Wegovy Injection / semaglutide

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide when used for weight management. It is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK for certain patients.

Semaglutide is also used under other brand names for different indications, including type 2 diabetes. The product and reason for treatment matter clinically.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It acts on pathways involved in appetite and fullness.

For weight management, it is used alongside diet and physical activity advice and requires ongoing clinical review.

Wegovy is supplied as an injection pen and is usually taken once weekly.

Patients should follow the patient leaflet and the instructions from their prescriber or pharmacist.

It may be considered for adults living with obesity, or overweight with weight-related health problems, where a clinician decides it is appropriate.

Eligibility and safe prescribing depend on individual assessment, including medical history and current medicines.

Wegovy may not be suitable for people who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, or who have certain health conditions.

People with a history of serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or related medicines, pancreatitis concerns, complex diabetes treatment or significant gastrointestinal symptoms may need additional review.

Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, headache and tiredness.

Side effects should be discussed with a healthcare professional if they are severe, persistent or worrying.

This page is a draft for clinical review and is not a substitute for advice from a prescriber, pharmacist or another healthcare professional.

A clinician will consider your health history, current medicines, pregnancy plans, allergies and any relevant symptoms before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop symptoms that may suggest a serious reaction, such as severe abdominal pain, signs of an allergic reaction, severe dehydration or sudden changes in vision.

Semaglutide should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

People who could become pregnant should discuss contraception and pregnancy plans with their clinician. UK public health advice says semaglutide should be stopped for a period before trying to conceive.

Tell the prescriber about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you use.

Extra review may be needed for people using insulin, other diabetes medicines, warfarin, levothyroxine or medicines affected by changes in digestion.

Tell healthcare professionals that you use a GLP-1 medicine before surgery or procedures involving anaesthetic or sedation.

If treatment is considered, you would complete Keltoi's existing weight management assessment.

A prescriber reviews the information you provide and may ask for more detail before making any prescribing decision.

Treatment is only prescribed where the clinician decides it is clinically appropriate.

For full information about Wegovy, including how to use it, warnings and precautions, possible side effects and storage information, please read the official Patient Information Leaflet provided by the manufacturer.