Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Additional information

Wegovy (Semaglutide) is typically used once a week. Your treatment will start at a low dose which will be gradually increased over 16 weeks of treatment. When you first start taking Wegovy, the starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly. Your doctor will instruct you to gradually increase your dose every 4 weeks until you reach the recommended dose of 2.4 mg once weekly. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Wegovy is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Do not inject it into a vein or muscle. The best places to give the injection are the front of your thighs, the front of your waist (abdomen), or your upper arm. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, contact your pharmacist.

WARNING: As part of drug testing, semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy was given to rats and mice in long term studies. In these studies, semaglutide caused both rats and mice to develop medullary thyroid tumours, some of which were cancer. It is not known if semaglutide will cause thyroid tumours or a rare type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer in people. Do not use Wegovy if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). If you use this medicine in combination with certain diabetes medications (e.g. sulfonylurea or insulin), low blood sugar may occur which may reduce your ability to concentrate or make you feel dizzy. Avoid driving or using machines if you feel dizzy or unable to concentrate. Do not use Wegovy as a substitute for insulin.

In addition to its desired action, Wegovy (Semaglutide) may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting), diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, feeling weak or tired, headache (these usually goes away over time). 
It may cause reflux or heartburn, hemorrhoids, or change in the way food or drink tastes.
It may cause hair loss, injection site reactions, low blood pressure, or low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with diabetes.
It may cause an increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase) shown in blood tests. 

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any component of the formulation, if you or a member of your family has ever had medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), pregnancy, breastfeeding. 

Taking Wegovy (Semaglutide) during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby. Women of childbearing potential should use an effective contraceptive method. Pregnant women should not use this product. If you're planning a pregnancy or become pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your family doctor.

A treatment with Wegovy (Semaglutide) requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.Wegovy (Semaglutide)