Wegovy Weight Loss Injections (Semaglutide)

You should inject once a week, any time of the day, with or without food. You might find it helpful to get into a routine, like taking Wegovy® on a Sunday just before bed.

The wegovy starting dose is 0.25 mg subcutaneously, SC, on the same day each week for4 weeks.

You should increase the dose as indicated every 4 weeks until the full maintenance dose of 2.4 mg is reached.

By the start of the fifth month you should be on the maximum maintenance dose.

1-4 weeks ı 0.25 mg SC once a week, on the same day each week, for 4 weeks

5-8 weeks ı 0.5 mg SC once a week for 4 weeks

9-12 weeks ı 1.0 mg SC once weekly for 4 weeks

13-16 weeks ı 1.7 mg SC once weekly for 4 weeks

Week 17 onwards ı 2.4 mg SC once a week on the same day each week

Each package contains one package leaflet, one Wegovy® pen of one of 5 strengths, 0,25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg and 4 needles.

Your pen is to be used once a week for 4 weeks. The pack includes:

• Wegovy FlexTouch pen

• 4 NovoFine Plus needles
• Leaflet

Choose an injection site in one of the body areas indicated below. You can choose your upper arms, upper legs or stomach (keep a 5 cm distance from your belly button). You may inject in the same body area each week, but make sure it is not in the same spot as used the last time.

Insert the needle into your skin. Make sure you can see the dose counter and do not cover it with your fingers as this could interrupt the injection.

Press and hold down the dose button until the dose counter shows -0- . Keep pressing the dose button with the needle in your skin and slowly count to 6. The -0-must line up with the dose pointer. You may hear or feel a click when the dose counter returns to -0- .

How to Inject Wegovy

You’ll need your Wegovy FlexTouch pen, cotton wool or gauze, an alcohol swab (or soap and water), and a sharps disposal container. Always inject on a clean, flat surface:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Choose where you’re going to inject (stomach, thigh, or upper arm).
3. Clean the area with an alcohol swab or soap and water.
4. Let the area dry completely.
5. Remove the pen cap.
6. Check that the liquid in the pen is clear and colourless. If it looks cloudy or coloured, don’t use the pen.
7. Attach a new needle with every dose: Tear off the paper tab of the needle cap and push the needle straight onto the pen. Turn until it’s on tight. Pull off the outer needle cap and keep it to the side, pull off the inner needle cap and dispose of it.
8. Turn the dose selector until you see the flow check symbol line up with the dose pointer, and hold the pen with the needle pointing to the sky.
9. Press and hold the dose button until the dose returns to 0. You should see a drop of Wegovy at the tip of the needle – this means it’s ready to use.
10. Turn the dose selector until the dose counter stops and the prescribed dose lines up with the dose pointer.
11. Insert the needle into your skin.
12. Press and hold the button until the dose counter is 0 (you may hear a click).
13. Count slowly to 6 while holding the pen in place.
14. Remove the needle from the skin.
15. Gently press a cotton wool pad on the site if needed (don’t rub).
16. Lead the needle tip into the outer needle cap without touching the needle.
17. Once covered, push the outer needle cap completely on, unscrew the needle and dispose in your sharps bin.

Remember to note down the date and where you injected it for your records to help with rotation.

Do I store wegovy in a fridge?

Before opening: Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Keep away from the cooling element.
Do not freeze your pens and do not use it if it has been frozen.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the pen label and carton after ‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Keep the pen cap on in order to protect from light.
During use: You can keep the pen for 6 weeks when stored at a temperature below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
Do not use this medicine if you notice that the solution is not clear and colourless

Wegovy Side Effects

As with many medications, Wegovy weight loss injections are not suitable for some groups of people and can have potential side effects. Not everyone will experience side effects while using Wegovy, but you should be aware of the possible reactions.

Very Common Side Effects of Wegovy

These affect around 1 in 10 people:

• Headache
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Fatigue (feeling weak or tired)

As your body gets used to the medication, these will go away over time.

Common Side Effects of Wegovy

These affect around 1 in 100 to 1 in 1000 people:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with diabetes
• Dizziness
• Dysaesthesia (abnormal physical touch sensation without outside cause)
• Distorted sense of taste (dysgeusia)
• Burping
• Gas (Flatulence)
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Hair loss
• Injection site reactions
• Burning pain, bloating, nausea, and early fullness after eating or drinking (dyspepsia)

Serious Side Effects of Wegovy

If you experience any of these side effects, contact your prescriber as soon as possible as you may have to discontinue use:

• Diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Acute pancreatitis
• Urolithiasis
• Hip or pelvis fractures
• Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

Other side effects and possible interactions of this drug can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed here. You can report any side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme, which can help provide more information on the safety of any medication.