Wegovy (Semaglutide) injection

Wegovy is a prescription weight loss shot for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.

It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Doctors prescribe Wegovy for weight loss in obese adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. It can also be prescribed in patients who are overweight (with a BMI of 27 or more) if they also have weight-related medical problems. This may include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Wegovy contains the active ingredient, Semaglutide. Semaglutide is also sold under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus. These brands are used for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to control high blood sugar levels. They are not currently FDA-approved for weight loss.

The Semaglutide weight loss injection works by slowing the movement of food through the stomach and may decrease appetite.

In the body, a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) regulates our appetite and calorie intake. It works in many areas of the brain involved in controlling our appetite.

GLP-1 is released in response to a meal and acts in different areas of the brain to help people feel full and satisfied after eating. It also slows down the emptying of stomach contents so you feel fuller for longer. As a result, you eat fewer calories and lose weight.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and is 94% similar to the natural GLP-1 hormone, and mimics its actions.

Studies have shown that Wegovy is effective for weight loss. Here are some of Wegovy’s weight loss results from clinical trials:

• 83.5% of adults taking Wegovy lost 5% or more weight, compared to 31.1% taking a placebo (a drug with no active ingredient)
• 66% of adults taking Wegovy lost 10% or more weight, compared to 12% taking a placebo
• 47.9% of adults taking Wegovy lost 15% or more weight, compared to 4.8% taking a placebo

In addition to a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity, people in this study taking Wegovy lost more weight than people taking the placebo overall.

Wegovy comes as a pre-filled injection pen that is injected under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It should be used once a week (preferably on the same day each week), at any time of day. It may be taken with or without food.

Wegovy is typically prescribed as part of an approach that includes lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Here is how to inject Wegovy correctly:

Wash your hands.
Check your Wegovy pen before using it. Do not use it if: The pen looks like it has been used or appears broken. The medicine inside is not clear and colorless (check through the pen window). It is expired.
Choose your injection site: You may inject this medication into your upper leg (front of the thighs), lower stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button) or upper arm. Do not inject into any tender, bruised, red, or hard areas. You may inject it in the same area of the body each week, as long as you change the spot each time. Before injecting Wegovy, clean the injection site with an alcohol swab or soap and water. Allow the skin to dry before injecting.
Remove the pen cap by pulling it off the pen and inject Wegovy: Press the pen against your skin and hold it there until the yellow bar has stopped moving. The injection will take 5-10 seconds. You will hear 2 clicks during the injection: one when the injection has started and another when the injection is ongoing.
Safely throw away your pen after each use. Put the used pen in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Do not throw the pen in your household trash.

Wegovy comes in five strengths: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, and 2.4mg. Each dose comes in its own color pen.

What starting dose of Wegovy is recommended?

Many people start with a low dose of 0.25mg. They gradually increase the dosage over time. Eventually, they reach a maintenance dose of either 1.7mg or 2.4mg. The maintenance dose usually depends on how you respond to the medicine and if you can tolerate it.

This slow dose increase gives you time to adjust to treatment and reduce side effects.

• Store the pens in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze Wegovy.
• Wegovy can be stored from 46°F to 86°F (8°C to 30°C) in the original carton for up to 28 days.
• Keep this medicine in its original carton and protect it from light.
• Throw away the pen if it has been frozen, has been exposed to light or temperatures above 86°F(30°C), or has been kept out of the refrigerator for 28 days or longer.

This drug can only be prescribed for weight management in people with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 and above with at least one weight-related medical condition.

You cannot use this medicine if:

• You have previously had an allergic reaction to Semaglutide or any of the ingredients in this medicine.
• You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Wegovy may harm your unborn baby. Patients should stop using this medicine at least 2 months before they plan to become pregnant.

What precautions should I take?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions, such as if you:

• Have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys
• Have type 2 diabetes and a history of diabetic eye disease
• Have or have had mental health issues
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

What interactions are there?

There may be some interactions between Wegovy and other medicines. Wegovy also slows down the stomach emptying rate. This can affect the way some medicines work.

Do not use this medicine if you take other GLP-1 receptor agonists or other Semaglutide-containing products, such as Ozempic, and Rybelsus.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, natural health supplements and more. Especially tell your doctor if you take insulin or other medicines used to treat diabetes.

Can I combine Wegovy and alcohol?

Although there’s no direct interaction between Wegovy and alcohol, there are a still few things to consider. If you’re using Wegovy for weight management, alcohol contains quite a few calories and can contribute to your daily calorie count, which may hinder weight loss.

As with all prescription medicines, it can cause some side effects. Especially during the first few months of using the medicine.

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Wegovy may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Dizziness
• Bloating and gas
• Heartburn
• A runny nose or sore throat

Less common side effects

Rarely, Wegovy may cause serious side effects, including:

• Gallbladder problems - call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms, such as pain in your upper stomach, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Serious allergic reactions - stop using Wegovy if you have any symptoms such as swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing, difficulty swallowing, or a severe rash.
• Increased heart rate.
• Changes in your mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.

If you experience any of the above, call your doctor and seek medical attention immediately.

There are other drugs that are similar to Wegovy, here are some examples:

Wegovy vs Ozempic

Ozempic injections are approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro

Similarly to Ozempic, Mounjaro is an injectable prescription medicine that is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It contains the active ingredient Tirzepatide.

Wegovy vs Zepbound

Zepbound is an alternative once-weekly weight loss injection. It contains the active ingredient Tirzepatide and works by reducing your calorie intake and appetite. It is effective for weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

You can buy Wegovy online from SpeedyHealth. You will be required to complete an online medical consultation which will be reviewed by one of our registered doctors.

Once approved, the medication will be sent to your chosen address in discreet packaging.