Wegovy is an injectable medication for treating obesity, quickly gaining popularity for its effectiveness in weight loss. 

This article covers essential information about this treatment.

Image of a box of Wegovy pens

Key Points:

  • Wegovy, containing semaglutide, is a GLP-1 agonist approved by the FDA for weight loss. 
  • The medicine is administered as a weekly injection.
  • It is proven to help with significant weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower cardiovascular risk in certain people.
  • The prescription is suitable for those with obesity or weight-related conditions.
  • Common side effects include nausea and vomiting. Rare but severe side effects may include thyroid tumors or pancreatitis.

Table of Contents

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for chronic weight management in people with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol).

It was also approved in 2024 to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight.

As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, this medicine: 

Despite these benefits, it is approved solely for weight loss, not as a diabetes medication. 

Wegovy is a prescription-only injectable administered once weekly. Other medications in the GLP-1 agonist class include Ozempic (semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide).

Read more in: Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Which Drug Is Right for You?

What are the benefits of Wegovy?

This therapy offers several benefits, including:

Weight loss

This drug is proven to support substantial weight loss by decreasing appetite and slowing digestion, which prevents the liver from releasing glucagon and helps avoid blood sugar spikes. 

In studies, adults taking the injection lost an average of 15 percent of their starting weight, while adolescents lost 16 percent.

Improved insulin sensitivity 

The medication enhances blood sugar control, lowers A1C levels, and improves insulin sensitivity. 

The STEP 2 trial showed that people with type 2 diabetes not only lost weight on Wegovy but also experienced significant improvements in blood sugar and A1c levels. 

Even for those without diabetes, the treatment can help improve insulin resistance, potentially delaying or preventing diabetes.

Lower cardiovascular risk

Semaglutide, the active ingredient, has been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death, by 26 percent in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Why would you be prescribed Wegovy?

The drug is FDA-approved for obesity, weight loss, and chronic weight management but is not a diabetes medication, even though it can help lower blood sugar levels and improve A1c. 

To qualify for a prescription, individuals must meet specific body-mass index (BMI, a measure of weight relative to height) criteria: a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 with at least one weight-related condition, such as high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), or type 2 diabetes. 

This treatment is also approved for chronic weight management in individuals 12 years and older, provided adolescents have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex. 

If you don’t meet the criteria for this therapy, you might qualify for another GLP-1 medication, like Ozempic, especially if managing type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. 

Speak with your doctor to determine if Wegovy or another medication is suitable for you.

What are the side effects?

When starting this drug, many people experience mild to moderate side effects such as: 

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation 
  • Weight loss 
  • Low blood sugar (if taking insulin)

Rare but serious side effects include:

  • Thyroid tumors 
  • Pancreatitis 
  • Vision changes 
  • Kidney problems 
  • Severe allergic reactions

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a fever, experience vision changes, feel weak or in pain, suspect an allergic reaction, or have severe low blood sugar. Severe low blood sugar can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Read more in: Wegovy Side Effects: What You Need to Know.

What is the correct dose? 

Doses vary based on individual factors like height, weight, health goals, lifestyle, and medical history. The available doses are:

  • 0.25 milligrams (mg, starter dose)
  • 0.50 mg
  • 1 mg
  • 1.7 mg
  • 2.4 mg (maximum weekly dose)

Each pen delivers a single, pre-measured weekly dose. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, as overdosing may cause serious side effects.

See more in: Wegovy Dosage Guide: How Much Should You Take?

How much Wegovy should I take?

Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose based on your health history, goals, lifestyle, height, and weight. 

There is no “typical” dose. Users usually start with a low dose of 0.25 mg per week and gradually increase it to achieve their desired weight loss or maintenance. 

The maximum dose is 2.4 mg per week, which most people reach depending on their response to the medication and any side effects.

What happens if I take too much Wegovy?

This medication should only be taken once per week. 

If you accidentally take too much, you may experience severe side effects like debilitating nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or low blood sugar (especially if you’re on insulin), which can be life-threatening. 

If you overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

I missed a dose of Wegovy. What now?

Missing an occasional dose won’t harm you or affect your weight or blood sugar levels. 

For best results, take the medication consistently. If you miss a dose, you can take it within a few days. 

If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

How to inject Wegovy

Before using your injection pen, check for any particles or discoloration in the medication; if you notice either, do not use the pen as it may be expired or spoiled. 

Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol before injecting. 

To prevent injuries and scar tissue, rotate injection sites each week. 

This medicine is usually injected under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. 

Speak with your healthcare provider for guidance on the best injection sites and rotation practices.

Learn more in: Wegovy Injection Guide: Where and How to Inject.

Who shouldn’t take Wegovy?

This therapy should only be taken if prescribed by your doctor. 

It is not recommended for those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

Do not use Wegovy or any semaglutide-containing medication if you or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). 

Additionally, avoid this treatment if you are allergic to semaglutide.

If you need a GLP-1 agonist but are allergic to semaglutide, consider discussing alternatives like Victoza, which contains liraglutide, with your doctor.

How can I stop taking Wegovy?

If you wish to stop taking this medication, speak with your doctor first. 

Stopping it abruptly is not recommended. Your healthcare provider will likely suggest gradually reducing the dose. 

Discontinuing Wegovy may lead to a return of insulin resistance, increased food cravings, elevated blood sugar levels, and weight gain. 

On average, people regain about two-thirds of the weight they lost within a year of stopping semaglutide-based treatments. 

Discuss with your doctor alternative medications, exercise, or diet plans to manage potential rebound effects.

Does Wegovy replace insulin?

No, it does not replace insulin. 

If you use insulin, you must continue taking insulin even after starting Wegovy. 

While Wegovy can help lower blood sugar levels over time, it does not quickly lower blood sugar like insulin. 

You may find that your insulin needs decrease after several months on this drug, but it is unlikely to eliminate the need for insulin entirely.

Can I take Wegovy with my diabetes medications? 

Whether you can take it with other diabetes medications depends on the specific drugs you are using. 

Wegovy should not be combined with other GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Victoza, Trulicity, or Mounjaro (tirzepatide). 

See more in: Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: What Is the Best Option?

However, semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, can be used with metformin, insulin, or other medications. 

Always speak with your doctor before combining Wegovy with any other medication and ensure they are aware of all medications you are taking.

How do I store Wegovy?

Store it in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in its original box to protect it from light. 

Once opened, it can be used for up to 56 days. If necessary, Wegovy can be stored at room temperature (46°F to 86°F or 8°C to 30°C) with the pen cap on for up to 28 days. 

Never freeze the pens or expose them to direct sunlight or high heat.

How much does Wegovy cost?

The cost varies depending on your insurance plan, and the amount you pay each month (your co-pay) can differ widely. 

To determine your specific co-pay, use your prescription or medical card and the Wegovy coverage and co-pay calculator available through your insurance provider or Novo Nordisk.

It is generally covered by many insurance plans for weight management, but coverage can vary. It’s important to check with your insurance provider directly to understand your specific coverage details.

If you have questions regarding coverage or co-pay costs, you can contact Wegovy support at 1-888-693-6489.

For those who qualify, the Patient Assistance Program (PAP) may offer free or reduced-cost medication. To learn more about this program and eligibility requirements, call Novo Nordisk’s PAP toll-free at 1-866-310-7549.

How do I get a prescription for Wegovy?

To obtain a prescription, consult your doctor. They can prescribe Wegovy if you meet the BMI criteria or are overweight with a qualifying chronic condition. 

If you don’t qualify, your doctor may suggest other FDA-approved weight loss medications that better suit your needs.

Did you find this article helpful? Click Yes or No below to let us know!