1. What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is formulated as an injectable solution in a prefilled pen, containing the following main ingredients:

• Active ingredients:

  • Semaglutide at doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg in 0.5 ml solution.

  • Semaglutide at doses of 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg in 0.75 ml solution.

• Excipients: Disodium phosphate dihydrate, Sodium chloride, Hydrochloric acid, Sodium hydroxide, and water for injection.

GLP-1 is a physiological substance involved in appetite and calorie intake control. GLP-1 receptors are found in brain regions associated with appetite regulation.

The active ingredient Semaglutide in Wegovy mimics the human GLP-1 hormone, with 94% similarity in structure. Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, helping reduce appetite and calorie intake. Additionally, Semaglutide slows gastric emptying and stimulates insulin secretion while inhibiting glucagon secretion depending on glucose levels, helping lower blood sugar.

2. What are the effects of Wegovy?

Wegovy is prescribed as a supportive agent for a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity to help control weight in adults with an initial BMI of:

• Obesity: BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²

• Overweight: BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as:

  • High blood pressure

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipids)

3. Contraindications of Wegovy

• Hypersensitivity to any ingredient in Wegovy.

• History of allergic reaction to other drugs containing Semaglutide.

• Patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

• Patients with personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).

4. Dosage and Administration

Instructions for Use:

• Wegovy is prescribed based on the Body Mass Index (BMI).

• BMI is calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms – kg) by height (in meters – m) squared.

• Before using Wegovy injections, patients must be instructed by healthcare professionals on proper injection techniques and should not self-purchase and use the drug without guidance.

• Wegovy is injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The injection time of day and site may be changed without adjusting the dosage.

Dosage:

• Initial dose: Subcutaneous injection of 0.25 mg once a week.

• Dose escalation:

• If the patient cannot tolerate a dose during the dose escalation phase, consider delaying the dose increase for 4 weeks.

• The maintenance dose of Wegovy is 2.4 mg subcutaneously once weekly.

• If the patient cannot tolerate the 2.4 mg maintenance dose, a temporary reduction to 1.7 mg once weekly may be considered for up to 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, increase the dose back to the 2.4 mg maintenance level. Discontinue Wegovy if the patient is unable to tolerate the 2.4 mg dose.

5. Precautions when using Wegovy

Using Wegovy at high doses or for long durations may cause side effects such as:

• Nervous system: Headache, migraine, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue.

• Digestive system: Digestive disorders like nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis, and stomach diseases.
  Includes: gallbladder disease, acute pancreatitis, appendicitis.

• Reproductive system: Increased Amylase and Lipase, increased blood glucose.

• Kidneys: Acute kidney injury, water retention.

• Cardiovascular: Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, fainting.

• Injection site reactions: Itching at the injection site, redness, swelling, inflammation, hardening, or irritation.

• Systemic: Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).

• Other: Hair loss, vision disturbances.

If experiencing unexpected or undesirable side effects or any unusual reactions after using Wegovy, the patient or caregiver should immediately contact a doctor or pharmacist for timely evaluation and intervention.

Special precautions when using Wegovy for specific groups:

• Elderly and people with kidney/liver conditions: Use with caution in elderly patients, or those with a history or current condition of acute/chronic kidney disease, gallbladder disease, liver disease, electrolyte imbalance, heart rhythm disorders, behavior disorders, or suicidal thoughts.

• Pregnant women: Although no specific harm has been proven, Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy due to lack of data and potential risks to the fetus. Therefore, women should use contraception and avoid Wegovy during pregnancy.

• Breastfeeding women: The effect of Semaglutide on breastfed infants is unclear, so caution is advised. Healthcare providers should assess the benefits versus risks before prescribing.

• Drivers or machine users: Caution is advised due to possible dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue during use.

6. Drug Interactions with Wegovy

Interactions with other drugs:

• The risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) increases when Wegovy is used together with insulin secretagogues such as Sulfonylureas or synthetic Insulin.

• Wegovy slows gastric emptying, which may affect the absorption of oral medications taken at the same time.

The above provides basic information about the ingredients, uses, dosage, and precautions when using Wegovy.
To ensure the best treatment outcome, patients should read the instructions carefully and follow the prescribed dosage and directions from their doctor.