Wegovy 1.7mg (Semaglutide Injection) contains semaglutide, a medicine belonging to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. It is generally prescribed for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or excess weight, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
This injection contains semaglutide, a once-weekly medicine that acts on GLP-1 receptors, a hormone pathway involved in appetite and blood sugar regulation. It belongs to a class of injectable medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Wegovy is generally used as part of a structured weight management plan that also includes dietary changes and increased physical activity. The 1.7mg strength represents one of the dose levels used during gradual dose escalation, which is guided by a healthcare professional based on individual response and tolerability.
Wegovy 1.7mg (Semaglutide Injection) may be prescribed to:
Support long-term weight management in adults with obesity, or in adults who are overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition
Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, in adults with known heart disease who also have obesity or excess weight
The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual health goals and medical history.
Wegovy works by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, which is released by the gut after eating. This hormone signals to the brain that you are full, slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach, and helps regulate insulin release. Together, these effects generally reduce appetite and food intake.
Because semaglutide has a long duration of action, it is generally given once a week rather than daily. Noticeable effects on appetite and weight typically build up gradually over the weeks and months following the start of treatment, as the dose is increased in stages by a healthcare professional.
Take Wegovy exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Injected once weekly, on the same day each week
Can be given with or without food
Injected under the skin (subcutaneously) into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating the injection site with each dose
The dose is generally increased gradually over several weeks to help reduce stomach-related side effects
Do not stop or change your dose without speaking to your doctor first, as this medicine is generally intended for long-term, structured use
If you miss a dose, follow the missed-dose guidance provided in your patient information leaflet, as the appropriate action depends on how much time has passed since the missed dose
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your full medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you use, including those bought without a prescription.
Caution is generally advised in people with:
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
A history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease
Diabetic retinopathy, particularly if you also have diabetes
Significant gastrointestinal conditions, including delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis)
The following categories of medicines may interact with Wegovy:
Insulin or other blood-sugar-lowering medicines, which may increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined, particularly in people with diabetes
Other semaglutide-containing products or GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines, which should not be used together
Oral medicines in general, as Wegovy can slow stomach emptying and affect how other medicines are absorbed
This is not a complete list of interactions. Always check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.
Wegovy is generally not recommended during pregnancy, and it is generally advised to stop treatment if pregnancy is planned or confirmed, allowing sufficient time before conception as advised by your doctor. Whether semaglutide passes into breast milk has not been fully established, so the potential benefits and risks should be weighed with your doctor before breastfeeding. Recommendations may vary depending on individual circumstances, so speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Like all medicines, Wegovy can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects may include:
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach pain or bloating
Tiredness
Dizziness
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms of pancreatitis (severe, persistent stomach pain, sometimes with vomiting), signs of gallbladder problems (pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes), or symptoms of a possible allergic reaction (swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, hives).
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store Wegovy according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Store in the original carton to protect from light
Do not freeze; do not use if the medicine has been frozen
Refrigeration is generally required until first use, with limited room-temperature storage permitted for a defined period — check your product packaging for the exact timeframe
Keep out of reach of children
Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
It's typically the fourth step in the dose-escalation schedule, usually reached after several weeks on the 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg doses.
Not usually. Most patients move on to the 2.4mg maintenance dose after about 4 weeks, unless a doctor advises staying at a lower dose due to tolerability.
Gradual increases give the body time to adjust and help reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea.
Injection sites are generally rotated between the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm, but individual instructions should come from your prescribing doctor.
Contact your doctor, as they may advise staying on this dose for longer before increasing further, rather than stopping treatment abruptly.
No, Wegovy's dosing schedule is designed for chronic weight management; diabetes-specific semaglutide products follow a different schedule and are sold under a different brand name.
