Wegovy - Semaglutide - Delivery Benefits - Australia

Is Wegovy safe? This is an important consideration for anyone who might be prescribed Wegovy (semaglutide) for chronic weight management.

Every individual’s experience with medications can differ, and it’s essential to understand the possible risks and interactions associated with Wegovy (semaglutide) before starting treatment. Discussing your options with your doctor is key to checking if it’s the right fit for your health needs.

At Chemist2U, we know that understanding and managing medications can be challenging. We make it simpler to keep track of prescriptions and focus on your health, by offering home delivery of medications.

How does Wegovy (semaglutide) work?

What is Wegovy (semaglutide), and is Wegovy safe to use? The medication is indicated for weight management. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist commonly associated with Ozempic, a medication that treats type II diabetes.¹

Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone present in humans. It targets and activates GLP-1 receptors, and it influences the regulatory mechanisms in the body that control blood sugar and appetite. It has been demonstrated in clinical trials to decrease energy intake by lowering hunger and food cravings and elevating feelings of fullness and satiety.

It is thought to engage with the brain regions responsible for appetite and reward, including the hypothalamus, brainstem and amygdala, to modulate these impulses. Those on semaglutide or Wegovy have reported a change in their dietary choices, with a decrease in their appetites for sweet and high-fat meals.²

Wegovy (semaglutide) is intended to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

How do you take Wegovy (semaglutide)?

Is Wegovy safe to administer yourself? Wegovy (semaglutide) comes equipped with a prefilled pen intended for use once a week.

Proper administration of a Wegovy injection is essential. Your doctor can offer essential guidance on how to handle and administer the dose correctly.

There are five distinct Wegovy dosage levels, and each pen is specifically prepared with your prescribed dose.³ It’s administered beneath the skin, in places like the thigh, stomach or upper arm. You should alternate injection sites and steer clear of previously irritated or bruised skin for comfort and proper absorption.

The pen must be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C until it is due for use. After use, it must be disposed of in a puncture-proof container for medical sharps.

Who can take Wegovy (semaglutide)?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is recommended for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more, which is considered obese.⁴ Additionally, if one’s BMI is between 27 and 30, Wegovy (semaglutide) may be considered if there’s at least one accompanying weight-related issue, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension.

It may also be suitable for children 12 years and older with obesity and a weight greater than 60 kg.

Ultimately, the right assessor of suitability for any person is a doctor who will consider a person’s entire health profile to decide whether Wegovy vs other medications is recommended. Only they can answer the question ‘Is Wegovy safe for me?’

If needed, they may suggest alternatives to Wegovy that may be more suitable for you.

Side effects of Wegovy (semaglutide)

What are the side effects of Wegovy (semaglutide), and is Wegovy safe if you experience side effects?

When using Wegovy, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common reactions. Additionally, abdominal discomfort, constipation and instances of heartburn or burping are experienced. These symptoms are often temporary and manageable as the body adjusts to the medication.⁵

On occasion, Wegovy (semaglutide) can result in more serious side effects that require immediate attention. It’s important not to ignore symptoms like severe abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back. You should get immediate medical attention if you have an allergic reaction that causes facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing or severe itching.

Other alarming signs include reduced urination, swelling in legs or feet and changes in vision. Changes in mood or energy levels, sometimes accompanied by light-headedness or confusion, have also been reported. It’s important to stay vigilant of these symptoms.

Wegovy (semaglutide) and other medications

Is Wegovy safe with other medications? It’s essential to let your doctor or pharmacist know about all the medications, vitamins and supplements you’re taking, even those bought over the counter.

Some medications can interact with Wegovy (semaglutide), particularly blood-thinning medications like warfarin. If you’re taking warfarin or similar anticoagulants, your doctor might recommend regular blood tests to monitor your clotting levels.⁶

For those managing diabetes, it’s also important to note that Wegovy (semaglutide) can affect your blood sugar levels, potentially requiring adjustments to your current diabetes medications.⁷ Always check with your doctor before making any changes to your medications.

Medicines you should not use with Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy (semaglutide) should not be taken alongside other GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide or lixisenatide.⁸ Combining these medications can increase the likelihood of Wegovy side effects and interfere with your overall treatment plan.

Is Wegovy safe if I am allergic to its ingredients?

Avoid Wegovy (semaglutide) if you have any known allergies to its components, such as semaglutide, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol or any other listed ingredients used for pH adjustment.

How to order home delivery of Wegovy (semaglutide) with Chemist2U

At Chemist2U, we strive to make the process of obtaining your medications as convenient as possible. To begin, simply order delivery on our website or download the Chemist2U mobile app. Here, we offer the option for you to securely upload your prescription. Your prescription medication is then prepared by a pharmacist before it’s delivered directly to your door.

We understand that your needs may extend beyond prescription medications. That’s why we also offer a variety of over-the-counter medications and general pharmacy goods, which can be easily added to your order.

Home delivery of prescription and over-the-counter medication is just the beginning of how Chemist2U makes medication easy. My Scripts, Chemist2U’s free script wallet, keeps all your prescriptions in one place, safe and easy to find. Plus, we help you stay on top of your medication with handy reminders when it’s time to reorder.

Make your medication easy and have your medication delivered today with Chemist2U.