Wegovy is a prescription medication used to help with weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight conditions. Its active ingredient is semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. This medication is similar to another diabetes drug called Ozempic, but Wegovy is specifically approved for weight management.
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Description
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection used to aid weight loss in adults and young adults. Wegovy is a branded weight loss injection used to lose and maintain a healthy weight. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which is very similar to a natural hormone we produce that makes us feel full after eating. You can also find semaglutide under the branded name Ozempic, which is used for regulating blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
How does it work?
Wegovy works by mimicking a gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. Weight loss can be difficult to achieve and requires a lot of personal motivation. Wegovy aims to make it a bit easier by helping you feel full sooner so you eat less. GLP-1 targets areas of the brain that help to regulate appetite, especially after eating. It also slows how quickly the stomach empties, which makes you feel fuller for longer. In addition to this, Wegovy enhances the production of insulin.
How are Wegovy and Ozempic similar?
These two medications not only have the same active ingredient but they share other characteristics such as: • They are injected once a week • They both lower blood sugar levels • Can cause serious side effects such as pancreatitis and dehydration • They both lower blood sugar levels Other side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation.
Starting dose
0.25mg WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 (request next pen) WEEK 4 (pen finished)
0.5mg WEEK 5 WEEK 6 WEEK 7 (request next pen) WEEK 8 (pen finished)
1mg WEEK 9 WEEK 10 WEEK 11 (request next pen) WEEK 12 (pen finished)
1.7mg WEEK 13 WEEK 14 WEEK 15 (request next pen) WEEK 16 (pen finished)
Maintenance dose
2.4mg WEEK 17 WEEK 18 WEEK 16 (request next pen) WEEK 17 (pen finished)
Side-effects: The most common side effects that you may experience whilst using Wegovy are:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Stomach ache/abdominal pain
• Tiredness
Depending on the side effect you’re experiencing it might last for longer than others. And this also might depend on how well your body can tolerate the injection. Usually side-effects will pass with time as your body gets used to the medication. But if you have any side effects that are concerning you or you are experiencing long-term, speak to your doctor straight away.
Active ingredients
Semaglutide
Inactive ingredient
Disodium phosphate dihydrate, 1.42 mg; sodium chloride, 8.25 mg; water for injection; and hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH
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