What is Wegovy®?
Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or are overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is a higher-dose version of Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, also found in other medications like Ozempic. Wegovy (Semaglutide) is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is designed to help individuals lose weight by controlling appetite and promoting feelings of fullness. It works best when combined with a healthy diet and increased physical activity
Benefits of Wegovy®
Wegovy (Semaglutide) has shown promising results for individuals struggling with weight loss. Multiple clinical studies funded by Novo Nordisk have demonstrated significant weight loss in patients taking Wegovy compared to those using a placebo (treatment with no active properties). In one clinical trial, people taking Semaglutide had a total body weight loss of 14.9% over 68 weeks of treatment.
In addition to weight loss, other Wegovy health benefits include improved blood sugar control, reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and improvements in cardiovascular health, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also helps decrease inflammation, often linked to obesity and related diseases.
How does Wegovy® work?
Wegovy mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone naturally occurs in our bodies and is normally released after eating and helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. Wegovy works by:
Reducing hunger: Wegovy signals the brain to make you feel full sooner during meals, reducing overall food intake.
Slowing digestion: It delays the rate at which food leaves the stomach, helping you feel full for longer periods
Regulating blood sugar: By increasing insulin release when blood sugar is high and lowering the amount of sugar produced by the liver, Wegovy aids in controlling blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide may not work for everyone, and it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to assess which medication is best suited for you. Aayu Well Healthcare ensures thorough assessment and evaluation to build a plan tailored to your needs.
How to use it
Wegovy is administered via a subcutaneous injection once a week. It is important to inject the medication under the skin in areas such as the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. The injection site should be rotated between these areas to prevent irritation or soreness.
Wegovy should be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for the best results. Your healthcare provider will provide instructions on proper administration techniques, and it’s important to follow their guidance to ensure maximum efficacy.
Dosing
- The dosing of Wegovy starts with a lower dose and gradually increases to allow your body to adjust to the medication. The typical dosing schedule is as follows:
- Start with 0.25 mg per week for the first four weeks.
- Increase to 0.5 mg for weeks 5–8.
- Further increase to 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg per week (the maintenance dose) as tolerated.
- Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based on your response and any side effects you experience.
Side effects
- The side effects you can experience when Wegovy are mainly gastrointestinal events such as nausea (the most common), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. You may typically experience those when starting the medication or increasing the dose. These side effects may decrease over time as you get used to the medication. However, some individuals may experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): severe abdominal pain that doesn’t go away could be a sign of pancreatitis.
- Gallbladder issues: Sudden pain in the upper abdomen or back could indicate gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.
- Kidney problems: Dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea can lead to kidney issues.
- If you experience any of these more severe symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Black Box Warning
- Wegovy (Semaglutide) has a black box warning regarding the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, as observed in animal studies. If you have a painless lump in your neck (the lump may grow gradually), trouble swallowing, change in your voice (hoarseness), or have difficulty swallowing, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- As a precaution, the FDA warns patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid using Wegovy (Semaglutide).
Precautions
- Before you start Wegovy (Semaglutide), inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of pancreatitis, a history of thyroid cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, or gastrointestinal issues.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take Wegovy (Semaglutide) because it is not known if it will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk.
- Wegovy (Semaglutide) is not for insulin-dependent diabetics (type 1 diabetes). When Wegovy (Semaglutide) is taken with insulin and the insulin dose is reduced too quickly, it can lead to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Interactions
- Wegovy can interact with several other medications, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Some notable interactions include:
- Insulin or sulfonylureas: Combining these medications with Wegovy can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Birth control pills: The absorption of oral contraceptives may be affected by Wegovy, so talk to your provider about alternative methods if necessary.
- Other GLP-1 receptor agonists: Wegovy should not be used alongside other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic or Liraglutide.
