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Wegovy®
Semaglutide for chronic weight management, in a once-weekly pen or a once-daily pill. The manufacturer's product, never compounded.
- Molecule
- Semaglutide
- Forms
- Prefilled weekly injection pen; once-daily oral tablet
- FDA status
- Approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition
- Also approved
- To reduce major cardiovascular events in adults with established heart disease and obesity or overweight
- Made by
- Novo Nordisk; dispensed as the manufacturer's product
- Compounded
- Never
How it works
In plain terms.
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone that signals fullness to the brain and slows stomach emptying. You feel satisfied on less food and stay satisfied longer. It is prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How to take it
- Pen: once a week, same day each week, any time of day, injected under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm. The label's schedule starts at 0.25 mg and steps up over about four months to a maintenance dose; your prescriber sets the pace.
- Pill: once a day on an empty stomach with a small sip of water, then wait before eating; the dose is increased over months per the label.
- Your pharmacist will walk you through the first injection and the pen at pick-up or by phone.
What to expect
- Nausea, softer stools and early fullness in the first weeks at each dose step; usually easing as the dose settles.
- Appetite changes within the first month; weight change follows at the pace the label describes for the population studied. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
- Regular check-ins with your prescriber to adjust the dose.
Not for
- Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.
- Anyone with a history of pancreatitis, unless a prescriber decides otherwise.
- Pregnancy, or planning pregnancy within two months.
- Anyone using another GLP-1 medication.
Important safety information
Read before you start. Your prescriber reviews the full profile with you.
Semaglutide: Wegovy® (pen and pill) and Ozempic®
Boxed warning. Semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; it is unknown whether it causes thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in people. Do not use if you or a family member has had MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your prescriber about any lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Wegovy® is FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Ozempic® is FDA approved for type 2 diabetes; a prescriber may prescribe it off-label for weight management at their discretion, and off-label means the FDA has not approved that use. Both are dispensed only as the manufacturer's product.
- Serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems from dehydration, severe allergic reactions, worsening of diabetic eye disease, and low blood sugar (especially with insulin or sulfonylureas).
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour have been reported with weight-management medicines; tell your prescriber about any history of depression and report any new or worsening mood changes.
- Semaglutide slows stomach emptying and can affect how other oral medicines are absorbed; it may also increase the risk of aspiration during procedures under anaesthesia. Tell any clinician treating you.
- Do not use if pregnant; stop at least two months before a planned pregnancy.
- Common side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness, heartburn.
This is not a complete list of side effects, warnings, or interactions. Read the full prescribing information or medication guide, and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. FarmaciaRx is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk.
Request a consultation
Tell us how to reach you and we'll send a secure link to your medical intake. Please don't include health information in this form.
There's no charge to request a consultation. A California-licensed prescriber reviews your intake before anything is prescribed.
Prefer to talk? Call (714) 215-4740, Mon to Sat 9 am to 7 pm Pacific.
Questions about Wegovy®
Anything else, call (714) 215-4740.
Pen or pill?
Same molecule. The pen is once a week; the pill is once a day on an empty stomach. Your prescriber will discuss which fits your life and what your insurance covers.
Is this compounded semaglutide?
No. We dispense only Novo Nordisk's FDA-approved product. We do not compound GLP-1 medications and never will.
Will insurance cover it?
Sometimes, for weight management with a qualifying diagnosis. Our pharmacy can run your plan and apply a manufacturer savings card if you qualify.