Wegovy (Semaglutide)

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine used for weight management in adults. The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, which is delivered via a once-weekly pre-filled injection pen. It is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.

All requests for the supply of prescription medication at UK Meds are subject to an online clinical consultation, and the decision to prescribe is made by a registered prescriber.

Wegovy for Weight Loss: Clinical Summary

Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) GP and Surgeon GMC Number: 8085739 GP and surgeon Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) explains how Wegovy works: “Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that has shown efficacy in promoting weight loss and in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).” If you think this treatment may be suitable for you, you can begin an online consultation. A registered prescriber will review your information. If approved, a prescription will be issued and your medication delivered discreetly to your home.

Wegovy Price and Dosage Guide

Wegovy is available in five different strengths to help your body adjust to the medication gradually. Prices start from £117.99 per pen, with each pen containing a 4-week supply.

Standard Titration Schedule

To minimise digestive side effects, Wegovy is prescribed using a gradual step-up approach, known as a titration schedule. You will start on the lowest dose and gradually increase it every four weeks until you reach the maintenance dose.

Do not increase your dose faster than recommended. Your prescriber will regularly review your progress to ensure the medication remains safe and effective for you.

How Does Wegovy Work?

Wegovy works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1, which is normally released from the intestine after you eat a meal.

By acting on the receptors in the brain that control your appetite, semaglutide helps you feel fuller for longer, reduces your hunger, and can help decrease cravings for food. This mechanism supports you in eating less and lowering your overall calorie intake, which leads to weight loss over time.

Clinical Effectiveness and Heart Health

Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of semaglutide. In the STEP 1 clinical trial, adults taking Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks.

Wegovy has also been shown to reduce the risk of serious heart issues in adults with a history of heart disease and weight-related conditions. The SELECT trial showed a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events for patients using weekly semaglutide.

What Should I Eat While on Wegovy?

To get the best results for your Wegovy weight loss, it's best to maintain a calorie deficit and follow an overall balanced diet. To support your treatment, focus on:

• Lean proteins: They help keep you fuller for longer and maintain your body's muscle mass.
• Complex carbohydrates: These take longer to digest, stabilising your blood sugar and keeping bowel movements regular.
• Hydration: Aim for 6–8 cups of fluid a day to assist nutrient absorption and digestion.
• Avoid high-fat foods: Limit high-fat or high-sugar meals, as these can make digestive side effects, like nausea, much worse.

Who Can Use Wegovy?

Wegovy may be prescribed to adults aged 18 and over who meet specific Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria. A prescriber may consider this treatment if you have a BMI of 30 or greater (living with obesity), or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) accompanied by weight-related health problems, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy is not suitable for everyone. You must not use this medicine if you are allergic to semaglutide, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please ensure you read the patient information leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication before starting treatment.

How to Use the Wegovy Pen

Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected just under the skin. It must not be injected into a vein or a muscle. You should use your pen once a week, ideally on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food.

Each FlexTouch pen contains exactly four fixed doses of medication. You must use a new needle for every single injection. Always check the flow of a new pen before your very first injection, as detailed in the official instructions for use.

The best places to give the injection are:

• The front of your thighs.
• Your stomach (keep at least a 2-inch / 5 cm distance from your belly button).
• Your upper arms.

Step-by-Step Injection Guide

Always follow the exact guidance provided by your prescriber and the patient information leaflet. Here is a general guide on how to safely use the Wegovy FlexTouch pen:

1. Check your pen: Ensure the medication is clear and colourless through the viewing window.
2. Attach a new needle: Tear off the paper tab, push the needle straight onto the pen, and twist until tight. Remove both the outer and inner needle caps.
3. Check the flow (First use only): If it is a brand-new pen, turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol. Press and hold the dose button until it returns to '0' and a drop appears at the tip.
4. Select your dose: Turn the dose selector until the counter stops at your prescribed dose.
5. Inject: Insert the needle into your chosen injection site. Press and hold the dose button down until the counter shows '0'.
6. Hold for 6 seconds: Keep the needle in your skin and slowly count to 6 to ensure the full dose is delivered before removing it.
7. Dispose safely: Carefully remove the needle and dispose of it immediately in a dedicated sharps bin. Never store the pen with a needle attached.

FitXpress: Safe BMI Verification for Your Treatment

We use FitXpress, an AI-assisted tool, to verify your BMI instantly. This removes the need for a GP referral and speeds up your order dispatch.

Wegovy Side Effects and Precautions

Like all medicines, Wegovy can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them. The most common side effects primarily affect the digestive system, particularly when you first start the medication or move up to a higher dose. These include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain.

You should seek urgent medical help if you experience severe, persistent stomach pain that may radiate to your back, as this could be a sign of acute pancreatitis. You should also seek immediate assistance if you experience a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, or sudden changes to your eyesight.

A Pharmacist's Overview of Side Effects

Monalisa Kapinga Pharmacist GPhC Number: 2232744 Independent pharmacist Monalisa Kapinga explains the most common side effects: "Wegovy can cause digestive effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, which usually improve as your body adjusts. Eating smaller, low-fat meals and staying hydrated can help. Tiredness and dizziness are also common early on. Seek urgent medical help if you experience severe abdominal pain (pancreatitis) or signs of an allergic reaction."

Wegovy vs Mounjaro and Other Alternatives

If Wegovy is not deemed suitable for you, or if you are exploring other options, there are alternative weight management treatments available subject to consultation.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is another once-weekly injectable medicine that acts on two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP). Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection, while Orlistat (Xenical or Alli) is a daily oral capsule that blocks fat absorption. Your prescriber will evaluate your medical history to recommend the most appropriate option for your needs.

Switching Between Treatments

If you are switching from another GLP-1 medication, your prescriber will recommend a safe starting dose to allow your body to adjust. Below are the typical transition protocols, though these will always be tailored to you.

Storage and Disposal

Proper storage is vital to ensure Wegovy remains effective.

• Before first use: Store your unused Wegovy pen in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Keep it away from the cooling element and do not freeze it.
• During use: Once opened, the pen can be kept unrefrigerated at a temperature below 30°C, or in the fridge, for a maximum of 42 days (6 weeks). After this period, it should be discarded.

Always keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect the solution from light. Used needles must be disposed of in a proper sharps bin, which can be safely returned to a local pharmacy for destruction or recycled through the Novo Nordisk PenCycle programme.

Delivery & Shipping Information

Wegovy is a cold-chain medication. We use insulated packaging with ice packs to ensure it remains within the safe temperature range (2°C - 8°C) during transit.

Important: Someone must be available to sign for the delivery. Missed cold-chain deliveries cannot be re-sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr Nourhan Elmenofy General Practitioner GMC Number: 7569823 UK Meds spoke with Dr Nourhan Elmenofy to answer the most common questions people ask about Wegovy.