Wegovy

Wegovy (Semaglutide) Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a medication approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol). Semaglutide is similar to a naturally occurring hormone in the body and works by helping to control blood sugar, insulin levels, and digestion. How to Use:

• Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week.
• Your healthcare provider will show you how to use the injection properly.
• The dose is gradually increased over several weeks to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and to find the dose that works best for you.

Dosage Forms:

• Wegovy is available as a pre-filled, single-use injection pen.
• The starting dose is usually 0.25 mg per week, increasing to a maximum dose of 2.4 mg per week.

Side Effects:

• Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdominal) pain, and headache.
• Serious side effects can include thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your doctor if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.

Precautions:

• Before using Wegovy, tell your doctor if you have any allergies, a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, kidney problems, or diabetic retinopathy.
• Wegovy may affect how you absorb medications. You may need to take oral medications at a different time of the day than when you take Wegovy.
• This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Weight loss offers no potential benefit to a pregnant woman and may harm an unborn baby.

Interactions:

• Semaglutide may interact with other medications, affecting how your medications work or increasing your risk for serious side effects.
• Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

Storage:

• Store unused Wegovy pens in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
• After first use, the pen can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Use or discard within 28 days.

Note on Cost:

• Wegovy can be quite expensive. Some insurance plans may cover the medication, and there are manufacturer support programs that may help reduce the cost.