Home delivery of Wegovy – benefits and considerations 

How does Wegovy (Semaglutide) work?  

Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a prescription weight-loss medication in Australia, taken as a once-weekly semaglutide injection. Approved for chronic weight management, it’s used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to support sustainable weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight.[1] 

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 control.[2] 

Wegovy (Semaglutide) works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. It slows stomach emptying and reduces hunger. These effects support its role in managing certain health conditions when used as prescribed.[3]

How much is Wegovy (Semaglutide)?  

Wegovy (Semaglutide) is not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia. Pricing varies by pharmacy, and costs can be significant for monthly doses. Consult a doctor for guidance on whether Wegovy (Semaglutide) is appropriate for your weight management needs.

The cost of Wegovy (Semaglutide) weight loss injections in Australia depends on the prescribed dosage. Patients must pay the full private cost, which varies by pharmacy. Wegovy (Semaglutide) is prescribed for weight management and requires a doctor’s guidance for proper use.

How do you take Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

Wegovy (Semaglutide) is one of the weight loss injections prescribed for obesity. 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.[4] The pen is for one-time use only and should be disposed of properly after use.[5] 

In Australia, Wegovy (Semaglutide) is prescribed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more (obesity) or 27–30 kg/m² (overweight) with a related health condition. It’s used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management.

Who can take Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

It is indicated for adults who have a BMI of 30 or higher as well as those with a BMI of 27 to 30 with a weight-related comorbidity.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is used for chronic weight management in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise.[6] 

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).[7]

Do you need a prescription for Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

A prescription is required for Wegovy (Semaglutide) in Australia. It is a prescription-only medication used for weight management. Registered doctors can prescribe Wegovy (Semaglutide) to patients who meet the necessary health criteria, following an in-person or online consultation.

Doctors assess eligibility based on health conditions, such as a qualifying BMI, and other factors during a consultation, which can be conducted in person or online.

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.[8] It’s important to be aware of these potential side effects and to consult your doctor, most especially if you experience any of them.

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:[9]

• 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

In your search for sustainable weight loss treatments, it’s likely you’ve looked up terms like ‘semaglutide Australia’ and ‘Ozempic online’ before. However, you must be aware that taking Wegovy (Semaglutide) can interact with other prescription medications, especially those used for obesity treatment. 

Wegovy (semaglutide) contains the same active ingredient as other products like Ozempic and Rybelsus. These medications should not be used together to avoid duplicating active ingredients. 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.[10] 

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

Medicines you should not use with Wegovy (Semaglutide)

There are various drugs known to interact with Wegovy (Semaglutide), including albuterol, hydrochlorothiazide, levothyroxine, and prednisone.[12]

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

Is home delivery of Wegovy available with Chemist2U?

To get Wegovy (Semaglutide) in Australia, you need a prescription from a registered doctor. Eligibility is determined based on specific health criteria during an in-person or online consultation. After approval, Wegovy (Semaglutide) can be dispensed by a pharmacy, with options for home delivery or in-store pickup.

At Chemist2U, we’re committed to providing easy access to prescription medications with our convenient home delivery service. 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. Here’s how it works:

• Download the app or use this website. You can download our app from the App Store or Google Play. You can also order through the website. 
• Upload your prescriptions online. Just enter your address and contact details, and upload your eScript. 
• Add other products. Need more than just your prescription medication? You can also add over-the-counter medications as well as other products that you would expect at a typical community pharmacy. 
• Dispensing by pharmacists. Rest assured, your order will be carefully filled by a qualified pharmacist from a partner pharmacy.
• Home delivery. 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 available subject to your location.

For any order-related concerns, contact our customer service team using the web chat icon at the bottom right of this page.

So if you want to make your medication easy, order home delivery of your medication with Chemist2U today!

How to dispose of Wegovy

Wegovy comes in a pen with a needle, which you should avoid discarding in the regular rubbish bin. Instead, securely place it in a sealed container or a sharps bin. You can buy these online from Chemist2U.

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

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