WeGovy Injection

Wegovy Warnings

Do Not Use Wegovy If:

• You or any of your family members have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• You have had a serious allergic reaction to Semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider:

• If you have any medical conditions related to your pancreas or kidneys.
• If you have type 2 diabetes and a history of diabetic retinopathy.
• If you have or have had depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health issues.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor as Wegovy may harm your unborn baby. Stop using Wegovy at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.
• If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, ask your doctor about the suitability of Wegovy for weight loss.

Storage Requirements for Wegovy

• Store Wegovy pens in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C.
• If refrigerated, they will last until their expiry date.
• If kept at room temperature (up to 30°C), they remain valid for 6 weeks after the first use.

Directions for Using Wegovy

1. Follow Prescribed Dosage:

• Begin with the starting dose of 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
• Gradually increase the dose as directed by your healthcare provider:
  
  • 0.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
  • 1 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
  • 1.7 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
  • 2.4 mg once weekly for maintenance.

2. Injection Instructions:

• Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
• Use the pre-filled pen to inject the medication into the fatty tissue under the skin.
• Common injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Rotate the injection site each week to avoid irritation.

3. Timing:

• Inject Wegovy once weekly, on the same day each week.
• It can be taken at any time of the day, with or without meals.

4. Storage:

• Store Wegovy pens in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C.
• If kept at room temperature (up to 30°C), the pens are valid for up to 6 weeks after the first use.

5. Missed Dose:

• If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible within 4 days.
• If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose.

6. Precautions:

• Do not use Wegovy if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Avoid using Wegovy if you have had a severe allergic reaction to Semaglutide or any of its ingredients.
• Consult your healthcare provider before using Wegovy if you have medical conditions related to your pancreas, kidneys, or if you have type 2 diabetes with a history of diabetic retinopathy.
• Discuss with your doctor if you have or have had depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health issues.

7. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• Do not use Wegovy if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Stop using Wegovy at least 2 months before trying to conceive.
• If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, consult your doctor before using Wegovy.

8. Travel:

• When travelling, keep Wegovy in its original packaging with the prescription label.
• Use a cooler bag to maintain the required temperature and inform security personnel about your medication if travelling by air.

Always read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication and follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Cadham Pharmacy Team.

Wegovy Ingredients
 
The Wegovy weight loss injection contains additional excipients including Disodium phosphate dihydrate, Propylene glycol, Phenol, Hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment), Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), and water for injection. 

Wegovy Side Effects

Wegovy is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause some side effects. Common side effects of Wegovy injections include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, weakness, and fatigue. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the product literature. Typically, these side effects diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience any serious side effects, seek medical advice immediately.

Managing the Side Effects of Wegovy

To help reduce and manage the side effects of Wegovy, consider the following tips:

• Avoid consuming high-sugar foods such as mangoes, sweets, chocolates, and fizzy drinks.
• Steer clear of high-fat foods, including fried food, pizza, cheese, sausages, and pastries.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and limit caffeine intake.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones.
• Engage in regular exercise to stimulate natural gut motility.