Wegovy Pen

What is Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine containing the active ingredient semaglutide. It is used for weight loss in patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above or over 27 with a weight-related health condition.

Initially, semaglutide was only licensed to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Ozempic. In September 2023, however, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) approved semaglutide for weight loss under the new brand, Wegovy.

In July 2024, the MHRA expanded Wegovy's license to prevent cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks in obese individuals.

Semaglutide is also known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a natural hormone involved in regulating blood sugar levels and feeling full. By mimicking this hormone, the feeling of fullness can be achieved quicker and for longer, thus reducing an individual's capacity to eat, resulting in weight loss.

Benefits of Using Wegovy for Weight Loss

Wegovy helps to control fullness levels, reducing food cravings and hunger. This aids in the consumption of fewer calories, establishing a calorie deficit that can help with weight loss.

Several studies have proven Wegovy's role in helping people attain a lower body weight compared to exercise and dietary changes alone. In the STEP 1 trial, 83.5% of people taking Wegovy lost at least 5% of their starting body weight in 68 weeks, compared to just 31.1% who relied on diet and exercise alone.

It is important to note that weight loss injections, such as Wegovy, are more effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This also helps to promote sustainable weight loss in the long run.

The weight loss journey is more than just a weekly dose of an injectable weight loss pen. It focuses particularly on increased exercise alongside diet changes.

Wegovy is one of the most effective weight loss treatments, but it can also help to improve other weight related conditions including high blood pressure and heart disease. Data from several clinical trials suggests that Wegovy lowers blood pressure, helps regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes and may improve cholesterol levels.

How Does the Wegovy Pen Work?

As we know, Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 agonist. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released after you eat to regulate food intake.

Wegovy mimics this hormone to promote an early feeling of fullness. In doing so, you may now feel fuller only halfway through your meal, wanting to stop eating. As it helps therefore in regulating appetite, Wegovy can help you attain a healthy weight.

As is the case with other weight loss medications, it should be used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity.

Dosage and Administration of Wegovy

What Are the Available Wegovy Dosages?

Wegovy is available as a once weekly injection ranging in doses from 0.25mg to 2.4mg. Whilst there is no specific dose escalation schedule, your dose would be gradually increased no sooner than 4 weeks apart and under supervision of your prescriber.

When starting treatment, a patient would be initiated on the 0.25mg dose. This allows your body to adjust to the new treatment and to assess tolerance. A once weekly dosing schedule must be followed to assess response.\ \ After the intial few weeks, you should get an idea as to how well you tolerate the treatment and how well your weight loss journey is progressing. Whilst serious allergic reactions are rare, you are most likely to see this upon the first dose.

It is important to remember to inject wegovy every week. In the event of a missed or forgotten dose, your prescriber may suggest to restart treatment at a lower dose.

An example dose escalation schedule is as follows:

1. Week 1-4: 0.25mg (starting dose)
2. Week 5-8: 0.5mg
3. Week 9-12: 1mg
4. Week 13-16: 1.7mg
5. Week 17 and onwards: 2.4mg (maintenance dose)

The above schedule is a guideline and is ultimately a decision which you would work with your prescriber on, when considering an increased dose. This depends on your unique circumstances, taking into consideration the incidence of side effects, other medical conditions, and of course how well you adhere to a reduced calorie diet and exercise plan.

How to Inject Wegovy?

Wegovy is a pre-filled pen, loaded with enough solution to provide 4 doses. One pen would therefore last for 4 weeks. The pen is pre-packaged with 4 needles and you will need to change the needle prior to each injection.

Inject one dose once weekly (i.e. on the same day each week) as instructed by your prescriber. The patient information leaflet supplied with the pen provides more detail on this but you may use the guide below.

Injecting Wegovy

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Remove the pen from the fridge.
• Let the pen come to room temperature before injection.
• Check the pen to ensure the solution is clear and colorless. Do not use if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
• Ensure the pen is in date by referring to the expiry date on the pen.
• Remove the pen cap and set it aside.
• Take a new disposable needle from the package and screw it onto the top of the pen, ensuring it’s securely attached.
• Remove the outer cap of the needle (set it aside) and then remove the inner needle cap.
• Prime the pen to ensure that the pen is working properly. This usually only needs to be done when using a new pen for the first time.
• Hold the pen with the needle pointing up.
• Turn the dose selector 2 clicks.
• Press the dose button until a drop of Wegovy appears at the needle tip. Your pen is now ready to use.
• Turn the dose selector all the way until you can see your dose in the dose window (this corresponds to the strength of pen. i.e. a 0.25mg pen would display 0.25mg in the window)
• Choose your injection site. Common areas are the stomach (except the 2-inch area around the navel) or the upper arms or thigh.
• Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow to dry.
• Hold the pen at a 90-degree angle to the skin.
• Insert the needle into the skin with a firm, quick motion.
• Press the dose button all the way down and hold down for 6 seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered.
• After 6 seconds, remove the needle from your skin and dispose safely.
• If you need to use the pen again later, replace the outer cap on the pen, and store the pen in the fridge.

It is recommended to rotate your injection site weekly to avoid scarring or inflammation.

Aim to use your injection on the same day each week though if you do forget and it's been 5 days or fewer, take the missed dose immediately and take your next dose as normal. If it's been more than 5 days since your scheduled dose, skip this dose and take your next planned dose as usual. Don't take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.