Wegovy weight loss injections

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a man-made version of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). After eating, our bodies release this hormone to help regulate blood sugar levels. It also sends a message to the brain that you’re full. By mimicking this hormone, Wegovy gives you the same feeling of being full and satisfied when eating less food.

Wegovy is injected once a week and can help you to eat smaller portions and feel fuller for longer. You’ll be advised to follow a healthy diet and adopt regular exercise by your doctor in order for you to get the most out of Wegovy.

Wegovy is injected under the skin once a week with or without food. You should try to take it at the same time each week. Each Wegovy pen has 4 doses and lasts for 4 weeks of treatment, then you'll need to start a new pen.

Always double check you have the correct dose prescribed and that you have the right medication before injecting. This may seem obvious, but it’s always best to make sure.

Wegovy is best injected into the stomach, upper legs, or upper arms. It should only be injected under the skin. This is known as a subcutaneous injection. You should change the injection site each week to reduce any soreness or irritation.

What happens when I stop taking Wegovy?

Wegovy is not an addictive medication so you shouldn’t get withdrawal symptoms. It is therefore safe to stop Wegovy whenever you need to without reducing your dose beforehand. However, stopping taking Wegovy suddenly may lead to weight gain, so it’s advisable to speak to your doctor before stopping.

What if I miss a dose of Wegovy?

If you forget to take Wegovy and it has been 5 days or less since it was due, you can take Wegovy as soon as you remember. Take your next dose on your usual injection day, even if this means you are taking your next dose within 2 or 3 days.

If you have missed a dose of Wegovy and it has been longer than 5 days since your dose was due, skip your missed dose. You can then continue your treatment when your next dose is due. Never take a double dose, as this can increase your risk of side effects.

Wegovy can be taken for losing and maintaining a healthy weight in adults. To start Wegovy treatment your BMI must be 30 or over. Alternatively, you must have a BMI of 27 or over and a weight-related health problem such as diabetes. These criteria exist because medications used for weight loss have the potential to cause serious illness and severe side effects if used inappropriately.

You should speak to your doctor before using Wegovy pens if you have:

• kidney problems
• diabetes
• inflammation of your pancreas
• low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia)
• diabetic eye disease (retinopathy)

You should not take Wegovy if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication. Wegovy is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In 3 clinical trials, Wegovy was found to be an effective medication for weight reduction. It works best when taken with a healthy diet and exercise.

The STEP-1 68-week trial carried out by Wegovy found that patients using the 2.4 mg maintenance dose achieved, on average, a change in body weight of 14.9% (compared to 2.4% in the placebo group). Of those, almost 85% achieved weight loss of ≥5%, 66% achieved weight loss of ≥10%, and almost 50% achieved weight loss of ≥15%.

Very common side effects of Wegovy include:

• headache
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• nausea or vomiting (feeling or being sick)
• feeling weak or tired
• stomach pain

These side effects go away over time and once your body gets used to the medication. You are given Wegovy gradually to reduce the risk and severity of these side effects.

Common side effects of Wegovy include:

• upset stomach or indigestion
• dizziness
• burping or gas (flatulence)
• bloating
• reflux or heartburn
• hair loss
• reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, or soreness
• gallstones
• inflamed stomach (gastritis), which can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach ache
• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with diabetes, which is more likely if you’re taking sulfonylurea or insulin
• a change in the way food or drink tastes
• a change in skin sensations

Uncommon side effects of Wegovy include:

• fast heartbeat
• an increase in pancreatic enzymes, which will show up in blood tests
• delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis)
• hypoglycemia in people without diabetes
• an increased level of bilirubin in the blood which can cause jaundice – symptoms include yellowing of the whites in your eyes and skin

Wegovy also has some serious side effects, which should be treated straight away:

• In diabetic patients, a common serious side effect is complications of diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy). If you have diabetes you should inform your doctor if you experience eye problems, such as changes in vision, during treatment with this medication.
• An uncommon serious side effect is an inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis). If you have long-lasting and severe pains in your stomach or back, speak to your doctor straight away or call 999.
• Another uncommon and serious side effect is the development of kidney or bladder stones. Symptoms include a change in urine colour or difficulty urinating and lower abdomen or back pain.
• A rare serious side effect of Wegovy is a severe allergic reaction. You must call 999 or get to A&E straight away if you have breathing problems, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, swelling in your face and throat, dizziness or weakness.
• Another rare and serious side effect is that Wegovy may increase the risk of fractures, including hip fractures. You should attend A&E or call 999 straight away if you think you’ve fractured a bone.
• A serious side effect (there currently isn’t enough data available to know how often it occurs) is bowel obstruction. This is a severe form of constipation with other symptoms such as stomach ache, vomiting and bloating.

You can find out more about the side effects of Wegovy in your patient information leaflet.

Wegovy can interact with other medications, so it’s important to tell your doctor what you’re currently taking before starting treatment. Your doctor may change the dose of your other medications whilst taking Wegovy to make sure it’s safe for you to take.

Wegovy interacts with insulin and sulfonylureas, which are both treatments for type 2 diabetes. Taking Wegovy with one of these medications can increase the risk of low blood sugar levels.

You should never use Wegovy with another medication that contains a GLP-1 receptor agonist, such as Saxenda.

Wegovy and Mounjaro are both injectable weight loss medications. The main difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro is the active ingredient. They both contain GLP-1 receptor agonists, but Wegovy contains semaglutide and Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. They both work in a similar way, but tirzepatide (Mounjaro) also mimics a second hormone, known as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

What is the difference between Saxenda and Wegovy?

Saxenda and Wegovy are both injectable weight loss medications that contain different active ingredients. Saxenda also contains a GLP-1 receptor agonist called liraglutide. They both work in the same way to make you feel fuller for longer. Saxenda is taken once a day, but Wegovy is a once-weekly injection. Saxenda is currently long-term out of stock.

What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Ozempic and Wegovy are the same medication, but they are used to treat different things. Ozempic is used to improve blood sugar levels in adults who have type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy is used for weight loss. Both medications contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. The strength of the medication in Ozempic is different to Wegovy, so you should only use these treatments as recommended by a doctor.