serious side effects include:
- Thyroid tumor
- Pancreatitis
- Changes in vision
- Kidney problems
- Severe allergic reactions
If you develop a fever, experience changes in your vision, feel weak, feel pain, suspect an allergic reaction, or suffer from hypoglycemia, seek immediate medical consultation. Severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
read more: Side effects of Wegovy: Things you need to know.
What is the correct dosage?
Dosages vary based on individual factors such as height, weight, health goals, lifestyle, and medical history. Available dosages are:
- 0.25 milligrams (MG, starter dose)
- 0.50 mg
- 1 mg
- 1.7 mg
- 2.4 mg (maximum weekly dosage)
Each pen provides one pre-measured weekly dose. Do not exceed the specified dose as excessive intake can cause serious side effects.
See more details: Wegovy Dosage Guide: How much should it cost?
How much should I take Wegovy?
Your health care provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your health history, goals, lifestyle, height, and weight.
There is no “typical” dose. Users usually start with a low dose of 0.25 mg per week and gradually increase it to achieve the desired weight loss or maintenance.
The maximum dose is 2.4 mg per week, and most people reach it depending on their response to the drug and side effects.
What happens if there are too many wegovys?
This medication only needs to be taken once a week.
Incorrectly taking it too much can cause serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or hypoglycemia (especially if you are using insulin).
If you have an overdose, see a doctor immediately.
I missed the Wegovy dose. What now?
Missing the dose from time to time will not harm you or affect your weight or blood sugar levels.
Take your medication consistently for best results. If you missed the dose, you can take it within a few days.
If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule.
How to inject Wegovy
Check for drug particles or discolouration before using the injection pen. If you notice either, don’t use the pen as it may be out of date or spoiled.
Clean the injection site with friction alcohol before injection.
Rotate the injection site weekly to prevent injuries and scar tissue.
This medication is usually injected under the skin of your thighs, abdomen, or upper arms.
Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on the best infusion sites and rotation practices.
For more information: Wegovy Injection Guide: Where and How to Inject.
Who should not take Wegovy?
This treatment should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor.
It is not recommended for pregnant people, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding people.
If you or your family have a history of medulla thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplastic syndrome type 2 (male 2), do not use medications containing Wegovy or Semaglutide.
Additionally, if you are allergic to semaglutide, avoid this treatment.
If you need a GLP-1 agonist but are allergic to semaglutide, consider discussing an alternative like Victorza that contains liraglutide.
How can I stop taking Wegovy?
If you want to stop taking this medication, talk to your doctor first.
It is not recommended to stop it all of a sudden. Your health care provider will suggest gradually reducing the dose.
Discontinuation of Wegovy can lead to a recovery insulin resistance, increased food cravings, increased blood sugar levels, and weight gain.
On average, people regain about two-thirds of the weight they lose within a year of stopping semaglutide-based treatment.
Discuss your doctor’s alternatives, exercise, or dietary plans to manage potential rebound effects.
Will Wegovy replace insulin?
No, it cannot be replaced by insulin.
If you use insulin, you should continue taking insulin even after starting Wegovy.
Wegovy helps to lower blood sugar levels over time, but blood sugar levels like insulin do not drop immediately.
Insulin may need to be reduced after a few months with this drug, but it rarely eliminates the need for insulin completely.
Can I take Wegovy with diabetes medication?
Whether or not you can take it with other diabetes medications depends on the particular medication you are using.
Wegovy should not be combined with other GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Viktoza, Trulicity, or Moonjaro (Tilzepatide).
See more details: Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: What is the best option?
However, the active ingredient in Wegovy, Semaglutide, can be used with metformin, insulin, or other drugs.
Always talk to your doctor and make sure you are aware of all the medications you are taking before combining Wegovy with any other medications.
How do I store Wegovy?
Store in the fridge between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original box to protect it from light.
Once opened, it can be used for up to 56 days. If necessary, Wegovy can be stored at room temperature (46°F to 86°F or 8°C to 30°C) and turn on the pen cap for up to 28 days.
Do not freeze the pen or expose it to direct sunlight or high heat.
How much does Wegovy cost?
Costs vary depending on the insurance plan, and the amount you pay each month (joint payment) may vary significantly.
To determine a specific co-payment, use a prescription or medical card available through your insurance provider or Novo Nordisk, as well as a Wegovy Coverage and Co-payment calculator.
It is usually covered by many insurance plans for weight management, but coverage may vary. It is important to check directly with your insurance company to understand the details of a particular coverage.
If you have any questions regarding coverage or joint payment costs, you can contact Wegovy Support at 1-888-693-6489.
For qualified individuals, the Patient Assistance Program (PAP) may offer free or reduced medications. For more information about this program and eligibility requirements, please call Novo Nordisk’s PAP toll-free number at 1-866-310-7549.
How do I get a Wegovy prescription?
To obtain a prescription, consult your doctor. If you meet BMI criteria or are eligible for chronic conditions and are overweight, you can prescribe Wegovy.
If you are not qualified, your doctor may suggest other FDA-approved weight loss medications that suit your needs.
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