Introduction
WEGOVY 2.4MG (SEMAGLUTIDE INJECTION) X 3ML contains semaglutide, a medicine belonging to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class.
Wegovy is used as part of a comprehensive weight-management programme that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Semaglutide acts on GLP-1 receptors involved in appetite regulation and can help reduce appetite and food intake.
Wegovy is a prescription medicine and should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
The exact presentation, strength, device and pack configuration should always be checked against the product packaging and applicable prescribing information.
Uses
Wegovy (semaglutide) may be prescribed as part of a weight-management programme for eligible patients.
It may be used to:
Support long-term weight management in eligible adults with obesity.
Support weight management in certain adults who are overweight and have weight-related health conditions.
Support weight management in eligible adolescents where the indication is approved.
Reduce the risk of certain major cardiovascular events in eligible adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity, where this indication is approved.
Wegovy should be used together with appropriate dietary and physical-activity measures as recommended by a healthcare professional.
The suitability of Wegovy depends on an individual's medical history, health status, age and applicable local prescribing requirements.
How It Works
Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Semaglutide acts on receptors involved in appetite and food-intake regulation. By influencing these pathways, Wegovy can help reduce appetite and food intake, which may support weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Wegovy is administered once weekly according to the prescribed treatment schedule. Treatment is generally started at a lower dose and increased gradually as directed by a healthcare professional.
The maintenance dose for applicable weight-management indications may be 2.4 mg once weekly.
Do not change your dose or treatment schedule without medical advice.
Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, supplements and other treatments you are taking before starting Wegovy.
Semaglutide can delay gastric emptying and may affect the absorption of some medicines taken by mouth.
Particular care may be required with medicines that:
Require close monitoring.
Have a narrow therapeutic range.
Depend on consistent absorption.
Affect blood glucose levels.
If you have diabetes or take medicines that lower blood glucose, inform your healthcare professional before starting Wegovy.
Do not start, stop or change another medicine without discussing it with your doctor or pharmacist.
Wegovy should not be used together with another semaglutide-containing medicine or another GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
Storage Conditions
Store Wegovy according to the instructions provided with the specific product and its official package insert.
For applicable Wegovy injection presentations:
Store refrigerated as directed on the product packaging.
Do not freeze Wegovy.
Do not use Wegovy if it has been frozen.
Protect the medicine from light.
Keep the product in its original packaging where instructed.
Follow the temperature and storage duration specified for your particular product presentation.
Because storage requirements can vary between presentations and markets, always follow the storage instructions printed on the supplied product packaging.
If you are unsure whether the medicine has been stored correctly, contact your pharmacist before using it.
How to Use
Wegovy injection is generally administered once weekly according to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Depending on the approved product presentation:
Wegovy is administered by subcutaneous injection.
Injection sites may include the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
It can generally be administered with or without food.
Try to use it on the same day each week.
The dose is usually increased gradually according to the prescribed treatment schedule.
Do not increase or decrease the dose yourself.
Always read the instructions supplied with your specific Wegovy device before use.
If you have not previously used the injection device, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to demonstrate the correct administration technique.
Do not share your injection device with another person.
Safety Advices
Wegovy is a prescription medicine and should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Do not use Wegovy if you:
Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Have experienced a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any relevant ingredient in the medicine.
Tell your doctor before using Wegovy if you have or have had:
Pancreatitis.
Gallbladder problems.
Kidney problems.
Diabetes or problems with blood glucose.
Severe gastrointestinal problems.
A history of diabetic retinopathy.
Any significant medical condition.
A planned surgery or procedure requiring anaesthesia or deep sedation.
Wegovy may cause gastrointestinal adverse reactions and has also been associated with conditions including pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and increased heart rate.
Seek medical attention if you develop severe, persistent or unusual symptoms.
Pregnancy
Wegovy should not be used for weight reduction during pregnancy.
If you become pregnant while taking Wegovy, contact your healthcare professional promptly.
If you are planning a pregnancy, speak with your doctor before using Wegovy. Current prescribing information recommends stopping Wegovy at least two months before a planned pregnancy for applicable weight-management indications.
Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Wegovy can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects may include:
Side effects may be more noticeable when the dose is increased and may improve as the body adjusts to treatment.
Serious Side Effects
Serious adverse reactions can occur.
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you experience:
Severe or persistent abdominal pain.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhoea.
Signs of dehydration.
Symptoms associated with gallbladder problems.
Significant changes in vision.
Other severe or unexpected symptoms.
This list does not include every possible side effect. Always read the official product information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Expert Tips
Use Wegovy exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Take your weekly dose on the scheduled day.
Do not change the dose without medical advice.
Follow the recommended diet and physical-activity plan alongside treatment.
Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take.
Do not combine Wegovy with another semaglutide-containing medicine or GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically instructed by your healthcare professional.
Store the medicine according to the instructions supplied with your specific product.
Never use Wegovy if it has been frozen or if you are unsure about its storage history.
Do not share your injection device with another person.
Tell your healthcare team that you use Wegovy before surgery or a procedure requiring anaesthesia or deep sedation.
Keep your scheduled medical appointments so your healthcare professional can monitor your treatment.
If you miss a dose, follow the official instructions for your specific product and contact your healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are unsure what to do.