Wegovy

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by acting like a natural hormone that regulates appetite and food intake, helping reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness.

Wegovy is a prescription medicine, and requires a prescription from a New Zealand registered doctor.

Wegovy works by acting on receptors in the brain that control appetite, causing you to:

1. Feel fuller after eating
2. Experience less hunger between meals
3. Have reduced food cravings
4. Naturally eat less food, leading to weight loss

Wegovy is approved for adults who have:

1. Obesity: BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, OR
2. Overweight with complications: BMI of 27-30 kg/m² with weight-related health problems
3. Heart disease risk reduction: Adults with existing heart disease (without diabetes) and BMI ≥27 kg/m²

Wegovy is a prescription medicine, your doctor will review your health status and eligibility as part of an assessment.

1. Administration: Once-weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneous)
2. Final dose: 2.4 mg weekly (maintenance dose)
3. Duration: Used long-term alongside diet and exercise

1. Use the FlexTouch® pre-filled pen
2. Inject into front of upper arm, upper legs, or stomach
3. Same day each week preferred, but can be changed if at least 3 days between doses

1. Nausea (feeling sick)
2. Vomiting (being sick)
3. Diarrhoea
4. Constipation
5. Stomach pain
6. Headache
7. Feeling weak or tired

Usually these will resolve over time. Your doctor may prescribe some medicines to go assist with relief of these side effects.

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Wegovy affects you.

1. Dizziness
2. Indigestion/upset stomach
3. Burping and gas
4. Stomach bloating
5. Heartburn/reflux
6. Dry mouth
7. Hair loss
8. Injection site reactions

1. Start with low dose and gradually increase
2. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
3. Side effects often improve over time
4. Consult doctor if side effects are severe or persistent

1. Severe allergic reaction: Breathing problems, swelling of face/throat, fast heartbeat
2. Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent stomach and back pain that doesn't go away
3. Bowel obstruction: Severe constipation with stomach pain, bloating, vomiting

1. Are allergic to semaglutide or any ingredients
2. Are pregnant or planning pregnancy (stop 2 months before trying to conceive)
3. Are breastfeeding
4. Have Type 1 diabetes
5. Are using other weight loss products
6. Have severe heart failure

1. Refrigeration: Store at 2°C – 8°C
2. Room temperature: Can be kept out of fridge for up to 6 weeks below 30°C (86°F)
3. Protection: Keep in original carton to protect from light
4. Disposal: Discard pen after 6 weeks even if medicine remains
5. Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat