On September 4th 2023, Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in the UK. We've put together some answers to some frequently asked questions you may have. You can find more information about Wegovy on our website.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a weight loss medication that contains semaglutide, which mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body called GLP-1.
It works by acting on the receptors in the brain that control appetite, reducing hunger and diminishing cravings.
Wegovy Safety Information
What does Wegovy do?
Wegovy is prescribed for the long-term management of weight after clinical trials demonstrated its suitability for weight loss.
Wegovy mimics a hormone released in the gut in response to food. As a result, you feel fuller for longer. This helps you to reduce your food intake and decrease your body weight. The medication should be combined with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
You can read more on our blog: Wegovy weight loss medication: how it works
What’s the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but they’re marketed to treat different conditions. Ozempic is licensed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and has been in circulation since 2017. Wegovy is a much newer brand that’s licensed as a treatment for weight loss.
Essentially, Wegovy and Ozempic function in the exact same way and produce the same response in the body. There are a few differences including the dosage of the active ingredient, semaglutide, and the conditions that they’re marketed for.
You can read the full story on our blog: What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
What titrations will be available for Wegovy?
Wegovy has 5 titration amounts. After you start on Wegovy at 0.25mg, we'll increase your dosage each month, until you reach 1mg so you body can become accustomed to treatment. Everyone responds to the medication differently and you may find you manage well on a lower dose, so let us know and we'll adjust your prescription.
When you reach 1mg we'll hold you there, unless you feel you're not getting the benefit you expect, and then you may ask a clinician to move you up to the highest strengths (subject to availability and clinical suitability).
What do I do if I see air bubbles in my pen?
An air bubble in the Wegovy pen is a small pocket of air that may be present when preparing the medication for injection. It can occur during priming or air can also enter through the injection process. When holding the pen, try to keep it steady and avoid shaking or tapping it as this can agitate any existing bubbles. Sometimes, air bubbles can occur due to temperature changes.
It is generally safe to inject Wegovy with a small air bubble. The tiny amount of air will not cause harm or impact the effectiveness of the medication. Injecting a small amount of air along with your prescribed dose of Wegovy will not alter its intended dosage or therapeutic effect; this is only an issue if the air bubble is large.
Wegovy is injected subcutaneously – which is under the skin. Air bubbles are only really of concern if injected directly into a blood vessel.
To minimize the occurrence of air bubbles in your Wegovy pen, please make sure to follow proper priming techniques as detailed in the patient information leaflet /or as per the video for Wegovy below.
If you accidentally inject a large amount of air along with your dose of Wegovy, monitor yourself for any unusual symptoms and consult your healthcare provider if you experience adverse reactions.
Are there any side effects?
Like all medicines, Wegovy can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most patients find that the side effects resolve with time, once your body is accustomed to the medication. If your side effects are not resolving, please speak to one of our clinicians who can advise you on next steps. Further information can be found on our Wegovy safety information page or refer to the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication
When can I take Wegovy?
Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable. There is not a specific time of day where you need to administer it, as long as it’s the same day each week and the same time period. You can take Wegovy with or without food. You may change the day of the week you use Wegovy as long as your last dose was taken 3 or more days before.
How do I take Wegovy?
For detailed instructions, please refer to the leaflet inside your medication box
Step 1: Select the correct pre-filled pen
Select the pen labelled with the correct weekly dosage.
Check the pen to make sure it isn’t damaged, the expiration date hasn’t passed, and that the medicine is clear and colourless in the window within the pen.
Pull off the pen cap Always use a new needle for each injection. Take a needle when you are ready to take your injection. Check the paper tab and the outer needle cap for damages. If you see any damage, this could affect sterility. Dispose of it and use a new needle. Tear off the paper tab.
Push the needle straight onto the pen. Turn until it is on tight.
You must remove both caps from the needle.
Check the flow with each new pen (you only need to do this once). Turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows the flow check symbol (two dots). Press and hold in the dose button until the dose counter shows 0. Make sure a drop appears at the needle tip.
Step 2: Decide where to inject
Decide where on your body you’ll inject the medicine. You can either inject it into your stomach (at least 2 inches from your belly button) or in your upper legs on the front of your thighs. If someone else is helping you, they can inject it into your upper arm for you.
You can inject the pen in the same body part each week, but make sure it isn’t in exactly the same spot.
Expose the area of skin you will be injecting into and ensure there is no visible break in or damage to the skin.
Step 3: Inject your dose
Select your dose by turning the dose selector
Position the pen at the injection site, ensuring you can see the pen window.
Push the pen firmly against the skin and apply continuous pressure. You should hear a click to tell you that the injection has started.
Press and hold down the dose button until the dose counter shows -0-.
Keep pressing the dose button with the needle in your skin and slowly count to 6.
The -0- must line up with the dose pointer. You may hear or feel a click when the dose counter returns to 0.
Remove the needle from your skin. If blood appears at the injection site, press on it lightly with a clean tissue, but do not rub the area.
Step 4: After the injection
Lead the needle tip into the outer needle cap on a flat surface without touching the needle or the outer needle cap. Once the needle is covered, carefully push the outer needle cap completely on.
Unscrew the needle and dispose of it in the sharps bin provided.
Never try to put the inner needle cap back on the needle. You may prick yourself with the needle.
Always dispose of the needle immediately after each injection to prevent blocked needles, contamination, infection and inaccurate dosing. Never store your pen with the needle attached.
Put the pen cap on your pen after each use to protect Wegovy from light.
Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed for you. Check with a Numan clinician if you are not sure.