WEGOVY

About Wegovy

Wegovy® (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication known for its high effectiveness in weight loss when combined with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet. Wegovy® helps individuals with obesity and weight-related medical conditions achieve significant weight loss, averaging 12% of body weight within 18 months and, in some individuals achieving much more substantial weight loss over extended periods.

How GLP-1 Medications like Wegovy® Work

GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy® work in three main parts of your body to help you lose weight.

1. In your brain, As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, suppress your food cravings.
2. In your stomach, GLP-1 medications slow down your gut and make you feel full for longer.
3.  In your pancreas, GLP-1 medications help lower your blood sugar.

 

GLP-1 medications are not effective on their own. These combined effects help individuals consume less food, and when combined with healthy low-calorie diets and exercise, can lead to successful weight loss.

Prescription Eligibility

GLP-1 weight loss medications are typically prescribed to individuals with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) and have weight-related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Dosage and Administration

Wegovy® is administered once a week using a pen-like device, which delivers a single dose of the medication. The injections are given under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The dosage is gradually increased under the guidance of a healthcare provider. The starting dose is 0.25 milligrams (mg) dose per week. The dosage is adjusted every four weeks as needed. The maximum dosage of Wegovy® is 2.4 mg per week.

Safety and Side Effects

GLP-1 medications are generally safe and well-tolerated by most individuals. However, it is essential to note that it may not suit everyone. Pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant should not take GLP-1 medications; patients with type 1 diabetes, medullary thyroid cancer, or MEN2 should not take GLP-1 medications. Specific individuals, such as those with pancreatitis, or kidney or gallbladder problems, may be more prone to experiencing side effects. The most common side effects of all GLP-1 medications are nausea, constipation, headache, and heartburn.

Understanding the Wegovy® Shortage

The Wegovy® shortage has created a temporary challenge for individuals relying on this medication to aid their weight management journey. According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy®, the shortage is expected to continue through 2024 and affects the following dose strengths:

• 0.25 mg (taken during month one)
• 0.5 mg (taken during month two)
• 1.0 mg (taken during month three)

On the other hand, it is anticipated that the 1.7-milligram and 2.4-milligram strengths, taken during months four and five, respectively, are likely to be unaffected.

Your specific circumstances will determine the impact of the Wegovy® shortage on you. If you are considering starting Wegovy®, obtaining the initial and subsequent medication dosages may be more challenging or impossible due to the shortage affecting the initial dosage strengths prescribed at the beginning of treatment. During the shortage, we recommend starting your weight loss journey with Saxenda®. (which we’ll discuss further in detail below) and transitioning to Wegovy® when it becomes available for additional weight loss.  For those already taking Wegovy® and have progressed to the higher dosage strengths of 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg, getting their prescription may be less problematic as these strengths are expected to be less affected by the shortage. However, to ensure uninterrupted supply, Novo Nordisk advises contacting your pharmacy for a refill at least 1-2 weeks earlier than your usual refill time as a precautionary measure.