Doctor's Corner: Your Questions About Wegovy Answered By A Doctor

UK Meds spoke with Dr Nourhan Elmenofy to get answers to the common questions you’ve asked us about the weight loss treatment, Wegovy (Semaglutide). You’ll find the answers to all of your frequently asked questions below.

Wegovy FAQs

Below are a selection of your most common questions about Wegovy that we asked Dr Nourhan:

How does Wegovy help with weight loss?

Wegovy is an injection that contains an ingredient called semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone that we do have in our bodies called GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food intake. It helps reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and can decrease overall calorie intake, leading to weight loss.

How quickly can I expect to see healthy weight loss results with Wegovy?

Weight loss results can vary, but most people begin to see some weight loss within the first few weeks of starting Wegovy. On average, people can expect to lose around 5-10% of their body weight within the first 6 months, with continued weight loss as they continue treatment, depending on their adherence to the medication and lifestyle changes.

And the good news is when you combine Wegovy with healthy lifestyle modifications, you can lose 0.5-2kgs per week.

What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?

The most common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain. These side effects are typically mild to moderate and are also self-limiting, meaning some people develop almost no side effects. Others have some moderate side effects and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Can I travel with Wegovy?

Yes, you can travel with Wegovy. It's important to keep it in a cool place, such as a travel cooler or insulated bag, to maintain the correct temperature. Always carry your medication in your carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage.

Does Wegovy burn fat?

Wegovy doesn't directly burn fat but helps reduce calorie intake by decreasing appetite, which leads to weight loss over time, as well as indirectly helping in declining fat storage. As you lose weight, your body will naturally burn fat stores for energy.

What should I do if my Wegovy pen isn't working properly?

If your Wegovy pen isn't working, check to make sure it's stored correctly, and the needle is attached properly. If you still encounter issues, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for assistance. Do not attempt to fix the pen yourself.

How frequently should I take Wegovy?

Wegovy is taken once a week, on the same day each week. Your healthcare provider will guide you on the appropriate dosage and when to increase it over time.

Please make sure to consult your healthcare provider about the adequate dosage and frequency for you.

How long do you take Wegovy for weight loss?

Wegovy is typically used as a long-term treatment for weight management. The duration of use depends on your weight loss goals and your healthcare provider's recommendations.

Why do Wegovy pens come in different colours?

Wegovy pens come in different colours to indicate different dosages. This helps ensure that users are taking the correct dose and helps differentiate between the different steps of dose escalation easily.

What needles do I need for my Wegovy FlexTouch pen?

The Wegovy pen is a prefilled, single-use pen, and it comes with a pre-attached needle. You don't need to purchase separate needles.

Do I need to take Wegovy on the same day every week?

Yes, it's recommended to take Wegovy on the same day every week to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body. If you need to change the day, consult your healthcare provider.

Can I change the day or time when I take Wegovy?

Yes, you can change the day you take Wegovy, but there should be at least 2 days (48 hours) between doses. If you need to change your dosing schedule, consult your healthcare provider.

Should I take Wegovy with a meal?

Wegovy can be taken with or without a meal. There are no specific meal-related instructions, so you can choose what works best for you.

Who should not take Wegovy?

Wegovy should not be taken by individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or those with known hypersensitivity to semaglutide. Pregnant women should also avoid taking Wegovy. 

Consult your healthcare provider for more detailed information about your medical situation.

What is the difference between Saxenda and Wegovy?

Both Saxenda and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight loss, but they contain different active ingredients (liraglutide in Saxenda and semaglutide in Wegovy). Wegovy is typically administered once a week, while Saxenda is taken daily.

What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, but Ozempic is used for treating type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss. They have different dosing schedules and strengths.

What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is another injectable medication for type 2 diabetes and weight management. It works by targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while Wegovy only targets GLP-1. Mounjaro may offer slightly different efficacy and side effect profiles compared to Wegovy.

What should I do if there isn't enough Wegovy for my next injection?

If you don't have enough Wegovy for your next dose, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist as soon as possible. Avoid skipping doses, as this may affect your weight loss progress. Having a consistent dose of Wegovy’s active ingredient in your blood helps in constant weight loss results.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?

If you miss a dose and it's within 5 days of your scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

What should I do if I accidentally take too much Wegovy?

If you accidentally take too much Wegovy, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical attention. You may experience more severe side effects, such as nausea or vomiting, so it's important to get medical advice.

Do not overdose on the medication because it doesn’t mean you will lose more weight and is dangerous.

What should I do if the liquid in my Wegovy pen looks cloudy?

Wegovy should appear clear and colourless. If the liquid looks cloudy or has particles in it, do not use the pen. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a replacement.

What if I'm nervous about injecting myself?

If you're nervous about injecting yourself, talk to your healthcare provider or a nurse who can provide you with guidance and training on how to use the pen properly. Some people find it helpful to practise with a demo pen. You may also wish to ask them to demonstrate how to use the pen.

How can I safely dispose of my used Wegovy pens?

Used Wegovy pens should be disposed of in a proper sharps container, which can be obtained from your pharmacy. Do not throw them in the bin to avoid harming yourself or others. When the sharps container is full, follow local regulations for disposal.

Key Takeaways

Wegovy helps with weight loss by reducing appetite: 

It contains semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone to help you feel full and eat less, leading to weight loss over time.

Common side effects are usually mild: 

These can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, but they often improve as your body gets used to the medication.

Consistency is key: 

Wegovy should be taken once a week, on the same day, and it's important not to skip doses to maintain steady weight loss.

Disclaimer: 

You should always consult with your doctor and refer to the patient information leaflet provided with the medication for any questions you may have, to ensure that the medication is suitable for your individual needs.