Wegovy

Details

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Drug Name: Semaglutide (Wegovy)

Category: GLP-1 receptor agonist (antidiabetic medication)

International Brand: Wegovy

Available Strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg

Packaging: Single-use, pre-filled pens – 4 pens per pack (4-week supply)

Dosage Form: Subcutaneous injection

Uses:

• Long-term weight management in adults with obesity
• Weight reduction in overweight adults with comorbidities such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes
• Obesity treatment in adolescents aged 12 and above
• Reduces risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with obesity and heart disease
• Supports appetite control and calorie intake regulation

How It Works:

Wegovy is formulated with semaglutide, a compound that replicates the effects of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone. It targets areas in the brain that regulate appetite and food intake, helping reduce hunger and calorie consumption. It helps delay stomach emptying while enhancing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Dosage:

Administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection:

• Start with 0.25 mg weekly
• Gradually increase every 4 weeks (0.5 mg → 1 mg →7 mg)
• Reach maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly

Injections are to be administered once weekly on a consistent weekday, regardless of meals.

Side Effects:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain or discomfort

Precautions:

• Patients who have previously experienced pancreatitis should be carefully evaluated before starting treatment.
• Monitor blood sugar levels in diabetic patients
• Regularly assess kidney function during treatment
• Ensure gradual dose escalation to reduce GI side effects
• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Contraindications:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any component
• Severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., gastroparesis)
• Pregnancy

Interactions:

• May delay absorption of oral medications
• Use with insulin or other GLP-1 agonists can increase risk of hypoglycemia
• Interaction with sulfonylureas may require dose adjustments
• Reduced effectiveness of oral contraceptives due to delayed gastric emptying
• Caution with diuretics or medications that cause dehydration