We’ve put together answers to frequently asked questions about Wegovy. The original Help Centre article also contains the instructional video.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a weight-loss medication containing semaglutide, which mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body called GLP-1.
It acts on receptors in the brain that control appetite, reducing hunger and cravings.
What does Wegovy do?
Wegovy is prescribed for the long-term management of weight after clinical trials demonstrated its suitability for weight loss.
It mimics a hormone released in the gut in response to food, helping you feel fuller for longer. This can reduce food intake and body weight. The medication should be combined with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
What’s the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but they are marketed for different conditions. Ozempic is licensed to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is licensed for weight loss.
They function in the same way and produce the same response in the body. Differences include the dose of semaglutide and the conditions for which they are marketed.
What doses of Wegovy are available?
Treatment starts at 0.25 mg. Each month, we gradually increase your dose until you reach 2.4 mg. This slow increase helps your body adjust.
For patients who do not achieve a sufficient response at 2.4 mg, the dose can be increased to 7.2 mg. Everyone responds differently. If a lower dose works better for you, let us know so we can adjust your prescription.
What if I see air bubbles in my pen?
A small pocket of air may appear during priming, injection, or following temperature changes. Keep the pen steady and avoid shaking or tapping it.
It is generally safe to inject Wegovy with a small air bubble. The tiny amount of air will not cause harm or affect the medication’s effectiveness. Wegovy is injected under the skin, and air bubbles are mainly a concern when injected directly into a blood vessel.
Follow the correct priming technique in the patient information leaflet or instructional video. If you accidentally inject a large amount of air, monitor for unusual symptoms and consult your healthcare provider if you experience an adverse reaction.
Are there any side effects?
Like all medicines, Wegovy can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most patients find that side effects resolve over time as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
If your side effects are not resolving, speak to one of our clinicians. You can also refer to the Wegovy safety information and the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.
When can I take Wegovy?
Wegovy is injected once a week. There is no specific time of day when it must be administered, provided you use it on the same day each week and around the same time. You can take it with or without food.
You can change your weekly injection day as long as your last dose was taken at least 3 days earlier.
How do I take Wegovy?
For detailed instructions, refer to the leaflet inside your medication box. The instructions below apply to the 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg pens. The 7.2 mg pen works differently.
Step 1: Select the correct pre-filled pen
Gather a needle, alcohol swab, and clean gauze or tissue. If you are on a multi-injection plan, make sure you have enough needles, swabs, and medication for every injection.
Select the pen labelled with the correct weekly dose.
Check that the pen is not damaged, the expiry date has not passed, and the medicine is clear and colourless.
Pull off the pen cap. Always use a new needle for each injection. Check the paper tab and outer needle cap for damage, then tear off the paper tab.
Push the needle straight onto the pen and turn it until tight.
Remove both needle caps.
Check the flow with each new pen. Turn the dose selector until the counter shows the flow-check symbol. Press and hold the dose button until the counter shows 0. A drop should appear at the needle tip.
Step 2: Decide where to inject
Choose your stomach, at least 5 cm (2 inches) from your belly button, or the front of your thigh. If someone is helping, they can inject into your upper arm.
You can use the same body area each week, but inject in a different spot at least 5 cm apart each time. This is especially important for multi-injection plans.
Expose the area and check that there is no visible break or damage to the skin.
Step 3: Inject your dose
Turn the dose selector to select your dose.
Position the pen at the injection site so you can see the pen window.
Push the pen firmly against your skin and apply continuous pressure. You should hear a click when the injection starts.
Press and hold the dose button until the counter shows 0.
Keep pressing the button with the needle in your skin and slowly count to 6.
Check that 0 lines up with the dose pointer. You may hear or feel a click when the counter returns to 0.
Remove the needle. If blood appears, press lightly with a clean tissue without rubbing.
Step 4: After the injection
Guide the needle tip into the outer cap on a flat surface without touching either one. Once covered, push the outer cap completely on.
Unscrew the needle and place it in the supplied sharps bin.
Never try to replace the inner needle cap, as you may prick yourself.
Dispose of the needle immediately after each injection. Never store the pen with a needle attached.
For multi-injection plans, repeat the process until all required doses are complete. Use a new needle for every injection and keep injection sites at least 5 cm apart.
Replace the pen cap after each use to protect Wegovy from light.
Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed. Check with a Numan clinician if you are unsure.