Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1) agonist that suppresses appetite and aids in weight loss. GLP-1 agonists activate receptors in the brain, stomach, and pancreas, inducing feelings of satiety and fullness, slowing stomach emptying, and increasing insulin release. After a series of clinical trials demonstrating its effectiveness and safety, Wegovy® was U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for chronic weight management in 2021. ¹ Other forms of semaglutide are used off-label to treat obesity. Wegovy is not a controlled substance, and it is not habit-forming.

Adults who meet either of the following criteria may be candidates for Wegovy® (semaglutide):

• A body mass index of 30 or higher
• A body mass index of 27 or higher and a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or abnormal blood lipids

If you are interested in changing your body composition or losing weight, the first steps should always be lifestyle modifications such as regular, daily exercise at a moderate to vigorous level, decreased caloric intake, and behavioral changes that support weight loss.² Lifestyle modifications have many health benefits, but frequently they are not enough to induce weight loss. Adding medications such as Wegovy® (semaglutide) can help support your weight loss efforts.^3,4

How Is Wegovy Stored?

Wegovy (semaglutide) should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). It should not be frozen.

Before removing the pen cap, Wegovy can be stored from 8°C to 30°C (46°F to 86°F) in the original carton for up to 28 days. Keep Wegovy in its original container to protect it from light. If Wegovy is removed from the refrigerator, it should be used within 30 days. After 30 days, the medication should be discarded, and a new vial should be used. It is important to follow the storage and handling instructions provided with the medication to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about how to store or use Wegovy.

How Is Wegovy Administered?

According to the manufacturer, you can take Wegovy® with or without food. The auto-injecting pen is a single preset dose. The needle is hidden to prevent injury. It is typically administered by injection once a week. Each pen should be discarded in a sharps disposal container to prevent injury.

Wegovy (semaglutide) comes in five dose strengths:

• 0.25 mg
• 0.5 mg
• 1 mg
• 1.7 mg
• 2.4 mg

Following your healthcare provider’s instructions, Wegovy (semaglutide) is dosed according to the following schedule:

• Month 1: (weeks 1-4): take 0.25 mg each week
• Month 2: (weeks 5-8): take 0.5 mg each week
• Month 3: (weeks 9-12): take 1 mg each week
• Month 4: (weeks 13-16): take 1.7 mg each week
• Month 5: (weeks 17 and onward): 2.4 mg each week (full dose)

When Is The Best Time To Take Wegovy?

Wegovy is typically self-administered by injection once a week. It is a subcutaneous injection delivered just under the skin in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The specific dosing schedule for Wegovy will depend on the individual patient’s circumstances and their healthcare provider’s recommendations.

It is important to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to take Wegovy at the same time each week. Wegovy can be taken with or without food.

When Do You Start Losing Weight On Wegovy®?

As with any weight loss medication or treatment, the rate at which an individual will lose weight on Wegovy (semaglutide) will vary depending on several factors, including their diet, exercise habits, and metabolism. Some people may experience a more significant weight loss on semaglutide than others. Weight loss may begin within the first four weeks of treatment, but it is likely to take several months before you experience the full benefits of Wegovy. Overall, Wegovy gets excellent reviews.

Wegovy was tested by its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, with eight Semaglutide Treatment Effects in People with Obesity (STEP) clinical trials. Clinical trial participants either received Wegovy or a placebo. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Draft Guidance requires that participants taking medications for weight management must show a weight loss of over 5% or greater than those taking a placebo. In clinical trials, participants taking Wegovy had an average weight loss of 10% to 16% of their starting body weight. Those who received Wegovy lost an average of 34 pounds. The placebo group participants lost about 2.5% of their body weight, about six pounds.

“Wegovy (semaglutide) is not only superior at reducing body weight compared with other antidiabetic drugs, but it is also cardioprotective. Another significant benefit of semaglutide is that it can be used for long-term management of weight. With the recent approval of Wegovy, we could expect improvement in patients’ weight loss-related outcomes and quality of life.”

Singh, Krauthamer, and Bjalme-Evans, BMJ Journal of Investigative Medicine (2022)³

Invigor Medical offers several medications and supplements to help you manage your weight. Contact one of the Invigor Medical specialists to learn more about your weight management options.

Looking to purchase Semaglutide Injections? See how Invigor Medical can help today!

DISCLAIMER

While we strive to always provide accurate, current, and safe advice in all of our articles and guides, it’s important to stress that they are no substitute for medical advice from a doctor or healthcare provider. You should always consult a practicing professional who can diagnose your specific case. The content we’ve included in this guide is merely meant to be informational and does not constitute medical advice.

References

1.  Food U, Administration D. FDA approves new drug treatment for chronic weight management, first since 2014. Washington, DC Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. 2021

2. Isaacs D, Prasad-Reddy L, Srivastava SB. Role of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in management of obesity. American journal of health-system pharmacy. 2016;73(19):1493-1507.

3.  Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. Journal of Investigative Medicine. 2022;70(1):5. doi:10.1136/jim-2021-001952

4. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021/03/18 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

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