Wegovy is an injectable drug for the treatment of obesity that is rapidly gaining popularity for its effectiveness in weight loss.
This article provides important information about this treatment.
What is Wegobee?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for chronic weight management in obese or overweight people with at least one weight-related disease (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol).
It was also approved in 2024 to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and who are obese or overweight.
As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, this drug:
Despite these benefits, it is only approved for weight loss, not as a diabetes treatment.
Wegovy is a prescription-only injection that is administered once a week. Other drugs in the GLP-1 agonist class include Ozempic (semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide).
See below for more information. Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Which drug is right for you?
What are the benefits of Wegovy?
This therapy has several benefits, including:
weight loss
This drug has been shown to support significant weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing down digestion, which prevents the release of glucagon from the liver and avoids spikes in blood sugar levels.
Studies have shown that adults who received the injections lost an average of 15 percent of their starting weight, and adolescents lost 16 percent.
Improving insulin sensitivity
This drug enhances blood sugar control, lowers A1C levels, and improves insulin sensitivity.
The STEP 2 trial showed that patients with type 2 diabetes not only lost weight on Wegovy, but also experienced significant improvements in blood sugar and A1c levels.
Even in people without diabetes, this treatment can help improve insulin resistance and may delay or prevent diabetes.
Reduced cardiovascular risk
The active ingredient, semaglutide, has been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and death by 26% in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Why am I being prescribed Wegovy?
This drug is approved by the FDA for obesity, weight loss, and chronic weight management, and although it can help lower blood sugar levels and improve A1c, it is not a diabetes treatment.
To be eligible for a prescription, you must have certain body mass index (BMI, a measure of weight relative to height) criteria: a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 and at least one weight-related disease, such as high cholesterol, hypertension (hypertension), or type 2 diabetes.
This treatment is also approved for chronic weight management in people 12 years of age and older, as long as the youth’s BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for their age and gender.
If you do not meet the criteria for this treatment, you may be eligible for another GLP-1 drug, such as Ozempic, especially if you are managing type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
Talk to your doctor about whether Wegovy or other medications are right for you.
What are the side effects?
When you start using this medication, many people experience mild to moderate side effects, such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- constipation
- weight loss
- Hypoglycemia (if taking insulin)
Rare but serious side effects include:
- thyroid tumor
- pancreatitis
- changes in vision
- kidney problems
- severe allergic reaction
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a fever, experience changes in vision, feel weakness or pain, suspect an allergic reaction, or have severe low blood sugar. Severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
See below for more information. Wegovy side effects: what you need to know.
What is the correct dose?
Dosage depends on individual factors such as height, weight, health goals, lifestyle, and medical history. The available doses are:
- 0.25 milligrams (mg, starting dose)
- 0.50mg
- 1mg
- 1.7mg
- 2.4 mg (maximum weekly dose)
Each pen delivers one pre-measured weekly dose. Do not exceed the prescribed dose as overdosage may cause serious side effects.
For more information, see: Wegovy Dosage Guide: How Much Should I Take?
How much Wegovy should I take?
Your health care provider will determine the appropriate dose based on your medical history, goals, lifestyle, height, and weight.
There is no “typical” dose. Users typically start with a low dose of 0.25 mg per week and increase gradually to achieve the desired weight loss or maintenance.
The maximum dose is 2.4 mg per week, and most people reach this amount depending on their response to the drug and side effects.
What happens if you take too much Wegovy?
Take this medication only once a week.
If accidentally taken in excess, serious side effects can occur, including debilitating nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hypoglycemia (especially if you are using insulin), which can be life-threatening.
In case of overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
I forgot to take Wegovy. What now?
Even if you forget to take it from time to time, it will not harm your body or affect your weight or blood sugar levels.
For best results, take the medication consistently. If you miss a dose, you can take it within a few days.
If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
How to inject Wegovy
Before using the injection pen, check the medication for particles or discoloration. If you notice any of these, do not use the pen as it may be expired or damaged.
Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol before injection.
Rotate injection sites weekly to prevent injury and scar tissue.
This drug is usually injected under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
Talk to your health care provider about the best injection sites and how to perform rotations.
See below for more information. Wegovy Injection Guide: Where and How to Inject.
Who should not use Wegovy?
This treatment should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor.
Not recommended for those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Do not use drugs containing Wegovy or semaglutide if you or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Additionally, avoid this treatment if you are allergic to semaglutide.
If you need a GLP-1 agonist but are allergic to semaglutide, consider talking with your doctor about alternative medications such as Victoza, which contains liraglutide.
How do I stop taking Wegovy?
If you want to stop taking this medication, talk to your doctor first.
Sudden stopping is not recommended. Your health care provider will likely suggest that you gradually reduce your dose.
Discontinuing Wegovy may lead to relapse of insulin resistance, increased appetite, increased blood sugar levels, and weight gain.
On average, approximately two-thirds of the weight lost is regained within 1 year of discontinuing semaglutide-based therapy.
Discuss alternative medications, exercise, and dietary plans with your doctor to manage potential rebound effects.
Can Wegovy replace insulin?
No, it is not a replacement for insulin.
If you are using insulin, you will need to continue taking it after starting Wegovy.
Wegovy can help lower blood sugar levels over time, but it doesn’t lower blood sugar levels instantly like insulin.
After taking this medication for a few months, you may notice a decrease in your need for insulin, but it is unlikely that your need for insulin will disappear completely.
Can I take Wegovy with my diabetes medication?
Whether it can be used with other diabetes drugs depends on the drug you are using.
Wegovy should not be used with other GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Victoza, Trulicity, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
For more information, see: Wigoby vs Munjaro: what is the best option?
However, Wegovy’s active ingredient, semaglutide, can be used with metformin, insulin, or other medications.
Always consult your doctor before combining Wegovy with other medicines and make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines you are taking.
How should I store Wegovy?
Store in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), protected from light and in its original box.
Once opened, it can be used for up to 56 days. If desired, Wegovy can be stored with the pen cap on at room temperature (46°F to 86°F or 8°C to 30°C) for up to 28 days.
Do not freeze the pen or expose it to direct sunlight or high temperatures.
How much does Wegovy cost?
Costs vary depending on your insurance plan, and the amount you pay each month (out-of-pocket amount) can vary widely.
To determine your specific copays, use your prescription or medical card and Wegovy’s coverage and copay calculator, available from your insurance company or Novo Nordisk.
It is typically covered by many insurance plans for weight management, but coverage may vary. It is important to contact your insurance company directly to understand your specific coverage details.
If you have questions about coverage or copays, please contact Wegovy Support at 1-888-693-6489.
For those who qualify, patient assistance programs (PAPs) may provide free or low-cost medications. For more information about this program and eligibility requirements, please call Novo Nordisk’s PAP toll-free number 1-866-310-7549.
How do I get a prescription for Wegovy?
Please consult your doctor to obtain a prescription. Wegovy can be prescribed if you meet the BMI criteria or if you have a chronic disease and are overweight.
If you’re not eligible, your doctor may suggest other FDA-approved weight loss medications that are better suited to your needs.
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