Wegovy

Key features:

Weight loss medication.

 Dosage Options: Available in five different doses (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg), each tailored to meet individual needs. Each dose is provided in a pen of a different colour for easy identification.

 Mechanism of Action: Wegovy works by mimicking natural appetite hormones, helping to reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss.

What is Wegovy?

 

Wegovy is a prescription medication designed for weight loss and weight management, particularly aimed at individuals with obesity or overweight-related health issues. This injectable medicine, containing semaglutide, is suitable for adults with a BMI indicative of obesity, or adults with excess weight and associated medical problems.

 

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Wegovy can lead to significant weight loss, with patients potentially losing up to 15% of their body weight within a year. Its use is recommended alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for maximum effectiveness.

 

It’s important to note that Wegovy should not be used in conjunction with other semaglutide-containing products or GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. The safety and efficacy of Wegovy when taken with other weight loss products, or in individuals with a history of pancreatitis, are not yet established.

 

Wegovy offers a scientifically supported option for those seeking help in managing their weight, forming part of a comprehensive approach to a healthier lifestyle.

Summary of Wegovy.

Condition Prescribed For: Weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related conditions.

Class of Drug:  GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Active Ingredient: Semaglutide

Available Strengths: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg, or 2.4mg prefilled pens administering measured doses.

Possible Side Effects:  Wegovy, a prescription medication, can cause several side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Among the more frequently reported side effects, the common ones, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, include complications of diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy), particularly in those with diabetes. Patients are advised to monitor for any changes in vision and inform their doctor if such issues arise. Other common side effects encompass dizziness, upset stomach or indigestion, burping, flatulence, bloating of the stomach, inflamed stomach (gastritis) with symptoms like stomach ache, nausea, or vomiting, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (heartburn), gallstones, hair loss, reactions at the injection site, and low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in diabetic patients.

 

The very common side effects, which may affect more than 1 in 10 people, include headaches, feelings of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, and a general sense of weakness or tiredness. These symptoms are usually temporary and tend to subside over time. It’s important for individuals using Wegovy to be aware of these potential side effects and to consult with their healthcare provider for appropriate advice and management, especially if they experience any persistent or severe symptoms (for a comprehensive list please refer to the patient information leaflet).

 

How Wegovy works:

Wegovy is a weight loss medicine that contains the active ingredient Semaglutide, which is similar to a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released after eating and helps you feel fuller and less hungry, reducing your cravings for food. Wegovy works by targeting receptors in the brain that control appetite, making you feel more satisfied with less food.

 

The way Wegovy functions is by stimulating the production of insulin in the pancreas while also reducing the production of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. This combination not only helps in curbing your appetite but also slows down the rate at which your stomach empties, meaning you feel full for a longer time. This makes it easier to stick to a diet with fewer calories, aiding in weight loss.

 

For the best results, it’s important to use Wegovy alongside a diet that’s lower in calories and to increase your physical activity. This holistic approach helps in effectively reducing and maintaining body weight, making Wegovy a valuable tool for those looking to manage their weight more effectively.

 

Patient information leaflet:
For more information on this prescription medicine please refer to the Wegovy patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13799.pdf link to patient information leaflet.

How do I use Wegovy?

 

Wegovy is a key medication for weight loss, administered via self-injection once a week. Containing the active ingredient Semaglutide, it’s particularly effective for those tackling obesity and related health conditions.

 

To use Wegovy correctly, it’s vital to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance. Starting with a low dose of 0.25 mg weekly, the amount is gradually increased over 16 weeks until reaching the standard dose of 2.4 mg per week. This process, known as titration, helps your body adapt to the medication while reducing potential side effects.

 

Administering Wegovy involves a simple procedure. After cleaning your hands and the injection site with an alcohol swab, attach a new needle to the pen, remove the caps, and adjust the pen to the correct dose. You can inject into your upper legs, lower abdomen, or upper arms, avoiding sensitive or damaged skin areas. Dispose of the needle safely after use and store the pen properly.

 

Regular communication with your healthcare team is crucial to ensure the dosage is suitable and to make any necessary adjustments. If you miss a dose and it’s within 5 days, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s been over 5 days, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule, avoiding doubling up on doses.

 

For diabetic patients, it’s important to inform your doctor as your diabetes medication may need to be adjusted to prevent low blood sugar. Avoid mixing Wegovy with other injectable medicines or using it in conjunction with other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

 

In summary, Wegovy provides a structured and user-friendly approach to weight management, with its weekly injection schedule and adjustable dosing, making it an effective option for those looking to manage their weight successfully.

Safety and Precautions.

 

Wegovy, a medication containing Semaglutide, should not be used by individuals allergic to this substance or any other ingredients listed in the medicine. Before using Wegovy, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you experience digestive system effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, as these can lead to dehydration. This is particularly important for those with kidney problems. If you experience severe, ongoing stomach pain, it could indicate pancreatitis, and you should see a doctor immediately.

 

For those with diabetes, Wegovy is not a substitute for insulin. If you’re taking sulfonylurea or insulin alongside Wegovy, there’s an increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Regular blood sugar monitoring might be necessary, and your doctor may adjust your medication to reduce this risk. Additionally, rapid improvements in blood sugar control can temporarily worsen diabetic eye disease. If you have this condition and notice any eye problems while on Wegovy, inform your doctor.

 

Always inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

 

Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should avoid using Wegovy, as its effects on the unborn child are unknown. It’s advised to stop using Wegovy at least two months before planning a pregnancy. Similarly, breastfeeding mothers should not use Wegovy, as it’s unclear whether it passes into breast milk.

 

While Wegovy is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines, some patients may experience dizziness, particularly during the first three months of treatment. If you feel dizzy, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. For those with diabetes using Wegovy in combination with sulfonylurea or insulin, be aware of the signs of low blood sugar and avoid driving or using machines if these symptoms occur.

 

Lastly, Wegovy contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, making it essentially ‘sodium-free’. For any further information or concerns, it’s always best to consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse (for a comprehensive list please refer to the patient information leaflet).

 

Common Side effects:

 

Wegovy, like all medications, can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common serious side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, include complications of diabetic eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy. Those with diabetes should monitor for vision changes and inform their doctor if these occur. Uncommon side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 100 people, include inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis), characterized by severe, long-lasting stomach pain that may extend to the back. Immediate medical attention is advised for such symptoms. Rarely, affecting up to 1 in 1,000 people, severe allergic reactions like anaphylactic reactions and angioedema can occur, marked by symptoms such as breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, fast heartbeat, pale and cold skin, dizziness, or weakness. Immediate medical help should be sought in these cases.

 

Other more common side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, feeling weak or tired, dizziness, upset stomach or indigestion, burping, flatulence, bloating, inflamed stomach (gastritis), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, gallstones, hair loss, and reactions at the injection site. Diabetic patients may experience low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), with warning signs like cold sweat, pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, hunger, vision changes, sleepiness, weakness, nervousness, anxiety, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and shaking. Your doctor will advise on managing low blood sugar and may adjust doses of other diabetes medications.

 

Uncommonly, Wegovy can cause a fast heartbeat and an increase in pancreatic enzymes, as shown in blood tests. It’s important to report any side effects to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse, and they can also be reported directly via the Yellow Card Scheme in Great Britain. By reporting side effects, you contribute to the safety information available for this medicine (for a comprehensive list please refer to the patient information leaflet).

 

When should Wegovy not be used?

Do not use Wegovy if you are allergic to Semaglutide or any other ingredients contained in this medication.