WHAT IS WEGOVY?
Wegovy is an injection which aids weight loss when combined with increased exercise and a healthy, balanced diet which results in less calories. It contains the peptide semaglutide, an active ingredient which is effective for losing weight. Wegovy is a weekly injection which is suitable for adults with a BMI of over 30. Those who have a BMI of more than 27 who have other weight-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, can also use Wegovy. Currently licensed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in the UK, semaglutide has the brand name Ozempic. While this isn’t licensed in the UK as a weight loss medication, Wegovy is, when it is prescribed with a specific formulation and weight loss dosing.
Dose: One weekly injection, following the schedule for dose escalation.
Type of medicine: GLP-1 receptor agonist – appetite suppressant.
Mechanism: Wegovy decreases food intake by suppressing appetite and promoting a full feeling for longer.
Active ingredient: Semaglutide.
Side effects: Can cause constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting.
WHAT IS WEGOVY USED FOR?
It is used as a weight loss treatment for those with a BMI of over 30 or a BMI of more than 27 with weight-related conditions like hypertension. It is used alongside increased physical exercise and a calorie-controlled diet to lose weight.
WEGOVY PRICES
You can see all pricing by clicking on the booking link at the bottom of the page. Wegovy has five strengths, with the cheapest price for the lower strength injection pen and increasing price bands up to the maintenance dose of 2.4mg.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Because semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is what is known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it is able to mimic a hormone naturally produced in the body which helps to regulate appetite. Called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), this hormone gives a feeling of fullness and by mimicking it, a Wegovy injection has an effect on brain receptors which control appetite. It leads to feeling less hungry and fuller for longer and you will crave food less. The treatment is combined with increased physical activity and a calorie-restricted diet, in order to lose weight effectively.
HOW TO USE WEGOVY?
Your dose of Wegovy is increased every four weeks, for a total of 16 weeks. You’ll take a 0.25mg dose once a week for the first four weeks before gradually increasing it to reach a 2.4mg maintenance dose every week from week 17 onwards. A gradual increase like this helps to minimise any risk of side effects as mentioned above. If you do experience side effects, these are most likely to happen during the phase of dose escalation before then improving.
The Wegovy pen should be injected once a week, always on the same day. It can be with or without food and at any time of the day, to suit your daily routine. It is injected into the skin of the thigh, abdomen or upper arm.
IS WEGOVY EFFECTIVE FOR WEIGHT LOSS?
When clinically trialled, Wegovy was shown to result in a significant reduction of body weight after 68 weeks when compared with a placebo. One of these trials found that patients taking Wegovy experienced a mean change of 14.9% body weight, compared to just 2.4% in those taking a placebo. The trial results also showed that 83.5% of people lost 5% body weight or more, after 68 weeks, while the placebo group showed that 31.1% of people lost the same amount. In another trial, there was a body weight reduction which was statistically significant compared to the placebo group. Because of these positive trial results, in the UK, Wegovy has been recommended for weight management for people living with obesity by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
WEGOVY VS PLACEBO TRIAL RESULTS?
The percentage of patients achieving different weight loss amounts.
WEGOVY CONTRAINDICATIONS AND DRUG INTERACTIONS?
The Wegovy injection is not suitable for those who have ever had an allergic reaction to semaglutide, the main active ingredient of Wegovy, or any of its other ingredients. It can affect the digestive system with side effects of vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to an increased risk of dehydration. This is why it’s important to drink plenty of fluids regularly, especially if you suffer from kidney problems. One rare side effect of Wegovy is pancreatitis and if you experience any of the symptoms of this, which includes severe stomach pain, you should stop taking Wegovy and consult your doctor immediately. More information about symptoms of pancreatitis are available on the NHS website.
Wegovy can increase the risk of low blood sugar levels if it is being taken alongside other diabetic medications and it’s important that people with diabetes do not take it as a substitute for insulin. Section 2 of your patient information leaflet has a full list of contraindications and warnings. Wegovy is also not suitable for those with diabetic retinopathy and you should speak to your doctor first if this applies to you.
WEGOVY AND PREGNANCY?
Wegovy should not be used in pregnancy, as it could harm the foetus. If you are planning to try and get pregnant, treatment should be stopped at least 2 months before. It should also not be taken when breastfeeding.
WEGOVY SIDE EFFECTS?
Like all medicines, patients may experience side effects when using Wegovy. The majority are mild and won’t be experienced by everyone. The most common side effects include vomiting, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and fatigue. These all usually improve with time as your body adjusts to taking the medication. The gradual dose increase every 4 weeks also helps to minimise the risk of side effects. As with all medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice if the side effects are very severe or don’t improve over time.