Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Wegovy is a prescription drug from Novo Nordisk that is FDA-approved for weight loss in obese or overweight adults and children ages 12 and up. In March 2024, the FDA also approved Wegovy to reduce the risk of heart disease in overweight and obese adults. Though patients with Type 2 diabetes can take Wegovy, it is not FDA-approved for the the treatment of diabetes. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is also available as Ozempic which is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes.

The active ingredient semaglutide mimics a gastrointestinal hormone that the body naturally releases when a person eats. Semaglutide also impacts the parts of the brain responsible for signaling satiation and fullness after eating.

The FDA has also approved Wegovy to reduce the risk of heart problems. In the SELECT trial, over 17,600 participants were given Wegovy or a placebo for five years. Wegovy users had a 20% lower risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular issues in comparison to the placebo group.

Those with chronic obesity can take the drug to help them lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Patients who have excess weight — but not obesity — may obtain a Wegovy prescription if they have one or more concurrent medical conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Wegovy should be used along with a personalized diet and exercise plan.

How To Use Wegovy

Wegovy dosages come as individual injections, stored in injection pens, that patients give themselves under the skin on their thighs, stomachs or upper arms. The drug is only available with a prescription, and patients must adhere to instructions from their doctors and pharmacists when using it.

Usually, patients start with smaller doses. As they adjust to the medication, they receive higher doses. This process occurs over 16 weeks or longer. Patients use Wegovy in conjunction with physical activity and healthy eating habits.

Wegovy Dosages

The intended Wegovy dosage is 2.4 mg, taken once per week. However, patients must start at a much smaller dose to reduce common gastrointestinal side effects.

Once patients reach the 2.4 mg level, they maintain this dosage for the remainder of the time they take the medication (unless dose-limiting side effects occur). Some patients may stop at 1.7 mg, maintaining that level as their optimal dosage.

However, patients experiencing side effects or who are happy with their progress at lower doses may receive alternate instruction. You should always follow your health care provider’s specific dosing guidance.

Scientific studies suggest that Wegovy is effective for weight loss and lowering the body mass index. Research also indicates that the drug and its active ingredient can reduce blood sugar levels and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

However, studies with other similar drugs such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may show more effectiveness for weight loss reduction than those containing semaglutide.

HbA1c blood tests indicate a person’s average three-month blood sugar levels. While the FDA didn’t approve Wegovy for treating diabetes, it can have a positive impact on blood sugar. The most positive results occur when patients combine the medication with lifestyle changes.

“Wegovy (semaglutide) is currently FDA approved for weight loss. Obesity is a chronic disease in the US and is linked to so many other chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and many others. Therefore, one of the main advantages of using Wegovy (semaglutide) is that it can assist those in weight loss to alleviate their risks of these chronic conditions,” said Janie Charlot, a nurse practitioner certified in weight management and functional nutrition.

According to Novo Nordisk, the most common side effect is nausea which affects 44% of patients. Other gastrointestinal side effects are also not unusual. Patients may also experience headaches and dizziness.

“Some common side effects of Wegovy (semaglutide) are gastrointestinal (GI) Issues such as diarrhea, constipation, gassiness, nausea, stomach upset, vomiting abdominal pain and bloating,” Charlot told Drugwatch.

Other medications containing semaglutide, such as Ozempic, can cause similar side effects. However, the risk of Wegovy causing more severe side effects could be greater because of its higher dosing.

Serious side effects of Wegovy include a potential increased risk for thyroid cancer, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, acute kidney injury and allergic reactions. The drug has a black box warning indicating that research on lab animals found an increased risk of thyroid cancer, though there is uncertainty about whether the same effects occur in humans.

Patients with a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, type 2, may be at a higher risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Other serious side effects may occur.

Patients should let their physicians know immediately if they experience any serious side effects.

Wegovy has a list price of $1,349.02 for a month’s supply of the drug, according to Novo Nordisk. The company says that eligible patients who have health insurance covering Wegovy are more likely to pay an average of $25.

However, the drug’s high cost had led to some insurance providers dropping the drug from their list of covered medications.

Novo Nordisk’s WeGo Together support program may help patients afford their medication. According to the program website, some patients may pay as little as $0 for a 28-day supply of Wegovy for up to 13 prescription fills.

As of November 2024, the FDA lists semaglutide injections on its drug shortage list, including Wegovy and Ozempic. The FDA originally placed the drug on the shortage list in March 2022.

“Each new positive clinical trial, whether for obesity, diabetes or cardiovascular disease, expands the potential clinical use cases and has led to surges in forecasted demand, and shortages are expected to last into [2025],” said Betty Pio, a partner in the Healthcare and Life Sciences Practice of global strategy and management consulting firm Kearney.

In order to meet demand, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have invested billions to increase manufacturing capacity.