Wegovy and Ozempic are two brand names for the same drug – semaglutide.
The different brands of semaglutide are prescribed for patients with different medical conditions. Semaglutide has two medical licences:
Until recently, Ozempic was prescribed “off-label” to treat obesity as semaglutide did not have a licence for this medical condition. Since Wegovy was launched, we no longer need to prescribe Ozempic out of licence.
Wegovy works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released in the gut in response to food intake and acts as a physiological regulator of appetite.
GLP-1 targets areas of the brain involved in the regulation of appetite and food intake. This can help you eat less, which can lead to weight loss.
Wegovy is 94% similar to our naturally occurring GLP-1
As it’s a prescription-only medicine, Wegovy has to be prescribed by a medical professional who will be able to assess whether or it is a safe treatment for you.
Wegovy is suitable for adults between the ages of 18 and 75 who have a
Exclusion Criteria:
Please click here for Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.
Like all medications, Wegovy can give some people side effects when they first start to take it. However, not everyone will experience side effects, and those who do often find that they go away on their own within a few weeks or months as their body gets used to the medication.
What are the potential side effects of Wegovy? Most side effects that are reported with this treatment tend to involve the gut, and include;
Other common side effects listed include;
The complete list of side effects is available here.
If you do experience side effects whilst taking Semaglutide, we can provide any supporting treatments which might help you to deal with them.
In a 68-week medical study (STEP 1) of 1,961 adults living with obesity or excess weight with a related medical problem, adults lost ~35 lbs (or ~15% body weight).
People taking placebo (i.e., not the medication) in the study, lost an average of 6 lb (or ~2.5% body weight).
The average starting weight for both groups was ~232 lbs.
In addition to a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity, people in this study taking Wegovy lost more weight vs placebo.
About 1 in 3 adults lost 46 lb or more (20% weight loss). This was calculated from ~232 lb starting weight.*
How soon can I expect to lose weight with Wegovy?
People respond to medicines differently, and individual results may vary, but many people start noticing weight loss within the first few weeks of starting Wegovy.
It is important to remember that weight loss is a gradual process, and consistency is key.
What dose of Wegovy will I need? (Dose Escalation Chart)
There are five different doses available, ranging from the starting dose of 0.25mg to the maximum dose of 2.4mg.
You must always start on the lowest dose of 0.25mg, this will allow your body to adjust to the medication and help reduce the risk of potential side effects.
What dose of Wegovy will I need? (Dose Escalation Chart)
Please see the Demonstration Video
Please refer to the table for “Dose per click”
Please refer to the table for “Dose per click”
Please refer to the table for “Dose per click”
Yes, as the two medications are exactly the same you can switch from Ozempic to Wegovy
Providing that there has been no break from taking the medication, you can take the same dose of Wegovy when your next dose of Ozempic is due.
Wegovy has two higher doses of semaglutide available, which Ozempic does not. You can titrate up to these doses when (and if) the dose you are currently taking is not working as effectively.
You can take Wegovy with or without food, the choice is entirely yours.
Making sure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs for optimal functioning while taking Wegovy can be achieved by eating a balanced diet. It may also reduce the risk of undesirable side effects while supporting the drug’s effects on blood sugar regulation and weight loss.
What should I eat while taking Wegovy? A balanced diet typically includes eating a variety of foods from all the major food groups. These include:
Fruits and vegetables
Having a high fiber content in these foods helps you feel satisfied and full. In addition, they contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals that are critical to your general health and wellbeing.
Whole grains
Another healthy food to consume when taking Wegovy is whole grains. Because they are high in fiber and packed with nutrients, they may help you feel fuller for longer. Whole grains can help slow down digestion and stop overeating. Examples of whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-wheat bread. Complex carbohydrates, which provide you with energy throughout the day, are another excellent feature of whole grains.
Protein-rich foods
It is crucial to consume foods high in protein when taking Wegovy. Your body requires protein as a necessary nutrient for tissue growth, repair, and maintenance. Consuming foods high in protein, such as fish, poultry, legumes, lean meats, and tofu, can help you keep your lean muscle mass even as you lose weight. In addition to being low in sugar and carbs, these foods support blood sugar regulation and aid in weight loss.
It is advisable to stop or limit alcohol consumption while using Wegovy.
Alcoholic beverages can be high in calories and counterproductive to weight-loss efforts.
It is important that you take your Wegovy each week, in order to maintain a consistent level of medication in your system.
Important: Do not double up on your dose to make up for the missed dose!It is advisable to stop or limit alcohol consumption while using Wegovy.
Alcoholic beverages can be high in calories and counterproductive to weight-loss efforts.
Each Wegovy pen contains enough medication for four doses, and as Wegovy is injected once weekly, one pen will last 4 weeks.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN OR VUNERABLE ADULTS
Storing your Wegovy correctly will ensure it remains effective and safe so that you can get the most from your medication.
How should I store my Wegovy pen? Follow these guidelines to store Wegovy properly:
Each Wegovy pen will last until its expiration date, but once used for the first time, it will last 6 weeks. Always check the medication through the glass window on the pen before use, to make sure it’s not cloudy or coloured.
Wegovy should not be taken with other weight-loss drugs, such as Saxenda or Ozempic. This will increase the risk of side effects.
Quanta Healthcare Ltd T/A
The Virtual Slimming Clinic
Company Reg: 15258555
85 Great Portland Street First
Floor
London W1W 7LT
Primed Pharmacy
40-42 Main Road,
Denholme,
BD13 4BL
GPhC Reg: 1039469
Superintendent Pharmacist:
Shahid Mahmood
GPhC Reg: 2048573
