Wegovy Weight Loss Injection FAQs

Sep 07, 2023 Weight Loss

Wegovy has now been launched in the UK and is available to purchase online from SimplyMeds. Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions. 

Please speak to your healthcare provider, GP or pharmacy if you are experiencing any issues, the below is guidance only. 

 

What are the side effects of Wegovy?

Serious side effects

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

Complications of diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy).

If you have diabetes, you should inform your doctor if you experience eye problems, such as changes in vision, during treatment with this medicine.

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

• Inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis).

Signs of inflamed pancreas may include severe and long-lasting pain in your stomach, the pain may move to your back. You should see your doctor immediately if you experience such symptoms.

Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions, angioedema).

You should seek immediate medical help and inform your doctor straight away if you get symptoms such as breathing problems, swelling of face, lips, tongue, and/or throat with difficulty swallowing, wheezing, fast heartbeat, pale and cold skin, feeling dizzy or weak.

Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people

• headache
• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• stomach pain
• feeling weak or tired.

These usually go away over time.

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

• feeling dizzy
• upset stomach or indigestion
• burping
• gas (flatulence)
• bloating of the stomach
• inflamed stomach (‘gastritis’) – the signs include stomach ache, feeling sick (nausea) or being
• sick (vomiting)
• reflux or heartburn – also called ‘gastro-oesophageal reflux disease’
• gallstones
• hair loss
• injection site reactions
• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with diabetes.

The warning signs of low blood sugar may come on suddenly. They can include: cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, feeling sick (nausea) or very hungry, changes in vision, feeling sleepy or weak, feeling nervous, anxious or confused, difficulty concentrating or shaking.

Your doctor will tell you how to treat low blood sugar and what to do if you notice these warning signs.

Low blood sugar is more likely to happen if you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin. Your doctor may reduce your dose of these medicines before you start using this medicine.

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

• fast heartbeat
• increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase) shown in blood tests.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

 

When is the Wegovy UK release date?

On Monday 4th September 2023, Novo Nordisk announced that Wegovy is available via NHS weight management services and to purchase privately through registered health professionals, including SimplyMeds Online. This is a ‘controlled and limited’ launch. NICE issued guidelines in March of 2023.

 

What is the Wegovy UK price?

The price of Wegovy varies depending on your dose. If you are taking one of the 3 pens in the lower dose range, these will be cheaper than the higher dose pens. Prices will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. With SimplyMeds Online your prescription:

1. will be assessed with a consultation by a registered and trained prescriber
2. sent via accelerated services using temperature-controlled packaging
3. sent in discreet packaging with no mention of the pharmacy nor what your order contains
4. prescription included in your order – no hidden fees

 

Where can I buy Wegovy in the UK?

You can buy Wegovy from a registered online pharmacy such as us here at SimplyMeds Online. It’s recommended you check that where you purchased is registered to do so and is registered with the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council) – you can check our registration here.

 

When will Wegovy be available in the UK?

Wegovy is available in the UK from NHS weight management service and privately registered professionals as of Monday 4th September 2023, Novo Nordisk announcement.

 

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is used for weight loss and weight management. The active substance in Wegovy is called semaglutide, this is similar to a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which your body releases in your intestine after every meal. Wegovy works by acting on the receptors in your brain that control your appetite, so you feel more full, less hungry and should experience less cravings. Wegovy should be used with a reduced calorie meal plan and increased activity.

 

Is Wegovy available in the UK?

Yes, as of 4th September 2023 Wegovy is available via NHS weight management services and privately from registered health professionals.

 

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy works by acting on the receptors in your brain that control your appetite and cravings. This should make your feel less hungry, fuller and experience less cravings for sweet and starchy foods. Wegovy should be taken with a reduced calorie meal plan and you should increase your activity.

 

How to get Wegovy

To purchase Wegovy through SimplyMeds Online you will need to complete an online consultation here (link) and make your purchase. This will be reviewed by a fully trained prescriber. Once your order is approved you should receive tracking information on the same day when your order is placed before 4pm (not including weekends).

 

What is Wegovy used for

Wegovy is used for weight loss and weight maintenance in addition to diet and physical activity in adults, who have:

• a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater (with obesity) or
• a BMI of 27 kg/m² and less than 30 kg/m² (overweight) and weight-related health problems.

 

What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?

Wegovy and Ozempic are the same active ingredient. The two differences are:

Wegovy is available in doses up to a maximum dose of 2.4mg. Ozempic maximum dose is 1mg.

Wegovy is licensed in the UK for weight loss.

Ozempic is licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes and privately for weight loss.

 

How do you store Wegovy?

Wegovy should be stored in a fridge (2°C to 8°C) away from the cooling element.

Once opened you can keep the pen for 6 weeks when stored at a temperature below 30°C. You can also continue to store it in the fridge away from the cooling element.

Do not use if the solution is not clear and colourless, do not dispose of Wegovy and the empty pens in the household waste. These should be taken to your local pharmacy to be disposed of safely. You will also need a sharps bin to dispose of needles and contact your local council to take the sharps bin away to be destroyed.

 

How much Wegovy do I use, what is the dosage?

How much Wegovy you use will depend on if you are starting treatment, part way through treatment or on a maintenance dose.

Your treatment will start at a low dose which will be gradually increased over 16 weeks of treatment as follows:

• When you first start using Wegovy, the starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly.
• You will gradually increase your dose every 4 weeks until you reach the recommended dose of 2.4 mg once weekly.
• Once you reach the recommended dose of 2.4 mg, do not increase this dose further. This is the maintenance dose for Wegovy.

You will be told to follow the table below.

 

How long do I need to use Wegovy for?

Maximum of 2 years. Once you have started Wegovy please consult with a health professional before you stop taking your current dose. To reach maintenance dose will take 16 weeks on Wegovy. 

 

How do I take Wegovy?

Check the name and dose of your pen, particularly if you are using other pen/injectable medicines.

Check the liquid is clear and colourless.

Always use a new needle for each injection.

Once you’ve removed the paper tab, push onto your pen and turn until fixed tightly.

The needle is covered by two caps – you must remove both caps in order to inject the Wegovy.  Pull off the outer cap and keep for later, you will need this to safely dispose of the needle later.

Pull off the inner cap and dispose of it, a drop of Wegovy may appear at the tip of the needle. You must still check the flow when using a new pen for the first time. See full instructions in the patient information leaflet here. Never use a bent or damaged needle.

Set your dose by turning the dose counter until it stops and shows your prescribed dose.

The prescribed dose should line up with the dose pointer that you have selected or currently taking. If the counter stops before you reach your prescribed dose you may not have enough Wegovy.

Choose upper arms, stomach or upper legs (keep a 5 cm distance from your belly button). You may inject in the same body area each week, but make sure it is not in the same spot as used the last time.

You should read the patient information leaflet and keep a copy to hand to refer to when you experience any issues with taking your Wegovy dose.

 

What should I do if I take too much Wegovy?

Speak to your doctor or call 111 straight away. You may feel sick and experience unwanted side effects.

 

What should I do if I forget or miss my dose of Wegovy?

If you forgot to inject a dose and:

• it is 5 days or less since you should have used Wegovy, use it as soon as you remember. Theninject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
• it is more than 5 days since you should have used Wegovy, skip the missed dose. Then inject your next dose as usual on your next scheduled day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

 

Can I change the day I take Wegovy?

Yes, if necessary, you can change the day of your weekly injection of this medicine as long as it has been at least 3 days since your last injection. After selecting a new dosing day, continue with once-a-week dosing.

 

What is the dosage of a Wegovy injection pen?

Wegovy comes in 5 strengths, all containing 4 doses of the prescribed dose that coincides with your week of treatment.

• Wegovy 0.25 mg FlexTouch solution for injection

One mL of solution contains 0.68 mg of semaglutide. One pre-filled pen contains 1.0 mg semaglutide in 1.5 mL solution

• Wegovy 0.5 mg FlexTouch solution for injection

One mL of solution contains 1.34 mg of semaglutide. One pre-filled pen contains 2.0 mg semaglutide in 1.5 mL solution

• Wegovy 1 mg FlexTouch solution for injection

One mL of solution contains 1.34 mg of semaglutide. One pre-filled pen contains 4.0 mg semaglutide in 3 mL solution

• Wegovy 1.7 mg FlexTouch solution for injection

One mL of solution contains 2.27 mg of semaglutide. One pre-filled pen contains 6.8 mg semaglutide in 3 mL solution

• Wegovy 2.4 mg FlexTouch solution for injection

One mL of solution contains 3.2 mg of semaglutide. One prefilled pen contains 9.6mg of semaglutide in 3 mL solution.

 

What needles do I need for my Wegovy FlexTouch pen?

Your Wegovy pack contains 4 needles. 1 for each dose of Wegovy you will take over the 28 days. Your pen contains 4 doses. Your pen is designed to be used with NovoFine Plus, Novofine or NovoTwist disposable needles up to a length of 8mm. Needles should be disposed of in a sharps bin, which you can purchase here – or add on to your order of your Wegovy pen.

 

What do I do if there isn’t enough Wegovy for my next injection?

If the dose counter stops before you reach your prescribed dose, there is not enough Wegovy left for a full dose. Dispose of the pen and use a new Wegovy FlexTouch pen.