Wegovy

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy weight loss injections are a new treatment that offers a clinically proven approach to managing obesity. Wegovy is produced by the Danish company Novo Nordisk and is a once-weekly injection that regulates appetite and metabolism, providing a targeted solution for sustainable weight loss. 

Obesity affects 1 in 4 adults in England, leading to various health issues, such as cardiovascular illness, diabetes, and some cancers. The National Health Service (NHS) spends a significant amount each year on treating obesity-related conditions. 

Wegovy pens contain the active ingredient, semaglutide. The weight loss injections are self-administered once per week and are safe for long-term use. Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine. If one of our clinicians approves the treatment for you, then you can buy Wegovy from Prescription Doctor.

What is Wegovy Used For?

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for weight loss in obese and overweight patients.

Wegovy should only be used if approved by a clinician and is not intended for use by the general population as a weight loss aid.

Wegovy for diabetes is not available in the UK, but Ozempic, which also contains semaglutide, is.

Is Wegovy Approved In the UK?

The official Wegovy UK release date was September 4th 2023 and it was approved by NICE for weight loss use. 

Wegovy has been approved for use in people with a BMI of at least 35 kg/m2 or 30 to 34.8 kg/m2 and one weight-related illness such as: 

• Prediabetes 
• High blood pressure (hypertension) 
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Obstructive sleep apnoea 
• Disturbances in fat metabolism (dyslipidemia)

Can I Buy Wegovy online?

When you buy Wegovy online, you must make sure you are purchasing from a reputable and regulated source. To be eligible for Wegovy weight loss injections, you must meet the criteria set out by NICE, a registered clinician must agree it is right for you, and you will need a prescription to get it.

You can buy Wegovy from UK pharmacy Prescription Doctor. Once you have placed your order, if one of our registered clinicians doesn’t feel Wegovy (semaglutide) is right for you, you will receive a full refund as part of Prescription Doctor’s money-back guarantee.

If your order is approved, Wegovy weight loss pens will be delivered to you in discreet, temperature-regulated packaging. You will receive a white mailing bag and inside will be a white die-cut box containing a temperature-controlled pouch with reusable freezer packs. You can keep these packs in the freezer for later use.

When your order is dispatched, you will receive a tracking number via SMS and email. Our couriers will deliver between Monday and Saturday. You can upgrade to a Saturday delivery on a Friday if you wish.

How Much Weight Can You Lose on Wegovy?

In clinical trials, people with a BMI of 27 or greater lost an average of 12% of their body weight over 68 weeks. This is equivalent to about 26 pounds.

How Effective are Wegovy UK Weight Loss Injections?

Clinical research has shown that Wegovy is effective for weight loss when it is used alongside a diet and exercise plan. People who use Wegovy weight loss injections can lose up to 15% of their body weight after one year. 

The effectiveness of Wegovy was evaluated in The Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People (STEP) trials. Across these studies, particularly STEP 1, 3, 4 and 8, the average weight loss linked to weekly 2.4 mg injections was between 14.9% and 17.4%. Up to 79% of participants lost at least 10% of their body weight while between 51 and 64% lost at least 15%. 

The STEP 4 randomized clinical trial of 803 overweight or obese adults compared the effect of the 2.4 mg weekly semaglutide dose with a placebo on weight loss. During a 20-week run-in period, the average weight loss was 10.6% and reductions in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and blood pressure were also seen. The randomized period ran from weeks 20 to 68, where patients either continued with weekly semaglutide injections or were switched to a placebo. The results showed that the mean weight change in the semaglutide group was -7.9% compared to +6.9% in the placebo group. 

A cohort study published in JAMA in 2022 involving 175 overweight or obese patients, found that weekly semaglutide injections at the maintenance doses of either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg resulted in an average of 6.7 kg weight loss at 3 months and 12.3 kg after 6 months. Overall, the study found similar results to randomised clinical trials with 87% of patients losing 5% of their total body weight after 6 months, 55% achieving 10% weight loss and 23.5% losing 15% or more of their weight. Following the results of these trials involving the active ingredient in Wegovy, NICE has recommended Wegovy for managing obesity. These positive findings support Wegovy as an effective option for achieving weight loss goals.

Expected Weight Loss and Duration of Wegovy UK Treatment

According to NICE, adults using Wegovy typically experience an average weight loss of 12% of their body weight.

The duration for Wegovy to take effect can vary from person to person due to individual differences in response to medication.

Understanding How Wegovy (Semaglutide) Works

Wegovy's active ingredient is semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue. Semaglutide functions by increasing insulin production, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, it slows down stomach emptying, leading to a prolonged feeling of fullness and reduced appetite.

Semaglutide has also shown potential in preventing cardiovascular events in individuals with type-2 diabetes, such as heart disease and stroke.

To achieve optimal results, Wegovy should be used alongside a healthy, low-calorie diet and regular exercise.

How To Use Wegovy Weight Loss Injections

Wegovy is available in 5 doses, ranging from the starting dose of 0.25 mg to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg.

Each dosage is provided in a different colour Wegovy pen. One of our clinicians will increase your dose until you reach the maintenance dose, but the way you use the Wegovy weight loss injection pen is the same, regardless of the dosage.

Before using Wegovy, you should read the patient information leaflet provided with your Wegovy weight loss injection and decide which day of the week you are going to inject the pen.

To inject your first Wegovy dose, you should:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Check the Wegovy pen to make sure it hasn’t been used, isn’t broken and the medicine is clear and colourless, finally, check the expiry date hasn’t passed.
3. Choose where you would like to inject yourself; lower stomach, thigh or upper arm.
4. Clean the area with an alcohol wipe or soap and water.
5. Pull the cap of the pen straight off.
6. Place the pen on your preferred injection site, and push the pen firmly against the skin until the yellow bar has stopped moving. You will hear 2 clicks, the first tells you the injection has started and the second signifies the injection has finished.
7. Carefully lift the Wegovy weight loss injection from your skin and dispose of it in your sharps bin.

Wegovy Dosage Schedule

Wegovy pens are available in 5 different doses, that are self-injected once per week. You must begin Wegovy treatment on the starting dose of 0.25 mg once per week for one month. Your clinician will then advise you to increase your weekly dose each month until you reach the maximum dose. 

The schedule will be: 

• First month (Weeks 1 to 4): 0.25 mg once per week (Green pen) 
• Second month (Weeks 5 to 8): 0.5 mg once per week (Pink pen) 
• Third month (Weeks 9 to 12): 1.0 mg once per week (Brown pen) 
• Fourth month (Weeks 13 to 16): 1.7 mg once per week (Blue pen) 
• Fifth month (Week 17 onwards): Maintenance dose remains at 1.7 mg (Blue pen) or your clinician will increase your dose to 2.4 mg once per week (Black pen)

What if I miss a Wegovy dose? 

If you have missed a Wegovy dose and it is: 

• More than 48 hours (2 days) until your next scheduled dose:  Take your missed Wegovy dose as soon as possible. 
• Less than 48 hours (2 days) until your next scheduled dose: Do not take the missed dose. Use the Wegovy pen and take your next dose on your regular scheduled day. 

If you miss Wegovy doses for more than 2 weeks, you should speak to one of our clinicians about restarting your treatment. Alternatively, you can take your next dose on your normal day to restart. You should also ensure you do not take two Wegovy doses in one week. Accidentally using two Wegovy pens in one week can cause side effects, such as severe nausea, vomiting, and dangerously low blood sugar levels. If this happens, you should go to the nearest accident and emergency department immediately, taking the packaging and remaining medicine with you.

Who is Eligible for Wegovy Treatment in the UK?

Wegovy is suitable for adults between the ages of 18 and 75 who meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher,
2. BMI of 27 or higher, accompanied by a weight-related medical condition.

Exclusion Criteria:

You are not eligible for Wegovy if you:

• Are aged 76 or older
• Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Suffer from liver, kidney, or heart failure
• Have an eating disorder or pancreatitis
• Are on insulin, sulphonylureas, or other weight-loss medications that function similarly to Wegovy, such as Victoza.

Can I Switch From Other GLP-1 Agonists To Wegovy?

To find out if it is suitable for you to switch from one GLP-1 agonist to another you should speak to your clinician. It is important to follow the clinician's instructions carefully if they think it is appropriate for you to switch treatments. 

Switching from Saxenda to Wegovy 

1. Speak to your clinician who will assess you and your current situation, such as your current weight, medical issues, and any side effects you may have experienced while using Saxenda.
2. If they feel it is appropriate for you to switch they will devise a plan and prescribe the appropriate dose and dosing schedule for Wegovy. If you are currently taking Saxenda, you should be able to begin the starting dose of Wegovy the next day. 
3. Continue to use Wegovy as instructed by your clinician. 

Switching from Ozempic to Wegovy 

You should not use Ozempic and Wegovy at the same time, even though they contain the same active ingredients. 

Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy 

Mounjaro and Weogvy must not be taken at the same time. If you are switching to Mounjaro from Wegovy, you will need to use your first Mounjaro injection at least one week after your last Wegovy injection. 

When you switch to Mounjaro from Wegovy, you will need to start on the lowest dose of Mounjaro and titrate up until you reach the highest dose. You will need to do this even if you were using the maintenance Wegovy dose and under the direction of your clinician.

How Much Does Wegovy Cost In UK

Wegovy prices start from £168.99 at Prescription Doctor. You can find a full breakdown below:

Where Can I Find Wegovy's Weight Loss Reviews?

Wegovy reviews on Drugs.com show an average user rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 388 reviews. Overall, 61% had a positive experience using Wegovy for weight loss while just over one-fifth (21%) had a negative experience.

Prescription Doctor reviews show Wegovy has achieved an average score of 4.7 out of 5. Some of our customers have reported:

“Fast delivery great consultant of GP and excellent product 1st week 10 lb loss” - Fidelma Genesis

“Simple instructions. Easy to use. Already benefiting from reduced appetite and increased satiety very early in treatment.” - Carol

“I am only in my second week - what I can tell you is that it is easy to use and so far I haven't experienced any side effects, except the good ones! Zero sugar/food cravings and my appetite is really under control. Importantly for me, I am losing weight too.” - DeejM

Wegovy Contraindications & Drug Interactions

• Allergy: Do not use Wegovy if you have had an allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in the injection.
• Digestive System Side Effects: Wegovy can cause digestive system side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to stay hydrated to reduce the risk of dehydration, especially for individuals with kidney problems.
• Pancreatitis: Although uncommon, pancreatitis may be experienced as a side effect. If you notice severe stomach pain or other symptoms of pancreatitis, stop using Wegovy and seek medical attention immediately. For more information on pancreatitis symptoms, refer to the NHS website.
• Diabetes: Wegovy should not be used as a substitute for insulin in people with diabetes. It can also increase the risk of low blood sugar levels when taken with other diabetic medicines. Please refer to section 2 of the patient information leaflet for a complete list of warnings.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: This medication is not suitable for individuals experiencing diabetic retinopathy. Consult your doctor before using Wegovy if this applies to you.

Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Pregnancy

• Pregnancy: Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the fetus. It is advised to stop using Wegovy at least 2 months before planning a pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: Do not use Wegovy if you are breastfeeding.

Wegovy (Semaglutide) Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Wegovy:

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

Improvement over Time:

• Side effects usually improve as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
• Gradually increasing the dose every 4 weeks can help reduce the risk of experiencing these side effects.

Severe Side Effects:

• If your side effects are severe or do not improve, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice or call NHS 111.

Complete List of Side Effects:

• For a comprehensive list of possible side effects, please refer to section 4 of the patient information leaflet.

Wegovy alternatives 

Wegovy may not be the most suitable weight loss drug for everyone. There are several alternatives available. 

Wegovy vs Ozempic 

Ozempic is a once-weekly type 2 diabetes injection that contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy, semaglutide. Ozempic isn’t a licensed weight loss medicine in the UK even though it works in the same way as Wegovy. 

Wegovy vs Saxenda 

Saxenda and Wegovy work almost identically except they contain different active ingredients and have different dosing schedules. Saxenda contains liraglutide, an artificial hormone and is taken once per day. The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide which is taken once a week. 

Wegovy vs Mounjaro 

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient, tirzepatide and works by mimicking two important hormones involved in insulin release, called gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Mounjaro was originally a type 2 diabetes medicine but has recently been approved in the UK for weight loss. 

There are also weight loss pills available: 

• Mysimba is a prolonged-release weight loss pill that lowers your food intake. 
• Xenical contains the active ingredient orlistat and is available as a pill taken immediately before, during or after each of your three main meals daily. It works by stopping your body from absorbing fat, causing weight loss.
• Alli is also a weight loss pill that contains orlistat, but it is available over-the-counter without a prescription.

Wegovy with Next-Day Delivery

Wegovy (Semaglutide) through Prescription Doctor ensures that you receive genuine medication from a trusted source. Our platform offers a seamless experience, from online consultation to next-day delivery, making it easier for you to manage your weight loss journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wegovy (Semaglutide)