Wegovy Injections - Weight Loss Treatment

Wegovy is a once-weekly weight loss injection that has recently been approved for use in the United Kingdom by NICE. Currently, Wegovy is a prescription-only medication meaning assessment by one of our independent prescribing pharmacists is required before treatment is started to ensure Wegovy is safe and suitable for you to use. Wegovy® is an advanced weight loss injection designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthier weight. Containing the active ingredient semaglutide, Wegovy® mimics the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulates appetite and food intake. By enhancing the feeling of fullness and reducing cravings, Wegovy® supports effective weight management when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Each Wegovy® pen provides four weekly doses and should be administered once a week, at the same time each week, to maximise its effectiveness. At WePrescribe, we understand that weight loss can be a challenging topic for patients and if you access any weight loss treatment through us, we will always provide you with information before you receive your treatment. This ensures we can help you create the best weight loss plan and support you to get the most out of your treatment. We will then also be happy to review you at any time so you will always have access to the support you need! What is Wegovy used for? Wegovy is a prescription medication designed to aid weight loss in adults with obesity (BMI ? 30) or those who are overweight (BMI ? 27) with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. It helps regulate appetite and reduce food intake. How does Wegovy work? Wegovy contains semaglutide, which mimics the hormone GLP-1. This hormone regulates appetite by interacting with brain receptors to promote feelings of fullness and reduce cravings. It is administered once a week using a pre-filled injection pen. Who should not use Wegovy? Wegovy is not suitable for individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to semaglutide or any of its ingredients, those with diabetic retinopathy, kidney problems, or a history of pancreatitis. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. What are the common side effects of Wegovy? Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and headaches. These symptoms are typically mild to moderate and tend to subside as your body adjusts to the medication. However, some patients have reported severe side effects such as gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). How do I use Wegovy? Wegovy is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week in areas such as the upper arms, stomach, thighs, or buttocks. It's important to rotate the injection sites to avoid skin irritation. How effective is Wegovy for weight loss? Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy can significantly reduce body weight. On average, patients lose more than 10% of their body weight within a year when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. If no significant weight loss is observed after 12 weeks at the maximum dose, discontinuation might be considered. Do I need a prescription for Wegovy? Yes, Wegovy is available only by prescription. It is part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioural support.

Do not use Wegovy® if you:

• - Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• - Have a history of pancreatitis.
• - Are under 18 years of age.
• - Have a history of kidney or liver impairment.
• - Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Wegovy® should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products or GLP-1 receptor agonists unless directed by a healthcare professional. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. There may be other reasons why Wegovy is not suitable for you but our pharmacists will determine these to ensure your safety is first and foremost.    

Wegovy is used with once-weekly injections. These injections are done subcutaneously, which means injected under the first layer of the skin. Each Wegovy pen you receive will contain 4 doses within it. You will complete the injections yourself. The injection technique is easy and support in how to do this safely will be given. It's important that you rotate the injection site each week to limit bruising and infection risk. Wegovy has 5 different doses. The schedule is as follows:

• First 4 weeks - 0.25mg
• Second 4 weeks - 0.5mg
• Third 4 weeks - 1mg
• Fourth 4 weeks - 1.7mg
• Fifth 4 weeks - 2.4mg (maintenance dose)

Steps to follow when injecting Wegovy:

1. 1. Before use, ensure you have a clean injection site, such as the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
2. 2. Remove the pen cap and inspect the liquid to ensure it is clear and colourless.
3. 3. Attach a new needle to the pen and remove the outer and inner needle caps.
4. 4. Perform a flow check as instructed in the patient information leaflet.
5. 5. Set the correct dose on the pen using the dose selector.
6. 6. Inject the medication into the selected skin area at a straight angle.
7. 7. Dispose of the needle and pen cap safely in a sharps bin.
8. 8. Replace the pen cap and store it for future use.

Before a Wegovy pen is used you must store it in the fridge, following the first use it can either be kept in the fridge or stored at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. The pen cap must be kept on to protect from natural light.

Active Ingredient:

• - Semaglutide (a synthetic version of the GLP-1 hormone)

Inactive Ingredients:

• - Disodium phosphate
• - Propylene glycol
• - Phenol Hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment)
• - Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)
• - Water for injection

Semaglutide is the active ingredient contained within Wegovy and the dose of semaglutide contained within the pen will vary depending upon the strength of Wegovy selected.

Common side effects may include:

• - Headache
• - Nausea
• - Vomiting
• - Diarrhea
• - Constipation
• - Abdominal pain
• - Fatigue

Serious side effects to be aware of:

• - Risk of thyroid tumours, including cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma)
• - Severe allergic reactions (e.g., difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat)
• - Pancreatitis

Most side effects are mild and often improve over time. It is recommended to gradually increase the dose to minimise these effects. A lways consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or experience severe side effects. For optimal results, Wegovy® should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if Wegovy® is right for you and to receive a tailored weight loss plan.