Wegovy - Semaglutide - Dosage

Understanding Wegovy dosages is an important step for those considering it as part of a weight management plan. This article may provide useful information about how to take Wegovy (semaglutide), including its dosing schedule and other factors to keep in mind, such as potential Wegovy side effects and interactions.

Chemist2U is dedicated to supporting your healthcare needs by making medication management easier through our convenient services. If you have a Wegovy prescription from your doctor and are looking for information, we have it right here for you.

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it may enhance feelings of fullness after meals, encouraging healthier eating patterns over time. It also has the potential to slow gastric emptying, which could prolong the feeling of satiety. Additionally, Wegovy can assist in managing blood sugar by promoting insulin secretion and lowering glucagon levels, which may be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes.¹

How do you take Wegovy (semaglutide)?

According to the brand’s instructions, Wegovy (semaglutide) is intended to be injected once a week under the skin, typically in areas such as the stomach, thigh or upper arm. The instructions suggest storing (semaglutide) in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C and letting it reach room temperature before use, which may help make the injection more comfortable.²

Your doctor may start you on a lower Wegovy starting dosage of 0.25 mg for the first four weeks. Then, it may be raised to 0.5 mg for week five to eight, 1 mg for week nine to twelve, then 1.7 mg for week thirteen to sixteen until it reaches the maintenance dosage of 2.4 mg afterward. Dosages gradually increase over the course of 16 weeks to allow your body to adjust and reduce the likelihood of side effects. It may be different for each individual but this is the general dose escalation schedule.

You may also consult your doctor about possible alternatives to Wegovy. It’s important to carefully follow your doctor’s guidance and review the instructions on how Wegovy works before each injection.

Who can take Wegovy (semaglutide)?

Wegovy (semaglutide) may be suitable for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or more who have one or more additional weight-related conditions, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It may also be suitable for adolescents 12 years and older with obesity and a weight greater than 60 kg.

It may not be intended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 due to potential risks linked to thyroid tumours.³

Consulting with a doctor not only about what is Wegovy (semaglutide) but also whether a Wegovy treatment is right for you is important to better understand what weight management options are suitable for you.

Side effects of Wegovy (semaglutide)

Some individuals may experience symptoms such as bloating, acid reflux or abdominal discomfort when starting Wegovy for weight loss, though these effects may potentially lessen as the body adjusts to the medication. Other commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting and digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation, particularly in the early stages of Wegovy weight loss treatment.

While rare, more serious side effects, such as pancreatitis or thyroid complications, can occur. If severe abdominal pain develops, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.⁴

Wegovy (semaglutide) and other medications

If your doctor has addressed your question, ‘Is Wegovy safe?’ and prescribed you to use Wegovy for obesity, it’s important to inform them about all medications you take.

Semaglutide can affect how other substances work in your body, and knowing this allows your doctor to make the necessary Wegovy dosage adjustment. It may also slow down digestion, potentially altering how your body absorbs other medications. This could necessitate dosage changes, especially for medications with narrow therapeutic ranges.⁵

Medicines you should not use with Wegovy (semaglutide)

Using Wegovy (semaglutide) alongside insulin or sulfonylureas may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, as these medications can enhance Wegovy’s effects on blood sugar levels. Wegovy (semaglutide) can interact with these treatments, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the chance of side effects.⁶ Consulting your doctor ensures that any potential interactions are managed appropriately.

It might also help you make an informed decision to consult your doctor about medical-related questions, like when you’re wondering about the difference between Saxenda vs Wegovy.

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

At Chemist2U, we make the process of managing your medications easier. Simply download our app or visit the website to get started. Then follow the steps below:

Upload your prescriptions. Uploading your eScript is a breeze – simply follow the prompts! We will store your prescriptions in My Scripts, Chemist2U’s script wallet. That way your scripts will always be safe and easy to find, plus you will get handy reminders when it’s time to reorder!
Add over-the-counter medication or general pharmacy products. Just as if you were in a physical pharmacy, you can select from a range of over-the-counter medications and general pharmacy products.

Each order is prepared by a qualified pharmacist before being delivered straight to your door. Chemist2U offers many convenient ways to ensure you always have your medication when you need it, with same day delivery, Express Post and Click & Collect options available subject to your location.

Take the hassle out of your medication. Order home delivery at Chemist2U today.