Wegovy (Semaglutide) (PoM only)

Our Prescribers are here to help you. 

If you are obese or overweight and need help with your weight management, Wegovy can help you. Speak to one of our trusted staff about how Wegovy could be right for you, or complete your consultation form online here (www.Ukweightloss.co.uk) 

About Wegovy (Semaglutide injection)

Wegovy is a medication for chronic weight management used in conjunction with healthy diet and exercise. When used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, this weight loss drug can be effective in helping patients lose excess weight. It comes in form of Semaglutide injection. 

It is manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. 

Wegovy is an under-the-skin (subcutaneous), self-administered injectable prescription medicine for chronic weight management, used in addition with reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise. 

It is for people with body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater

A BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater with at least one weight-related ailment such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, or others.

Wegovy uses:

Wegovy is MHRA approved for weight loss in obese or overweight patients, who also have another weight related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or others.

Weight Loss

Obesity is a chronic health issue that requires long-term management and is associated with severe health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea, asthma, hormonal concerns for women such as PCOS, arthritis, and certain types of cancer. Losing five to ten percent of body weight can bring impactful health benefits, such as:

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

• Improved energy

• Improved blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels

Wegovy was approved for obesity in the U.K by the MHRA to be used for adults who suffer from obesity or are overweight. This is the first drug for chronic weight management that has been approved for use since 2014.

Wegovy is more effective for weightloss in combination with a reduced calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. Wegovy can be extremely effective in helping patients lose weight.

Wegovy side effects:

Like all drugs, Wegovy has some side effects. The most common side effects of patients who took Wegovy were:

• Nausea

• Diarrohea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Reduced appetite

• Headache

• Fatigue

• As with any medication, Wegovy may be associated with the side effects listed above. These effects are typically transient and tend to improve over time. However, it's important to note that individual responses may vary.

If you experience any severe side effects such as serious allergic reactions, a severe rash, rapid heartbeat, or severe pain, stomach ache seek emergency medical help immediately.

How to take Wegovy

Wegovy is available in the form of a single-dose, pre-filled pen that you inject into your skin. Once a week, on the same day, you inject yourself with the Wegovy pen. You can do it at any time of day, as long as it is the same day each week. You can inject Wegovy with or without meals. 

Wegovy for weight loss is designed to gradually increase dosage over time to minimise side effects. It is recommended to stay at each Wegovy dose for a minimum of four weeks. Our Prescriber’s will advise you through this process, and be there for you each step of the way. It is important to keep in contact with your us (www.UKWeightloss.co.uk) if you increase your dosage to make sure you have no adverse side effects. 

There are multiple pens that contain different amounts; 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg of Semaglutide. 

The standard dosing schedule is:

• Month 1: 0.25 mg once a week

• Month 2: 0.5 mg once a week

• Month 3: 1 mg once a week

• Month 4: 1.7 mg once a week

• Month 5 and beyond: 2.4 mg once a week

Once you have increased to 2.4 mg, you have completed the escalation process, and will continue to just use the 2.4 mg Semaglutide for as long as you take the drug (Usually up to 2 years). 

It is also important to know that for some patients, a dose increase may not be necessary as some individuals can have a good weight loss response to even low doses of medication.

What to avoid while taking Wegovy

• Although Wegovy for weight loss has been proven to be safe, effective, and is approved by the MHRA, there are still things that are unknown, such as drug interactions and other side effects. There have not been clinical trials- testing Wegovy in combination with: 

o Insulin

o Prescription drugs

o Over-the-counter drugs

o Other products intended for weight loss

o Herbal weight loss products or other supplements

With Wegovy, there may be an increased risk for low blood sugar, especially when taken in combination with any of the above.

You must disclose any personal or family history of medical conditions as well as all the medicines you take, including anything else you take such as daily vitamins or herbal supplements, as they could have an effect on the efficacy or even safety of Wegovy.

Alternative medications to Wegovy- Saxenda, Ozempic (off label for weightloss), Mounjaro (approved for weight management). 

As Wegovy is prescribed for weight loss, the following are some other weight loss drugs with similar effects.

• For weight loss: Saxenda, Orlistat, Mounjaro (off label)., Mysimba and etc. 

Warnings

Contraindications: 

* Wegovy is not suitable for individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to Semaglutide or its components. It is not intended for use in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

* Gastrointestinal Disorders: Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease or gastroparesis, should approach Wegovy usage with caution, as it may exacerbate these conditions.

* Kidney Function: Special consideration is necessary for individuals with impaired kidney function, as Wegovy's clearance may be influenced by renal health. 

Consult a healthcare professional for proper dosing adjustments- UKweightloss team are here to support you. 

* Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare provider to discuss appropriate weight management options in these situations (UKweightloss will not issue Semaglutide for pregnant individual or nursing parent’s till after they have wean their children off breastfeeding).

Wegovy prescription FAQs

• How much does Wegovy cost?

Wegovy is quite expensive, ranging in price at different pharmacies from £190-£350.  Unfortunately, there is no generic lower-cost version at this time. However, the prices quoted will cover your consultations, advise, prescription and follow ups, depending on your plan.

• Is Wegovy for weight loss effective?

Yes, Wegovy is effective for weight loss; people taking it lost an average of 15% of their body weight.

In clinical studies, there were four separate 68-week trials in clinical studies that were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled. In the trials, over 2,600 patients received Wegovy while 1,500 received a placebo.

Over the 68 weeks, an average of 15% of body weight was lost, which equates on average to around 34 pounds for these patients treated with Wegovy. Typically, the weight loss was steady for 16 months before hitting a plateau. Wegovy is highly effective, especially when compared to the placebo group, which on average lost 2.5% of body weight, or about six pounds.

• Is Wegovy available now?

Yes, although there are supply shortages but Wegovy supply is expected to be surplus in second half of 2024 in the U.K. Please contact us about Wegovy and other weight loss treatment options, book an appointment with one of practitioners/ prescriber’s.

• How much weight can you lose with Wegovy?

Over the 68 week clinical trial, patients treated with Wegovy lost an average of 15% body weight. The weight loss medication is most effective when used in combination with a reduced calorie meal diet and increased physical activity.

• How long do you take Wegovy for weight loss?

Patients taking Wegovy to lose weight saw significant weight loss, an average of 15% of body weight, after 1 year. Wegovy is MHRA approved for long term, or chronic weight management.

• How does Wegovy help you lose weight?

Wegovy helps with losing weight by targeting areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. In this way, Wegovy can help you lose weight by helping you stick to a reduced calorie diet, resulting in weight loss over the long term.

• What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Although Wegovy is similar to other Semaglutide containing products, such as Ozempic, the main differences between Wegovy and Ozempic are their intended consumer and the slight differences in dosing. Wegovy is created for and can be used by anyone who is overweight and has health concerns, while Ozempic is MHRA-approved for patients with type 2 diabetes.

That being said, they have a lot in common. Novo Nordisk manufactures them both, and they have the same active ingredient Semaglutide. However, the amount of Semaglutide differs between the two, with Wegovy final amount of Semaglutide being 2.4mg, and Ozempic having four dosing options, 0.25 mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2 mg.

Patient information leaflet:

Download patient information leaflet (PIL) on the link below:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13803.pdf

Wegovy prescription resources

Wegovy App: Wegotogether.

Medical weight loss management programs