Wegovy® injection (semaglutide) is a prescription medication approved for chronic weight management in adults and certain adolescents with obesity, or in adults who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Wegovy is part of a treatment plan that includes reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Wegovy works by mimicking the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone, which helps regulate appetite and food intake. By slowing digestion, reducing hunger, and promoting a sense of fullness, Wegovy can help patients lower calorie intake and support meaningful, sustained weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
How to Use:
Wegovy® is typically prescribed as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Treatment is usually started at a lower dose and gradually increased over several months to improve tolerability.
A common dosing approach begins with 0.25 mg once weekly, with stepwise increases until reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly, as directed by your healthcare provider.
Injections are given on the same day each week, with or without food.
Injection sites should be rotated each week, and a new needle should be used for every injection.
If a dose is missed, your healthcare provider will advise whether to take it when remembered or wait until the next scheduled dose.
Black Box Warning:
Wegovy® (semaglutide) carries a boxed warning regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. It should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Patients should promptly report symptoms such as a lump in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Important Notes and Warnings:
The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, especially during dose escalation.
Serious but less common risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, low blood sugar (particularly if used with diabetes medications), and kidney problems.
Wegovy should not be used together with other semaglutide products or other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Not recommended in pregnancy; treatment should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking, as Wegovy may delay gastric emptying and affect absorption of oral drugs.
Wegovy is intended for long-term use as part of a comprehensive weight management program.
Storage:
Store Wegovy pens in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) before first use.
After first use, pens may be kept at room temperature (59°F to 86°F / 15°C to 30°C) or refrigerated, and must be used within 28 days.