Description

Wegovy (Semaglutide) Treatment: Dosage and Administration

Treatment starts with a low dose, gradually increasing over several weeks to the maintenance dose, based on tolerability and clinical response.
Wegovy is available in various dosages, each provided in a prefilled pen containing four doses, with the dose gradually increasing over a few months:
Wegovy 0.25mg: Initial dose, injected once a week.
Wegovy 0.5mg: Second stage dose, increasing after 4 weeks.
Wegovy 1mg: Subsequent dose, increasing after 8 weeks.
Wegovy 1.7mg: Increasing after 12 weeks.
Wegovy 2.4mg: Maintenance dose, starting from week 17 onwards.
You’ll begin with a dose of 0.25mg, increasing every four weeks until reaching the maximum maintenance dose of 2.4mg.

Who Is Advised Against Taking Wegovy?
Wegovy is not recommended for certain individuals due to health risks or potential adverse reactions. These include:
Pregnancy and Planning for Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or intend to conceive should avoid using Wegovy.
Allergic Reactions: If you have previously experienced severe allergies to any of Wegovy’s components, you should not take this medication.
History of Specific Thyroid Cancers: Individuals who have, or have family history of, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a specific type of thyroid cancer, should not use Wegovy.
Some Endocrine Conditions: Those diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a disorder affecting the endocrine system, are advised against the use of Wegovy.
Additionally, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider if you have:
Pancreatic or Kidney Issues: A history of pancreas or kidney-related health problems.
Type 2 Diabetes with Diabetic Retinopathy: If you have type 2 diabetes, especially with a history of diabetic retinopathy, your doctor needs to be aware.
Mental Health Concerns: Any history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health issues should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding: Wegovy is not recommended for those who are breastfeeding.

What are possible side effects of Wegovy?
The possible side effects of Wegovy can be divided into two categories: more common and less serious and more serious side effects.
Less serious, more common side effects include:
nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching, gas, and heartburn.
Serious side effects include:
potential thyroid tumors or cancer, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, low blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients, kidney problems or failure, serious allergic reactions, vision changes in type 2 diabetics, increased heart rate, depression or suicidal thoughts, and possible gastroparesis.
It’s important to contact a healthcare professional if you experience any of these side effects, especially the serious ones.

Do I Need a Prescription for Wegovy?
Wegovy is available only with a prescription and cannot be legally purchased over the counter. It requires a health assessment and prescription from a doctor. Currently, there is no generic version of Wegovy available and it is starting to be prescribed privately in the UK.

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Wegovy?
Drinking alcohol while on Wegovy is allowed, but caution is advised due to potential lowering of blood sugar levels. Monitoring for symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness is recommended. Heavy drinking of alcohol increases your risk of pancreatitis even without medication, pancreatitis is also a rare side effect of Wegovy

Can I Drive While Taking Wegovy?
Driving is allowed while taking Wegovy, but it’s important to be aware of how the medication affects you, especially regarding any side effects that could impair driving ability.

Is Long-Term Use of Wegovy Possible?
Wegovy is approved for long-term treatment of obesity. Its continued use depends on its effectiveness and the individual’s benefit, as assessed by a healthcare provider.

Who Can Take Wegovy?
In the UK, Wegovy is prescribed to adults who meet specific criteria, such as having a certain BMI and weight-related health conditions. It is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, have specific medical conditions, or are allergic to its ingredients.

Can I Take Wegovy with Other Weight Loss Medications?
It is advised not to use Wegovy in conjunction with other weight loss products, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal products.