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Home > Drug Category > Weight Loss Medications > Wegovy and Equivalent

Wegovy Information

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist primarily used for chronic weight management in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with obesity, and in adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related comorbidity (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol), in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is also indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight. Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone, which plays a role in regulating appetite and food intake. This action leads to decreased caloric intake by increasing feelings of fullness and satiety, and reducing hunger. It also slows gastric emptying.

Wegovy Side Effects

The most common side effects of Wegovy may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes), gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat. These side effects are often mild and may lessen over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Changes in vision: In people with type 2 diabetes.
• Depression or thoughts of suicide.
• Food or liquid entering the lungs during surgery or other procedures that involve anesthesia or deep sedation: Wegovy may delay stomach emptying. Inform all healthcare providers that you are taking Wegovy before any scheduled surgery or procedure.
• Gallbladder problems: Including gallstones, which may require surgery.
• Increased heart rate.<
• Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Especially in people with type 2 diabetes who also take other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Kidney problems: Acute kidney injury or worsening of chronic kidney failure.
• Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer: This is a Black Box Warning for Wegovy. In studies, semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. It is unknown if Wegovy causes thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans. Do not use Wegovy if you or any of your family have ever had MTC or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Serious allergic reactions.
• Severe stomach problems.

Wegovy Precautions

Do not use Wegovy if you are allergic to semaglutide or any of its ingredients. Do not use Wegovy if you or any of your family have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Before starting this medication, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or have had problems with your pancreas, kidneys, or gallbladder, diabetic retinopathy, a history of gastroparesis, or a mood disorder including depression or suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), herbal supplements, and vitamins. Wegovy can delay gastric emptying and may affect the absorption of other orally administered medications. Close monitoring of blood glucose is advised if taken with other diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas, as this can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Coadministration with other semaglutide-containing products (e.g., Ozempic, Rybelsus) or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Wegovy is safe to use during human pregnancy. Animal studies have shown fetal harm. It is recommended to stop Wegovy at least 2 months before trying to conceive. If you become pregnant while taking Wegovy, contact your doctor immediately. A pregnancy registry is available to collect information on how Wegovy affects pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if semaglutide passes into human breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Your doctor will help you decide whether to continue breastfeeding or discontinue the medication, considering the importance of the drug to the mother. Wegovy is approved for use in pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection once weekly, at any time of day, with or without meals. It comes in a single-dose prefilled pen. You can inject it under the skin in your stomach, upper arm, or upper thigh. The weekly dose is gradually increased over 16 weeks to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Follow the dose-escalation schedule provided by your healthcare professional. Do not share your Wegovy pen with others, even if the needle has been changed, as this can transmit infections. Store unopened Wegovy pens in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F or 2°C to 8°C) in the original carton to protect from light. If needed, Wegovy can be stored at room temperature (46°F to 86°F or 8°C to 30°C) with the pen cap on for up to 28 days. Do not freeze Wegovy. Do not use Wegovy if it has been frozen. Dispose of used pens in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Wegovy?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Wegovy.