Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine. Our clinicians review each treatment request on an individual basis, and prescriptions are subject to a clinical decision after completing our online consultation. This page is only intended for those who have completed an online consultation and have been prescribed Wegovy.
We would like to provide you with important information before you start taking Wegovy. It is also recommended to read the patient information leaflet to understand how the medication works, what to expect, and potential side effects and how to manage them.
What is Wegovy and how does it work?
Wegovy is a medication licensed for the treatment of overweight or obese patients. When used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, helps individuals lose weight by regulating appetite. Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1 released in the gut after eating.
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide works similarly to GLP-1 in the body, slowing down the digestion process to keep you feeling full for an extended period. It also interacts with receptors in the brain, reducing hunger and cravings while promoting satiety and fullness. These combined effects prevent overeating, leading to a reduction in calorie intake. Like all medications, the effects will only last as long as you take it, but when used correctly and mixed with a healthy diet and a good exercise regimen, it will help you lose weight.
How to use 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.
How and when to use Wegovy
Wegovy should be injected subcutaneously, once a week, on the same day each week.
You can administer it at any time of the day.
You can administer Wegovy with or without food and drinks.
How much to inject
Your dose of Wegovy will gradually be increased each month until you reach your maintenance dose.
Please look at the dosage information on the label of your medication box, injection pen or within the treatments section of your Numan account page.
If you are unclear on the dose, please speak to a clinician.
If you feel you are not experiencing the weight loss you expected, or are experiencing an increase in appetite, contact our clinical team, who will review your dosage. You can contact our clinical team on [email protected]. Alternatively, you can contact your health coach or clinician via the coaching section in the Numan app.
Don’t take Wegovy
If you are allergic to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in the medication.
If you have diabetes (type 1 or type 2), controlled with medication.
Together with insulin or insulin secretagogue medications (e.g. sulfonylurea), semaglutide lowers blood sugar and can cause hypoglycemia. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when semaglutide is used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogue medications.
If you are taking other GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, eventide or lixisenatide). GLP-1 agonists lowers blood glucose and can cause hypoglycemia.
Together with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight loss products.
If you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
If you have or have previously had acute pancreatitis.
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
If you are breastfeeding.
If you have an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
If you have congestive heart failure.
If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis.
If you have liver problems.
If you have had bariatric surgery.
If you are on warfarin, speak to your doctor or INR monitoring service to get more frequent INR checks.
What to do if you forget or miss a dose
If you forget or miss a dose and:
it is 5 days or less since you should have used Wegovy, use it as soon as possible. Inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
it is more than 5 days since you should have used Wegovy, skip the missed dose. Inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
Do not use a double dose or increase the dose on the following day to make up for the missed dose.
If you miss more than one dose, please contact a Numan clinician.
What to do if you take more Wegovy than you should
If you take more Wegovy than you should, contact your clinician straight away. You may get side effects such as feeling sick (nausea).
Side effects of Wegovy
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.
Common or very common side effects
Headache
Nausea (feeling sick)
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Low blood glucose in patients with diabetes (especially if mixed with other diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylurea) - may present as cold, sweaty pale skin; headache, a fast heartbeat, nausea, vision changes, sleepiness or weakness, confusion and shakes.
Complications of diabetic eye disorder (retinopathy) in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Stomach pain
Stomach bloating
Constipation
Flatulence (wind)
Burping
Gastritis (inflamed stomach) - may get feelings of a stomach ache, feeling sick and/or vomiting.
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease - also called GORD, reflux or heartburn.
Dizziness
Tiredness
Hair loss
Increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase) shown in blood tests.
Some of the potential side effects that affect the gastrointestinal system can cause dehydration (loss of fluids). Dehydration can in rare cases reduce kidney function. To avoid this, it is important to drink fluids, especially if you are experiencing extensive gastrointestinal side effects or if you have kidney problems.
Serious side effects
Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) - which can cause a severe stomach pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your stomach to your back.
Gallbladder problems - semaglutide may cause gallbladder problems including gallstones. Be aware of symptoms such as pain in your upper stomach, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice) and clay-coloured stools.
Kidney problems (kidney failure).
Changes in the way food tastes.
Increased heart rate while at rest.
Reactions at the site of injection - bruising, pain, irritation, itching, redness, rash or scarring.
Allergic reactions such as rash, itching or hives.
Severe allergic reaction. May present with swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat with difficulty breathing and a fast heart rate. You should seek immediate medical help if you get these symptoms.
If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor or go to a hospital immediately.
Stop using Wegovy if you notice any of these side effects
Severe allergic reactions
Signs of pancreatitis - severe stomach pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your stomach to your back.
Suicidal thoughts - Suicidal behaviour and ideation have been reported in clinical trials with other similar weight management products. If you experience suicidal thoughts whilst on Wegovy, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical advice. If you feel that you are struggling, please seek out professional help as soon as possible at the following services:
NHS GP - first point of contact if not an emergency.
NHS 111 service.
Local mental health services and therapies (if applicable to you).
If you get any of these side effects, seek immediate medical help and alert your healthcare provider.
What to do if you are feeling unwell
In the event of feeling unwell, particularly if your illness impacts your appetite or gastrointestinal system, making it difficult to maintain the standard three meals a day, we advise temporarily discontinuing the use of Wegovy to minimise risks of malnourishment or dehydration.
It is recommended to skip a dose until a full recovery is achieved. This sick day rule ensures the optimal effectiveness of Wegovy while prioritising your well-being during periods of illness.
Please make sure to keep us updated if you become unwell and a break in treatment is required.
How to store Wegovy
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Ensure medication is within the expiry date.
Do not freeze.
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
When you are not using Wegovy, keep the cap on the pen in order to protect from light.
What Wegovy contains
The active substance in Wegovy is semaglutide.
It also contans disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol sodium, water for injections and sodium hydroxide/hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment).
If you have any questions about taking Wegovy please get in touch by emailing [email protected]. If you feel unwell and feel you need urgent medical attention please call NHS 111 or attend your nearest accident and emergency department.
This is a non-promotional, safety information page for Wegovy. If you are interested in weight management treatment, please reach out to our clinical team by contacting [email protected].