Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine. This information is intended for patients who have completed an online consultation and have been prescribed Wegovy. Always read the patient information leaflet.
What is Wegovy and how does it work?
Wegovy contains semaglutide and is licensed for the treatment of patients who are overweight or living with obesity. Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone released after eating. It slows digestion, reduces hunger and cravings, and helps you feel fuller for longer.
How to use Wegovy
These instructions 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.
1. Prepare the pen
Gather a new needle, alcohol swab, and clean gauze or tissue.
Check that the pen has the correct dose, is undamaged and in date, and contains clear, colourless medicine.
Attach a new needle securely and remove both caps.
With each new pen, turn to the flow-check symbol and press until the counter shows 0. A drop should appear at the needle tip.
2. Choose an injection site
Inject into your stomach, at least 5 cm from your belly button, or the front of your thigh. Someone else can inject into your upper arm. Rotate sites and keep injections at least 5 cm apart.
3. Inject your dose
Select your prescribed dose.
Position the pen so you can see the window.
Press the pen against your skin and hold the dose button until the counter shows 0.
Keep the needle in your skin and slowly count to 6.
Remove the needle. If blood appears, press lightly without rubbing.
4. After the injection
Cover and unscrew the needle, then place it in your sharps bin. Never store the pen with a needle attached. Replace the cap to protect the medicine from light.
How and when to use it
Inject under the skin once a week on the same day.
Use it at any time of day, with or without food.
Your dose will usually increase gradually until you reach a maintenance dose.
Check your label or Numan account for your prescribed dose.
Do not take Wegovy if
You are allergic to semaglutide or another ingredient.
You have diabetes controlled with medication, or take insulin, an insulin secretagogue, or another GLP-1 medicine.
You use another prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight-loss product.
You or a family member have had medullary thyroid carcinoma.
You have had acute pancreatitis.
You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or think you may be pregnant.
You have an eating disorder, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, liver problems, or have had bariatric surgery.
If you take warfarin, ask your doctor or INR monitoring service about more frequent checks.
Missed doses
If your dose was due 5 days ago or less, use it as soon as possible and take your next dose on the scheduled day.
If more than 5 days have passed, skip it and take the next dose on your scheduled day.
Do not double your dose. Contact a clinician if you miss more than one dose.
Side effects
Common effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain or bloating, wind, burping, reflux, dizziness, tiredness, hair loss, and low blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Gastrointestinal side effects can cause dehydration and, rarely, reduced kidney function. Drink enough fluids.
Serious effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, an increased resting heart rate, injection-site reactions, and severe allergic reactions.
⚠️ Stop using Wegovy and seek urgent medical help for a severe allergic reaction, signs of pancreatitis, suicidal thoughts, or sudden painless vision loss or rapid worsening of eyesight.
Tell your doctor that you take Wegovy before any procedure involving anaesthesia.
If you feel unwell
If illness significantly affects your appetite or gastrointestinal system and you cannot maintain normal meals and fluids, temporarily stop Wegovy and skip a dose until you recover. Keep the clinical team updated if a treatment break is required.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children. Check the expiry date, do not freeze, and store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Keep the cap on to protect the medicine from light.
For questions, email [email protected]. For urgent medical attention, call NHS 111 or attend A&E.