What is Wegovy (semaglutide)? This question is becoming increasingly common among those seeking doctor-prescribed weight loss medication options. Fortunately, Chemist2U is here to provide you with clear and easy-to-understand information, from how it works to general Wegovy dosage protocols and more.
In this article
How does Wegovy (semaglutide) work?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist that generally works by influencing specific areas of the brain that are responsible for hunger. These receptors are activated to signal the feeling of being full, which may assist in controlling hunger cues that might lead to overeating.1
It should be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How do you take Wegovy (semaglutide)?
If you want to know how to take Wegovy for weight loss, keep in mind that it is typically administered once a week by injection. Your doctor may also have instructions based on your situation.
However, this injection is usually administered under the skin in areas such as the abdomen, thighs or upper arm.2 Before injecting, it’s vital to maintain cleanliness. Washing your hands thoroughly before handling the medication is crucial to prevent the introduction of bacteria at the injection site.
Cleaning the skin with an alcohol swab can help further reduce the risk of infection and assist in improving medication delivery. As for the semaglutide dosage, your doctor may prescribe a low-level dose and gradually increase it over several weeks to help your body adapt.
Who can take Wegovy (semaglutide)?
Now that you know more about the question, ‘What is Wegovy (semaglutide)?’, take note that this medication, along with similar weight loss injections and alternatives to Wegovy (semaglutide), is generally prescribed based on body mass index (BMI), with consideration of other medications being taken, plus personal and family medical history.
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more may be considered eligible for this medication. It may also be prescribed to those with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have at least one weight-related condition. These conditions often include, but are not limited to, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. It may also be suitable for children 12 years and older with obesity and a weight greater than 60 kg.3
What’s more, doctors are likely to suggest a reduced-calorie diet and a more active lifestyle alongside a Wegovy injection regimen. They may also recommend against Wegovy (semaglutide) use if you have a personal or family history of certain types of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis.4
Side effects of Wegovy (semaglutide)
Typically, Wegovy side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation, with nausea being the most frequently reported, particularly during the starting stages of treatment.5 Gastrointestinal issues may extend beyond nausea. There may also be initial symptoms such as bloating, acid reflux and abdominal discomfort, but research shows these typically subside after a month of adjustment.
However, more alarming yet less common are serious side effects that demand immediate attention from your doctor. These include pancreatitis, kidney injury, gallstones and possibly serious thyroid disease. Symptoms of these may include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, swelling and low urine output.
Wegovy (semaglutide) and other medications
Aside from understanding topics like ‘What is Wegovy (semaglutide)?’ it’s vital to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking. This encompasses not only prescription medications but also over-the-counter drugs and general pharmacy goods, which may have effects when taken with Wegovy for obesity.
In addition to this, since Wegovy (semaglutide) slows the movement of food and medication through your stomach, the delay in gastric emptying can potentially affect how some medications are absorbed and alter their efficacy. If your medications require careful monitoring, discuss dose adjustments with your doctor. Transparency with your doctor is important to maintain your safety.
Medicines you should not use with Wegovy (semaglutide)
Lastly, to better understand, ‘What is Wegovy (semaglutide)?’ and other questions like ‘Is Wegovy safe?’, it helps to speak to your doctor about its interactions with blood sugar medications. If you’re taking maintenance such as insulin, close monitoring and adjustments by your doctor may be necessary.6
On the other hand, they may also discuss the risk of administering Wegovy (semaglutide) with Sulfonylureas. This may also raise the risk of low blood pressure or hypoglycemia, as the medication combination generally enhances insulin production regardless of food intake.
Ultimately, aside from asking, ‘What is Wegovy (semaglutide)?’, discussing these risks with your doctor is critical to developing a plan that mitigates these dangers and serious side effects. Remember to always set up a consultation before taking Wegovy (semaglutide) with any new medication.
How to order home delivery of Wegovy (semaglutide) with Chemist2U
Ordering from Chemist2U is easy. Simply upload your prescription and browse our extensive range of over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products, similar to what you would find at a physical pharmacy. Once your order is placed, a partner pharmacist reviews and fills your prescription.
Beyond prescriptions, you will find a range of over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products, enabling you to add any extra essentials to your basket with ease.
Have more questions like ‘What is Wegovy (semaglutide)?’ or want to know more about other medications? Join thousands of Australians who have made their medication easy with Chemist2U.
Order home delivery from us today.
References
2. https://www.wegovy.com/taking-wegovy/how-to-use-the-wegovy-pen.html
3. https://www.proquest.com/openview/c6bc12a5659ab13cb9b27093c0d8c753/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=136155
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/
