Prescription-only medicine
- Wegovy® contains semaglutide, a prescription-only injectable medication.
- It is licensed in the UK for weight management in adults who meet specific clinical criteria.
- Wegovy is intended for use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, where appropriate.
- It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
- Treatment must be prescribed and monitored by a UK-registered prescriber.
How Wegovy works
- Semaglutide acts on receptors involved in appetite regulation and satiety.
- This can help reduce hunger and food intake as part of a structured weight-management plan.
Prescribing and suitability
- Wegovy is not suitable for everyone.
- Supply is subject to a clinical consultation, which assesses medical history, current medications, weight, and relevant risk factors.
- Treatment is typically started at a low dose and increased gradually to reduce the risk of side effects.
- Dose adjustments are made only under prescriber supervision.
Possible side effects
- As with all medicines, side effects can occur.
- Commonly reported side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Gastrointestinal side effects are more common during dose increases and are often temporary.
- Patients should seek medical advice if side effects are severe, persistent, or concerning.
Important information
- Wegovy may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, including some endocrine disorders or a history of pancreatitis.
- Full safety information is reviewed during the consultation process.
- Ongoing monitoring may be required to assess suitability and tolerability of treatment.
Regulatory information
- Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- Supplied in accordance with UK medicines legislation
- No supply without a completed consultation and prescriber approval
- This information does not replace advice from a healthcare professional