What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide, also known as the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic or Rybelsus, works by reducing your appetite and so helps you lose weight. It mimicks the effects of GLP-1 which is a hormone released by your gut. This hormone binds to the GLP-1 receptor in your brain which reduces hunger pangs, slows down the digestive process and makes you feel fuller for longer. Please note Ozempic and Rybelsus are currently off-licence when used as a treatment for weight loss due either to stock shortages of Wegovy or preference for tablet instead of an injection.

What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?

They both contain the same active ingredient, Semaglutide. Ozempic is licenced for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and comes in doses of 0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg. However Wegovy is licenced for the treatment of weight loss and comes in more strengths- 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg.

How do I take it?

Wegovy comes as an injection.

• The starting dose is 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks. This gives your body a chance to get used to the medication.
• After four weeks you will increase your dose to 0.5 mg once a week.
• After a further four weeks you will increase your dose to 1mg per week
• After these four weeks you can increase your dose to 1.7mg per week.
• After four weeks on 1.7mg you can increase the dose to 2.4mg per week.

The different dose pens are all a different colour. You take it on the same day each week, either with or without food.

How is the injection given?

Semaglutide can be given as a subcutaneous injection just under the skin.

The best places to give the injection are the front of your thighs, the front of your waist (abdomen), or your upper arm.

Before you use the pen for the first time, please watch the video below for instruction on how to use it.

https://www.wegovy.com/taking-wegovy/how-to-use-the-wegovy-pen.html

When should I use Semaglutide?

You should use Wegovy once a week on the same day each week if possible.

You can give yourself the injection at any time of the day – regardless of meals.

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 of it. After selecting a new dosing day, continue with once a week dosing.

How effective is it?

About 4 times more effective than just making dietary changes with increased exercise! Patients are expected to lose about 10% of their bodyweight after about 6 months after treatment with Semaglutide plus lifestyle interventions compared to around 2.5% with just lifestyle interventions alone.¹ This increases to around 15% after a year of using the medication with appropriate lifestyle changes! 

¹ https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

What are the side effects on Semaglutide?

Like all medications, Semaglutide can give you side effects, although not everyone gets them. The main side effects are feeling sick and diarrhoea, but these go away over time. Other side effects which usually go away over time are abdominal pain and taste changes. An uncommon side effect is bruising or irritation around the injection site. Please see the patient information leaflet in the medication box for further details.

Who is eligible?

Please take our questionnaire to see if you are eligible. Semaglutide should only be used in patients with a BMI >30 or BMI >27 if they have certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure.