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Overview: Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist. It is used for weight loss in people with obesity or who are overweight and have certain other health conditionsto reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as deathheart attackor stroke in people with either obesity or overweightand to treat a liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Nauseavomitingdiarrheaconstipationstomach (abdomen) painbloatingand upset stomach are among the most common side effects.

Uses

What is Wegovy used for?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is commonly used for the following conditions.

Learn more about the dual benefits of Wegovy for weight management and heart health.

Navigating MASH: What to Know About Wegovy for Fatty Liver Disease

Wegovy may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Wegovy work (mechanism of action)?

Wegovy works for weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing down the movement of food through your body. Weight loss from Wegovy can lead to improved cardiovascular risk factorssuch as decreased blood pressureimproved cholesterol levelsand better control of blood sugar. In people with MASHfat builds up in the liver causing inflammation. Weight loss helps reduce fat in the liverpotentially reducing inflammation and scarring. 

How is Wegovy supplied (dosage forms)?

Wegovy is available as 1.5 mg4 mg9 mgand 25 mg oral tablets that are swallowed and in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin.

  • 0.25 mg solution for injectionprefilled pens
  • 0.5 mg solution for injectionprefilled pens
  • 1 mg solution for injectionprefilled pens
  • 1.7 mg solution for injectionprefilled pens
  • 2.4 mg solution for injectionprefilled pens

How should I store Wegovy?

Injection Liquid. Wegovy injection liquid should be stored in its original carton in the refrigeratorbetween 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Unused Wegovy can be stored until the expiration date. If needed (as long as the cap has not been removed)Wegovy can be stored at higher temperaturesbetween 46 F to 86 F (8 C to 30 C)for up to 28 days. Store in a place that is not exposed to direct light and heat. Do not freeze.

Oral Tablet. Wegovy tablets should be stored in their original container at room temperaturebetween 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of timesuch as when transporting it. Store in a cooldry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?

The most common side effects of Wegovy are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Diarrhea/constipation
  • Stomach painupset stomach or indigestionacid reflux
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Swelling of your stomach area
  • Low blood sugar (in people with diabetes)
  • Gas or burping
  • Stomach flu
  • Infection in the nose or throatsore throator common cold symptoms

There may be other side effects of Wegovy that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S.you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canadayou can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Wegovy?

While less commonthe most serious side effects of Wegovy are described belowalong with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Wegovy may cause allergic reactionswhich can be serious. Stop using Wegovy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the facelipsmouthtongueor throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itchingskin rashor pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizzinessfeeling lightheadedor fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Thyroid Tumors. Wegovy may cause you to develop thyroid tumors. Some of these tumors could be cancerous. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a thyroid tumor.

  • Swelling or a lump in your neck
  • Hoarseness
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Trouble breathing

Pancreatitis. Wegovy may cause inflammation of the pancreaswhich is called pancreatitis. Stop using Wegovy and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitisincluding vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Gallbladder Problems. Using Wegovy can cause gallbladder problemsincluding cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Fever
  • Pain in your upper stomach area
  • Stool (poop) that is clay-colored

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Wegovy can cause low blood sugarespecially when used with insulin or other medicines that increase your insulin levels. Hypoglycemia can be serious and may lead to death. Your dose of insulin or other diabetes medicine may need to be lowered to decrease your risk of low blood sugar. Do not use Wegovy and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.

  • Headache
  • Crankiness or anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Blurry vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Feeling jittery or shakiness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Seizures

Dehydration. Wegovy may cause diarrheanauseaand vomiting which may lead to dehydration. Dehydration may cause kidney damage. If you have nauseavomitingor diarrheadrink plenty of waterso that you do not get dehydrated. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feetanklesor legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Vision Changes (Diabetic Retinopathy). If you have diabetic retinopathyyour vision changes may get worse with Wegovy. Call your health care provider if you notice any of the following vision changes (new or getting worse).

  • Loss of central visionwhich is used to read or drive
  • Not being able to see colors
  • Blurry vision
  • Holes or black spots in your vision
  • Floatersor small spots in your vision caused by bleeding

Fast Heart Rate (Tachycardia). Wegovy may cause your heart rate to increase. Call your health care provider right away if you feel like your heart is pounding or racing when you are not exerting yourself.

Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Wegovy may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourselfcall 911 or call or text 988the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxietydepressionor other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Wegovy?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Wegovy.

  • Semaglutide
  • Wegovy
  • Rybelsus
  • Ozempic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Wegovy.

Thyroid Cancer or Endocrine Condition. Wegovy should not be used if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Talk to your health care provider about your current and past health conditions and your family medical history.

Slowed Stomach Emptying (Gastroparesis). Wegovy can cause severe stomach problems. Do not use Wegovy if you have severe gastroparesis.

Pregnancy. Do not take Wegovy if you are pregnant. If you become pregnantcontact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section below for more details.

What should I know about Wegovy before using it?

Follow the instructions for use when using Wegovy injection for the first time or when you have not used it in a while.

Do not use Wegovy unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Wegovy with other peopleeven if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Wegovy out of the reach of children. Since the injectable form of this medicine can be kept in a refrigeratortake special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

People who are 75 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Wegovy. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Use Wegovy injection on the same day each weekat any time of day. Avoid using the same injection site each time you use Wegovy by rotating where you inject it.

Swallow Wegovy tablets whole. Do not cutcrushchewor dissolve the tablets. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Wegovy?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicinesvitamins/mineralsherbal productsand other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Wegovy is right for you.

In particularmake sure that you discuss any of the following.

Diabetic Retinopathy. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetic retinopathyas this may worsen while using Wegovy.

Depression or Suicidal Thoughts. Tell your health care provider about any history of depressionother mental health conditionsor suicidal thoughts. Your health care provider may choose another medicine for weight loss or to lower the risk of cardiovascular events.

Pancreatitis. Tell your health care provider if you have ever had pancreatitis. Your health care provider may choose another medicine for weight loss or to lower the risk of cardiovascular events.

Kidney Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have kidney problemsincluding long-term kidney failureas this may worsen while using Wegovy. 

Upcoming Surgery or Procedure. Tell your health care provider that you take Wegovy before any planned surgeries or procedures that require anesthesia or deep sedation. Wegovy causes your stomach to empty more slowly which can lead to aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Wegovy may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Wegovytell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicinesvitamins/mineralsherbal productsand other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Wegovy could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must stop using Wegovy at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant. You can register for the Wegovy Pregnancy Registry by calling 877-390-2760 or at https://wegovypregnancyregistry.com/. This registry collects safety information about exposure to Wegovy during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Wegovy passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

How can I get more information about Wegovy?

For more information about Wegovyyou can visit the drugmaker's website at https://www.wegovy.com/ or call them at 888-809-3942.

Interactions

Does Wegovy interact with foods or drinks?

Take Wegovy tablets on an empty stomach in the morning with up to four ounces of water. Do not take with drinks other than water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking your dose to eatdrinkor take other medicines by mouth.

Wegovy injection may be given with or without food.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Wegovy. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Wegovy.

Does Wegovy interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicinesvitamins/mineralsherbal productsand other supplements you are using.

In particularmake sure that you discuss if you are using insulin or taking another type of medicine for diabetes called a sulfonylurea (glimepirideglyburideglipizide). These medicines may increase your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Wegovy works by slowing down the movement of food through your body. Because of thisWegovy may affect the absorption of some other medicines that you take by mouth. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Wegovy. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Wegovy?

If you or someone else has used too much Wegovyget medical help right awaycall 911or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?

If you miss one dose of Wegovy injection and your next dose is more than 2 days away (48 hours)use Wegovy as soon as possible. If you miss one dose of Wegovy injection and your next dose is less than 2 days away (less than 48 hours)skip the missed dose. Then use Wegovy at the next scheduled weekly dose. If you miss more than one dose of Wegovy injection in a row you can follow your normal dosing schedule or restart Wegovy at the lowest dose and increase the dose every month until you get back to your normal dose to help reduce the risk of side effects.

If you miss a dose of Wegovy tablets. skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.