How To Use Wegovy

How to Take Wegovy: Step‑by‑Step Usage Guide

Wegovy comes in a FlexTouch pre‑filled pen. Follow these steps carefully each week:

1. Prepare: Wash your hands. Take the pen out of the refrigerator (if stored there) and let it reach room temperature – not necessary but may be more comfortable. Check the liquid is clear and colourless.
2. Attach a new needle: Remove the paper tab from a new NovoFine Plus needle. Push the needle straight onto the pen and turn until tight. Remove the outer needle cap and keep it for later. Remove the inner needle cap and dispose of it.
3. Flow check (first use only): Turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol (three lines). Hold the pen with needle up, press the dose button. A drop should appear. If not, repeat or use a new pen.
4. Set your dose: Turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows your prescribed dose (e.g. 0.25 mg). The dashed line aligns with the dose pointer.
5. Inject: Choose an injection site (upper arm, stomach, or thigh) – clean the area with an alcohol wipe. Insert the needle fully into a skin fold. Press and hold the dose button – you will see the counter return to 0. Keep holding and slowly count to 6 to ensure the full dose is delivered.
6. Withdraw and dispose: Pull the needle out. If a tiny drop appears at the tip, it’s normal. Carefully recap the outer needle cap on a flat surface, unscrew the needle and dispose of it in a sharps bin. Replace the pen cap.

Always store the pen with the cap on, away from direct heat and light. Never freeze or use if frozen.

Wegovy Dosage Guide: Starting Dose & Escalation

Your doctor will start you on a low dose and increase it gradually to help your body adjust. Follow this schedule exactly:

Do not increase the dose faster than prescribed. If you experience troublesome side effects, your doctor may temporarily adjust the schedule. The maximum dose is 2.4 mg once weekly – never take more.

Missed dose?

• If you are ≤5 days late: inject as soon as you remember, then continue on your usual weekly day.
• If you are >5 days late: skip that dose, and take your next dose on the scheduled day. Do not double up.

Who Should Use Wegovy? (Indications)

Wegovy is suitable for adults and adolescents (12+) who meet specific criteria:

• Adults: BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity) OR BMI ≥27 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight‑related condition (e.g. high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol).
• Adolescents (12–17 years): Body weight above 60 kg and obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile for age and sex). After 12 weeks on the 2.4 mg (or maximum tolerated) dose, continue only if BMI has reduced by at least 5%.
• Cardiovascular risk reduction: Adults with established heart disease (heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease) AND BMI ≥27 kg/m², to lower risk of major cardiovascular events.

Wegovy must be used alongside a reduced‑calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Who Should NOT Use Wegovy? (Contraindications)

Do not use Wegovy if any of the following apply:

• Allergy: Hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any excipients (disodium phosphate, propylene glycol, phenol, etc.).
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding – see special conditions below.
• Severe kidney disease (eGFR <15 mL/min) – no data, not recommended.
• Simultaneous use of other GLP‑1 receptor agonists (e.g. liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, lixisenatide).

If you have a history of pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, or gallbladder problems, discuss with your doctor before starting.

Should Wegovy Be Taken with Food? (with or without food)

Wegovy is injected under the skin, not swallowed, so it does not interact with food in your stomach. You can inject at any time of day – with or without meals. However, because Wegovy slows stomach emptying, you may feel fuller sooner and for longer after eating. It’s best to take it on the same day each week, regardless of meals, to build a routine.

Special Conditions: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Other Precautions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Wegovy if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Animal studies suggest it may harm the unborn child. If you could become pregnant, use effective contraception while on Wegovy. If you wish to conceive, stop Wegovy at least 2 months before trying. If you become pregnant accidentally, stop immediately and tell your doctor.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if semaglutide passes into breast milk. Do not use Wegovy while breastfeeding.

Other special populations

• Kidney impairment: No dose adjustment needed for mild/moderate renal impairment. Avoid in severe renal impairment (eGFR <15). Dehydration from vomiting/diarrhoea may worsen kidney function – drink plenty of fluids.
• Liver impairment: No dose adjustment expected, but caution in severe liver disease (no data).
• Elderly (≥65 years): No dose adjustment needed, but monitor more closely.
• Diabetic retinopathy: Rapid blood sugar improvement can temporarily worsen retinopathy – have regular eye exams.

Wegovy Usage FAQs

Ready to Start Wegovy?

If you meet the criteria and want to begin treatment, complete a quick online consultation with a UK‑registered doctor. They will confirm if Wegovy is right for you and provide the first prescription.

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