Wegovy

Generic name: semaglutide
Dosage form: injection, for subcutaneous use
Drug class: Incretin mimetics

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Jan 5, 2023.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medicine used for weight loss for obese adults and teenagers, or overweight adults with other weight-related medical issues.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist and works by behaving like a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and activates the GLP-1 receptors, and this helps you regulate appetite and food intake.  

Wegovy should be used together with a decreased-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity to help weight management.

Wegovy is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) once a week.

Wegovy contains semaglutide which is the same active ingredient in Ozempic and Rybelsus, therefore these products should not be used together. Ozempic (subcutaneous weekly injection) and Rybelsus (once a day tablet) are used lower blood sugar levels for type two diabetic patients. Ozempic is also used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events for some type 2 diabetic patients.

Wegovy should not be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines

What is Wegovy used for?

Wegovy is a FDA-approved anti-obesity medicine to be used by people 12 years and older for chronic weight management, when used together with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. 

Wegovy is indicated for use in: 

Adults:

• Obese (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater)
• Overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater) and have medical problems due to your weight. 

Pediatric (12 years and older):

• Obese (initial BMI 95th percentile or greater for age and sex)

Important information

Wegovy may cause serious side effects, including:

• Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. It is important tot tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Wegovy and medicines that work like Wegovy caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.
• Do not use this medicine if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Who should not use Wegovy?

Wegovy should not be use by you if:

• you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients. See the end of this page for a complete list of ingredients. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
  • problems breathing or swallowing
  • severe rash or itching
  • fainting or feeling dizzy
  • very rapid heartbeat

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• If you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant. Wegovy may harm your unborn baby. You should stop using this medicine 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.
  • Pregnancy Exposure Registry: There is a pregnancy exposure registry for women who use Wegovy during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby.
    Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry or you may contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.
• If you plan to breastfeed or are breastfeeding. It is not known if Wegovy passes into your breast milk. You should talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using this medicine.

How should I use Wegovy?

Read the Instructions for Use that is with your prescription and use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. Your healthcare provider should train you on how to use this medicine before you start using it.

• Wegovy is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. You should not inject this medicine into a muscle (intramuscularly) or vein (intravenously).
• Rotate your injection site with each injection. You should not use the same site for each injection.
• Wegovy should be used one time each week, on the same day each week, at any time of the day.
• You can take Wegovy with or without food.
• Usual Dose for Weight Loss:
  • Initial Dose Escalation Schedule:
  • Weeks 1 through 4 (month one): 0.25 mg subcutaneously once a week
  • Weeks 5 through 8 (month two): 0.5 mg subcutaneously once a week
  • Weeks 9 through 12 (month three): 1 mg subcutaneously once a week
  • Weeks 13 through 16 (month four): 1.7 mg subcutaneously once a week
  • Maintenance Dose:
  • Week 17 and onward: 2.4 mg subcutaneously once a week
• Maintenance Dosage Adult Patients. The maintenance dosage is 2.4 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. If the patient does not tolerate the maintenance 2.4 mg once-weekly dosage, then the dosage can be temporarily decreased to 1.7 mg once a week, for a maximum of 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the dose should be increased to the maintenance 2.4 mg once-weekly dosage. Discontinue this medicine if the patient cannot tolerate the 2.4 mg dosage. 
• Pediatric Patients Aged 12 Years and Older. The recommended maintenance dosage of Wegovy is 2.4 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. If the patient does not tolerate the maintenance 2.4 mg once-weekly dosage, the maintenance dosage may be reduced to 1.7 mg once weekly. Discontinue this medicine if the patient cannot tolerate the 1.7 mg dose. 

What happens if I overdose?

• If you take too much Wegovy, you may have severe nausea, severe vomiting and severely low blood sugar. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• If you miss your Wegovy dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away (48 hours), then take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you miss a dose and the next schedule dose is less than 2 days away (48 hours), do not administer the dose. Instead take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
• If you miss your Wegovy doses for more than 2 weeks, take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day or call your healthcare provider to talk about how to restart your treatment.

What strengths is Wegovy available in ?

Wegovy is available in five strengths:

• Wegovy 0.25 mg (semaglutide)
• Wegovy 0.5 mg (semaglutide) 
• Wegovy 1 mg (semaglutide) 
• Wegovy 1.7 mg (semaglutide) 
• Wegovy 2.4 m(semaglutide)

Wegovy side effects

Wegovy may cause serious side effects, including:

• also see Important information in the section above.
• inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Wegovy and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
• gallbladder problems. Wegovy may cause gallbladder problems including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems need surgery. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:
  • pain in your upper stomach (abdomen)
  • fever
  • yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • clay-colored stools
• increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those who also take medicines to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus such as sulfonylureas or insulin. Low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who receive this medicine can be both a serious and common side effect. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to recognize and treat low blood sugar. You should check your blood sugar before you start, and during treatment. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include:
  • dizziness or light-headedness
  • blurred vision
  • anxiety
  • irritability or mood changes
  • sweating
  • slurred speech
  • hunger
  • confusion or drowsiness
  • shakiness
  • weakness
  • headache
  • fast heartbeat
  • feeling jittery
• kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
• serious allergic reactions. Stop using this medicine and get medical help right away, if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including:
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
  • problems breathing or swallowing
  • severe rash or itching
  • fainting or feeling dizzy
  • very rapid heartbeat
• change in vision in people with type 2 diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment.
• increased heart rate. Wegovy can increase your heart rate while you are at rest. Your healthcare provider should check your heart rate while you take Wegovy. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest and it lasts for several minutes.
• depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.

The most common Wegovy side effects may include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• constipation
• stomach (abdomen) pain
• headache
• tiredness (fatigue)
• upset stomach
• dizziness
• feeling bloated
• belching
• gas
• stomach flu
• heartburn

Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Wegovy?

Wegovy can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially insulin or other diabetes medicine, such as dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, Byetta, Trulicity, Victoza, and others.

Other drugs may affect Wegovy, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Storage 

Wegovy single-dose pen:

• Wegovy should be stored in refrigerator from 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). 
• If needed (prior to cap removal) the pen can be kept from 8°C to 30°C (46°F to 86°F) up to 28 days. 
• Do not freeze. 
• Protect Wegovy from light. Wegovy must be kept in the original carton until time of administration. Discard the Wegovy pen after use.

What are the ingredients in Wegovy?

Active Ingredient: semaglutide

Inactive Ingredients: disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, and water for injection

Wegovy is Manufactured by: Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Allé. DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark.

General information about the safe and effective use of Wegovy.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use this medicine for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give it to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information that is written for health professionals.

Instructions for Use

Wegovy comes in five strengths.

Before you use your Wegovy pen for the first time, talk to your healthcare provider or your caregiver about how to prepare and inject Wegovy correctly.

Important information
Read this Instructions for Use before you start using Wegovy. This information does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.

• Your Wegovy pen is for one time use only. The Wegovy pen is for subcutaneous (under the skin) use only.
• The dose of Wegovy is already set on your pen.
• The needle is covered by the needle cover and the needle will not be seen.
• Do not remove the pen cap until you are ready to inject.
• Do not touch or push on the needle cover. You could get a needle stick injury.
• Your injection will begin when the needle cover is pressed against your skin.
• Do not remove the pen from your skin before the yellow bar in the pen window has stopped moving. If the needle is removed earlier, you may not get your full dose.
• If the yellow bar does not start moving or stops during the injection, contact your healthcare provider or Novo Nordisk at startWegovy.com or call Novo Nordisk Inc. at 1-833-934-6891.
• The needle cover will lock when the pen is removed from your skin. You cannot stop the injection and restart it later.
• People who are blind or have vision problems should not use the Wegovy pen without help from a person trained to use the pen.

How to use your Wegovy pen
Do not use your pen without receiving training from your healthcare provider. Make sure that you or your caregiver know how to give an injection with the pen before you start your treatment.
Read and follow the instructions so that you use your pen correctly:

Step 1. Prepare for your injection.

• Supplies you will need to give your Wegovy injection:
  • Wegovy pen
  • 1 alcohol swab or soap and water
  • 1 gauze pad or cotton ball
  • 1 sharps disposable container
• Wash your hands.
• Check your Wegovy pen.
  Do not use your Wegovy pen if:
  • The pen appears to have been used or any part of the pen appears broken, for example if it has been dropped.
  • The Wegovy medicine is not clear and colorless through the pen window.
  • The expiration date (EXP) has passed.

Contact Novo Nordisk at 1-833-934-6891 if your Wegovy pen fails any of these checks.

Step 2. Choose your injection site.

• Your healthcare provider can help you choose the injection site that is best for you
  • You may inject into your upper legs (front of the thighs) or lower stomach (keep 2 inches away from your belly button).
  • Another person may give the injection in the upper arm.
• Do not inject into an area where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard. Avoid injecting into areas with scars or stretch marks.
• You may inject in the same body area each week, but make sure it is not in the same spot each time.

Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab or soap and water. Do not touch the injection site after cleaning.

Step 3. Remove pen cap.

• Pull the pen cap straight off your pen.

Step 4. Inject Wegovy.

• Push the pen firmly against your skin until the yellow bar has stopped moving.
  If the yellow bar does not start moving, press the pen more firmly against your skin.
• You will hear 2 clicks during the injection.
  • Click 1: the injection has started.
  • Click 2: the injection is ongoing.

Step 5. Throw away (dispose of) pen.

Safely dispose of the Wegovy pen right away after each use. See How do I throw away (dispose of) Wegovy pens?

What if blood appears after injection?

If blood appears at the injection site, press the site lightly with a gauze pad or cotton ball.

How do I throw away (dispose of) Wegovy pens?

Put the used Wegovy pen in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not throw away (dispose of) the pen in your household trash.

If you do not have an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:

• made of a heavy-duty plastic,
• able to be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
• upright and stable during use,
• leak-resistant, and
• properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.

When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should throw away used needles and syringes. For more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA’s website at http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal.

• Do not reuse the pen.
• Do not recycle the pen or sharps disposal container, or throw them into household trash.

Important: Keep your Wegovy pen, sharps disposal container and all medicines out of the reach of children.

How do I care for my pen?

Protect your pen:

• Do not drop your pen or knock it against hard surfaces.
• Do not expose your pen to any liquids.
• If you think that your pen may be damaged, do not try to fix it. Use a new one.
• Keep the pen cap on until you are ready to inject. Your pen will no longer be sterile if you store an unused pen without the cap, if you pull the pen cap off and put it on again, or if the pen cap is missing. This could lead to an infection.
  
  

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