HOME DELIVERY

The benefits of having medication delivered

Non-adherence to medication is a major reason why treatments shown to be effective in trials are often less effective in clinical practice.​

Home delivery helps improve care by ensuring patients have their important medication when they need it, which increases treatment adherence.

That’s why 92% of users of the Chemist2U app report that the app is a helpful tool to maintain their healthcare.*

Learn more about the benefits of home delivery of medication in this article reviewed by our medical team.

Get to know more about Wegovy (Semaglutide)

It is not currently available in Australia, but elsewhere in the world (eg. USA) Wegovy (Semaglutide) is used in the management of type 2 diabetes and is approved for use as a weight loss medication for obese adults. It has the same active ingredient as ‘ozempic’ (ie. Semaglutide).

At Chemist2U, we understand how navigating the world of medication and treatment options can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you gain more insights about medications. Read on for more information about Wegovy (Semaglutide).

 

How does Wegovy (Semaglutide) work?

Wegovy (Semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication used (outside of Australia) for weight loss and management of type 2 diabetes. Containing the active ingredient semaglutide, it works by regulating appetite and blood sugar, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and, eventually, weight loss.^[2]

Wegovy (Semaglutide) belongs to the class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are drugs manufactured to mimic the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body responsible for appetite and glucose control.^[3] The GLP-1 receptors in the brain are activated when Wegovy (Semaglutide) is administered, which then lowers appetite and cravings.^[4]

It also helps regulate blood glucose by increasing insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon secretion.

This means you may feel less hungry and consume fewer calories, helping with overall weight management.

 

How do you take Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

Wegovy (Semaglutide) is approved as a weight loss injection prescribed for obesity in some countries (not Australia). It is injected subcutaneously under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It is administered using a pen device once a week on the same day each week, at any time, with or without food.^[5] The pen is for one-time use only and should be disposed of properly after use.^[6]

 

Who can take Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

In countries outside of Australia, where Wegovy (Semaglutide) is available, it is used to treat type 2 diabetes or chronic weight management in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise.^[7]

Individuals who are allergic to Wegovy (Semaglutide) or any of its ingredients, have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, severe gastrointestinal disease, diabetic retinopathy, type 1 diabetes, severe heart, kidney or liver disease or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should not use Wegovy (Semaglutide).

The use of Wegovy (Semaglutide) should also be stopped at least two months before planning to get pregnant. Women who are breastfeeding should talk to their doctor about the best way to feed their baby while using Wegovy (Semaglutide).^[8]

Side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Like other medications, such as those that come up when you look up ‘orlistat Australia’, Wegovy (Semaglutide) may come with some side effects.^[9] It’s important to be aware of these potential side effects and to consult your doctor if and when  Wegovy (Semaglutide) becomes available in Australia.

Some of the most common side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide) may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, mild abdominal discomfort, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, runny nose, or sore throat.

Meanwhile, the more serious side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide) may include:^[10]

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting, which may radiate to the back, may be an indication of an inflamed pancreas.
• Gallbladder problems: Symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or clay-coloured stools may indicate gallbladder issues.
• Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those taking certain medications, may be at risk of low blood sugar.
• Kidney problems (kidney failure): Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which are common side effects of Wegovy (Semaglutide), may lead to dehydration and worsen kidney problems.
• Serious allergic reactions: Symptoms of serious allergic reactions include swelling of the face, breathing difficulties, severe rash, fainting, or rapid heartbeat.
• Increased heart rate at rest: You may feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest, which could last for several minutes.

Wegovy (Semaglutide) and other medications

Since Wegovy (Semaglutide) contains semaglutide, it shares the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Rybelsus. This means that they should not be used together. Wegovy (Semaglutide) can also slow digestion and the absorption of orally taken medicines, so it’s important to inform your doctor about all your medications, especially insulin or other diabetes medicines.^[11]

Additionally, other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with Wegovy (Semaglutide). 

Medicines that should not be used with Wegovy (Semaglutide)

There are various drugs known to interact with Wegovy (Semaglutide), including albuterol, hydrochlorothiazide, levothyroxine, and prednisone.^[12] Should Wegovy (Semaglutide) become available in Australia it would be important to talk to your doctor before taking these medicines alongside Wegovy.

Additionally, it would be critical to tell your doctor if you take other medicines to treat diabetes, such as sulfonylureas or insulin.^[13] 

Ordering home delivery of medication through Chemist2U

 At Chemist2U, we acknowledge the inconvenience and costs associated with frequent visits to your local pharmacy to get the medications you need. Our goal is to help you save time and money while eliminating the need for multiple trips to the pharmacy, as we offer you the option to get your medications from a pharmacy online.

When you order through us, you’ll find the process to be straightforward and user-friendly.

To get started, simply visit our website or download our app. You can easily upload your eScript, allowing one of our trusted local pharmacy partners to fill your prescriptions. We also offer a wide range of over-the-counter products that you can purchase alongside your prescription orders. For qualifying orders, you can also register for free delivery on our home page.

For orders placed before our cutoff time (usually 2.00 p.m., though this may vary by location), you should receive your medications on the same day. Additionally, our app features Script Tracker, which can help you manage your medication refills effectively. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your medication, connect with professional advice through our Ask a Pharmacist service.

Experience the convenience of having your medications and pharmacy supplies delivered to your doorstep – order online through Chemist2U today!

 

References

*Chemist2U Survey, August 2021

 ^[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4386197/

^[2] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html

^[3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/obr.12839

^[4] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html

^[5] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

^[6] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html

^[7] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html

^[8] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html

^[9] https://www.wegovy.com/

^[10] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.645563/full

^[11] https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html

^[12] https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/semaglutide,wegovy.html

^[13] https://www.wegovy.com/tools-and-resources/faq.html

 

Disclaimer

Chemist2U does not endorse the therapeutic benefit of any medication. Any decision to administer a therapeutic good should be taken in consultation with your doctor.