About Wegovy (semaglutide injection)
Wegovy is a medication for chronic weight management used in conjunction with 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 the form of semaglutide injection 2.4 mg, as well as other doses. It is manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.
Wegovy is an under-the-skin, self-administered injectable prescription medicine for chronic weight management, used in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise. It is for patients with either:
A 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 apnea, 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 apnea, 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
On June 4, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy for adults who suffer from obesity or are overweight. This is the first drug for chronic weight management that has been approved since 2014.
In combination with a reduced calorie meal plan and increased physical activity, Wegovy can be extremely effective in helping patients lose weight.
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 minimize side effects. It is recommended to stay at each Wegovy dose for a minimum of four weeks. Your doctor will walk you through this process, and be there for you each step of the way. It is important to keep in contact with your doctor 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, or 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
After you increase 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.
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.
