Weight loss meds that work

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.

Semaglutide injections and tablets work 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 consume fewer calories and lose weight.

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

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

Wegovy injection

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

Wegovy pill

• 76% of adults on the Wegovy pill achieved at least 5% or more weight loss, compared to 31% on the placebo.
• 60% of adults on the Wegovy pill achieved at least 10% or more weight loss, compared to 14% on the placebo.
• 47% of adults on the Wegovy pill achieved at least 15% or more weight loss, compared to 6% on the 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 pills or as pre-filled injection pens.

The injections are 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.

The Wegovy pill is taken once daily, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a small sip of water. Wait 30 minutes before eating or taking any other medicines.

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

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

Wegovy pills are available in four strengths: 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg. Each dose comes in its own color packaging.

Treatment begins at the starting dose, 0.25 mg for injections or 1.5 mg for pills, to help your body adjust and reduce side effects. The dose is gradually increased over time, depending on how well you tolerate treatment, until you reach the maintenance dose (up to 2.4 mg for injections or 25 mg for pills).

Your maintenance dose depends on how your body responds and what you tolerate best.

Dose up

Increase your dose step by step if you tolerate treatment well.

Stay on your dose

If a dose works well for you, you may continue on it.

After a break

• Up to 2 weeks: Resume your usual dose
• 2–4 weeks: Stay on your current dose for 1 month before increasing again
• 5 weeks or more: Restart at the starting dose

Injection

Pill

How to take:

Once weekly

Once daily

Clinical results*

17% in 15 months

14% in 14 months

Month 1

0.25 mg

1.5 mg

Month 2

0.5 mg

4 mg

Month 3

1 mg

9 mg

Month 4

1.7 mg

25 mg

Month 5

2.4 mg

25 mg

Yes, you can switch between the injections and pills. You’ll restart at the lowest starting dose and increase gradually. This is because the body absorbs each form differently.

Wegovy injections

• 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.

Wegovy pills

• Store Wegovy pills at room temperature (68°F to 77°F) away from moisture or direct light
• Keep the pills in their original container with the cap tightly closed.
• The pills come in a child-resistant bottle, but keep out of sight and reach of children.

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.

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

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.

Wegovy and alcohol: Although there’s no direct interaction between Wegovy and alcohol, there are still a 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
• constipation
• a runny nose or sore throat

Less common side effects

Rarely, Wegovy may cause serious side effects, including:

• gallbladder problems (contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as upper stomach pain, fever or yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• serious allergic reactions (stop using Wegovy if you have any symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty 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.

Our quick online consultation allows a licensed clinician to review your information and determine if treatment is appropriate. If suitable, a prescription may be issued and sent electronically to NovoCare pharmacy. They will contact you to arrange your Wegovy order and delivery.

After 4 weeks, you can continue treatment by renewing your prescription through SpeedyHealth in just a few clicks.

Our weight management program pairs you with a licensed clinician who will evaluate your health and create a personalized treatment plan.

Your prescription will be ready each month, supported by a dedicated patient support team available whenever you need them. Everything is handled privately and confidentially, with one flat monthly fee that never increases as your doses change.

NovoCare is the patient support and savings program from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy. It provides support for patients managing obesity, including access to pharmacy home delivery and potential cost savings on Wegovy.

We’ll remind you by email when it’s time to continue your treatment.

Simply log in to request your next prescription, and if appropriate, your clinician will issue a new prescription so you can reorder your medication.