Storage
Store unopened pens in the refrigerator at 36–46 °F (2–8 °C) in the original carton to shield them from light. Do not freeze. After your first dose, you can keep the pen refrigerated or at room temperature (up to 86 °F / 30 °C) for a maximum of 28 days. Protect your pens from direct sunlight and heat. For more information, visit Wegovy’s official site.
Instructions
This information is intended for individuals who have been prescribed Wegovy by their Alan Health provider.
For instructions on how to administer this medication, please visit the manufacturer’s website: Wegovy website
Understanding your insulin syringe
Measuring your dose
Insulin syringes are used for subcutaneous injections. They are marked in Units on the insulin syringe barrel (see illustration). Insulin syringes facilitate the precise measurement of tiny amounts of liquids which are ideal for medications such as insulin that require small and accurate dosing. Unit marks are also expressed in mL’s and can be interchangeably referenced. A prescriber may write a prescription in Units or in mL’s.
Within the amount of liquid is the prescribed mg dosage of your medication (see mg chart). Milligrams (mg) is not an amount of liquid, but rather the amount of drug that is within. The conversion between units and milligrams varies depending on the concentration of the product being used.
What can I expect?
Safety information
The most common side effects of WEGOVY® (semaglutide) include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In some cases, patients may also experience constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion, dizziness, bloating, belching, or low blood sugar (particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes). If these symptoms persist or worsen, stop taking the medication and contact your healthcare provider.
A full list of side effects can be found here.
Indications
WEGOVY® is a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist used:
- As an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in:
- Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30), or
- Adults with overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
- Pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity.
- To reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight.
BLACK BOX WARNING: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
In rodent studies, semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether this risk applies to humans.
Do not use WEGOVY® if you:
- Have a personal or family history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed without medical guidance.
Contraindications
Do not use WEGOVY® if you:
- Have a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2.
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Have Type 1 diabetes.
- Have a history of pancreatitis.
- Have severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., gastroparesis).
- Have known hypersensitivity to semaglutide, other GLP-1 receptor agonists, or any inactive ingredients in WEGOVY® (including di-sodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, water for injection, hydrochloric acid, or sodium hydroxide).
- Have a history of suicidal ideation or behavior.
Warnings and Precautions
- Pancreatitis: Has occurred in trials. Discontinue immediately if suspected. Do not restart if confirmed.
- Gallbladder Disease: Monitor for signs of gallstones or cholecystitis.
- Kidney Injury: Acute kidney injury may occur, particularly in those experiencing severe gastrointestinal side effects. Monitor renal function as needed.
- Hypoglycemia: May occur when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues. Monitor blood glucose levels closely and adjust medications accordingly.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Complications reported in patients with type 2 diabetes; monitor vision regularly.
- Increased Heart Rate: Monitor heart rate periodically.
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: Monitor for new or worsening depression or suicidal ideation; discontinue WEGOVY® if symptoms develop.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported. Discontinue immediately if symptoms occur and seek medical attention.
Drug Interactions and Limitations of Use
- WEGOVY® delays gastric emptying, which may affect the absorption of oral medications. Use caution when co-administering oral drugs that require rapid absorption.
- Co-administration with other semaglutide-containing products or GLP-1 receptor agonists is not recommended.
- The safety and effectiveness of combining WEGOVY® with other weight-loss medications have not been established.
- Clinical experience in patients with a history of pancreatitis is limited; it is unknown if these patients are at increased risk.
Reproductive Considerations
- Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm. Discontinue WEGOVY® immediately if pregnancy is detected.
- Reproductive Planning: Stop WEGOVY® at least 2 months prior to a planned pregnancy due to its long half-life.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid use during breastfeeding unless explicitly advised by a healthcare provider.
To Report Adverse Reactions, contact the FDA:
- By phone: 1-800-FDA-1088
- Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch
Disclaimer
These statements are intended for informational purposes and do not replace professional medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns related to WEGOVY®.
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects of Wegovy?
Potential side-effects can vary between individuals, based on medical history and lifestyle factors. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These often occur during dose titration and typically decrease over time. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder issues.
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but they are approved for different uses and come in different dosing ranges. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is indicated for type 2 diabetes but is often used off-label for weight management.
How do I store Wegovy pens?
Store in the refrigerator between 36–46°F. Once in use, the pen may be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F) for up to 28 days.
Additional support
For details about your medication and dosing, please log in to your patient portal. Your physician is here to help with any medical questions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 right away.
