What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide injection, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight management. It helps reduce appetite, improve feelings of fullness, and support lower calorie intake.

Wegovy is taken once weekly as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected under the skin. It should be used as part of a wider weight management plan that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and ongoing clinical review.

Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine. A UK prescriber must assess whether it is clinically appropriate before treatment is supplied.

Who is Wegovy suitable for?

For adult weight management, Wegovy may be considered for adults with an initial BMI of:

• 30 kg/m² or above, which is classed as obesity, or
• 27 kg/m² to less than 30 kg/m², where there is at least one weight-related health condition.

Weight-related health conditions can include problems such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnoea, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. Suitability must always be assessed individually.

Wegovy dosing schedule in the UK

Wegovy treatment starts low and increases slowly. This is called dose escalation or titration. The reason for increasing gradually is simple: going too fast can increase the risk of side effects, especially nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.

Standard Wegovy dose escalation schedule

Some people may need to stay on a lower dose for longer if side effects are troublesome. Your prescriber may delay a dose increase or advise you to return to the previous dose until symptoms improve.

Do you have to increase Wegovy every 4 weeks?

Not always. The standard schedule increases every 4 weeks, but treatment should be personalised. If you are getting good appetite suppression and weight loss on your current dose, or if side effects are difficult, your prescriber may decide that staying on the same dose for longer is safer and more appropriate.

You should not increase your Wegovy dose without prescriber approval.

What about Wegovy 7.2mg?

The UK has approved a higher Wegovy 7.2mg once-weekly dose for adults with obesity. This is a higher maintenance option and is not the starting dose.

Wegovy 7.2mg may only be considered after a patient has already been on 2.4mg once weekly for at least 4 weeks, and only if it is clinically appropriate. It is for obesity treatment and requires individual prescriber assessment.

How is Wegovy 7.2mg different?

• The usual Wegovy FlexTouch pens cover the 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg doses.
• The 7.2mg dose uses a separate single-dose prefilled pen where available.
• The 7.2mg dose is not for everyone and should only be used when prescribed.
• Not all services or pharmacies may stock every dose or device.

When should you take Wegovy?

Wegovy is taken once a week, on the same day each week. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.

Many people find it helpful to choose a routine, such as every Sunday evening or every Monday morning. The exact day is less important than being consistent.

Can you change your Wegovy injection day?

Yes, you can change your weekly injection day, but there should be at least 3 days, or more than 72 hours, between doses. After changing the day, continue with once-weekly dosing on the new day.

What if I miss a Wegovy dose?

If you miss a Wegovy dose, follow the 5-day rule:

• If it has been 5 days or less since the missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose on your usual scheduled day.
• If it has been more than 5 days since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your normal scheduled day.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed injection.

If you miss several doses, speak to your prescriber before restarting. You may need to restart at a lower dose to reduce side effects.

How to inject Wegovy

Wegovy is injected under the skin. It must not be injected into a vein or muscle.

Best places to inject Wegovy

The recommended injection areas are:

• Abdomen, keeping at least 5cm away from the belly button
• Front of the thighs
• Upper arms

You can use the same general area each week, but avoid injecting into the exact same spot repeatedly. Rotating injection sites can help reduce irritation, soreness, and injection site reactions.

Before injecting Wegovy

• Check the medicine name and dose on the pen.
• Check the expiry date.
• Do not use the pen if it looks damaged or has been used incorrectly.
• The solution should be clear and colourless.
• Do not use it if the solution looks cloudy or discoloured.
• Read the patient information leaflet before using the pen.

Using the Wegovy FlexTouch pen

The Wegovy FlexTouch pen is used for 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg doses. Each pen contains 4 weekly doses.

• Use a new needle for each injection.
• Attach the needle securely before use.
• Check the flow when using a new pen for the first time, as instructed in the leaflet.
• Select the prescribed dose using the dose selector.
• Insert the needle into the chosen injection site.
• Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter reaches zero.
• Keep the needle in the skin and slowly count to 6 before removing it.
• Remove and dispose of the needle safely after each injection.
• Never store the pen with the needle attached.

Using the Wegovy 7.2mg single-dose pen

The Wegovy 7.2mg pen is a single-use prefilled pen with a hidden needle. Each pen contains one weekly dose.

• Keep the cap on until you are ready to inject.
• Check the pen label and dose before use.
• Check that the solution is clear and colourless.
• Place the pen firmly against the skin at the chosen injection site.
• Hold it in place until the indicator has stopped moving, so the full dose is delivered.
• Do not try to reuse the pen.
• Dispose of it safely after use.

Wegovy side effects and safety information

Like all medicines, Wegovy can cause side effects. Many side effects are gastrointestinal and are more common during dose escalation.

Very common side effects

Very common side effects may affect more than 1 in 10 people and include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Fatigue

Common side effects

Common side effects can include:

• Indigestion or reflux
• Bloating or wind
• Dizziness
• Injection site reactions
• Gallstones
• Hair loss
• Low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes using insulin or sulfonylureas

Tips to manage nausea

• Eat smaller meals.
• Stop eating when you feel full.
• Avoid fatty, greasy, fried, or very spicy foods.
• Take small sips of water or a cool drink.
• Avoid strong food smells if they trigger nausea.

When to seek urgent medical advice

You should seek urgent medical help if you develop:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to your back, as this may suggest pancreatitis.
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, or widespread rash.
• Sudden vision loss or changes in vision.
• Severe vomiting or diarrhoea causing dehydration.
• Symptoms of gallbladder problems, such as severe right-sided upper abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pale stools.

How to store Wegovy

Before use

• Store Wegovy in a fridge between 2°C and 8°C.
• Keep it away from the cooling element.
• Do not freeze Wegovy.
• Do not use Wegovy if it has been frozen.
• Keep the pen in the original carton to protect it from light.
• Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

During use

Storage rules can differ depending on the pen type. The FlexTouch pen and single-dose pen have different instructions, so always follow the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

• FlexTouch pens should be stored with the needle removed.
• Do not store a pen with a needle attached.
• Keep the pen cap on when not in use.
• Do not expose the pen to excess heat or direct sunlight.

Disposal

• Used needles should be placed into a sharps bin.
• Needles should never be reused.
• Do not place loose needles into household waste.
• Ask your pharmacy or local council about safe sharps disposal in your area.

How should Wegovy treatment be monitored?

Wegovy should not be treated as a “buy it and disappear” medicine. Safe weight loss prescribing needs monitoring.

Your prescriber may review:

• Your current weight and BMI
• Your weight loss progress
• Side effects and tolerability
• Other medical conditions
• Current medication, especially diabetes medicines or blood thinners such as warfarin
• Whether dose escalation is appropriate
• Whether treatment should continue

If a patient has not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight after 6 months on treatment, the prescriber should review whether continuing treatment is appropriate, taking into account the individual benefit and risk.

Wegovy through Live Well Weight Loss

At Live Well Weight Loss, Wegovy treatment is supplied following an online clinical assessment by a UK prescriber, where suitable. Treatment is reviewed with patient safety, eligibility, dose history, progress, and tolerability in mind.

We support patients with:

• Clinical review before prescribing
• Guidance on dose escalation
• Advice on side effects and missed doses
• Ongoing support during treatment
• Safe supply from a UK pharmacy service

Start a Wegovy consultation

Wegovy dosing FAQs

What dose of Wegovy do you start on?

Most patients start Wegovy at 0.25mg once weekly for 4 weeks. This is a starting dose to help your body adjust and is not intended to be the long-term maintenance dose.

What is the usual maintenance dose of Wegovy?

The usual maintenance dose is 2.4mg once weekly, reached gradually after dose escalation. Some patients may stay on a lower dose for longer if clinically appropriate.

Can I move up Wegovy doses faster?

No. You should not increase faster than advised by your prescriber. Increasing too quickly can make side effects worse and may make treatment harder to tolerate.

What happens if Wegovy side effects are bad?

Your prescriber may advise staying on the current dose longer, delaying the next increase, or stepping back to a previous dose until symptoms improve. Severe or worrying symptoms need medical advice.

Can I take Wegovy with food?

Yes. Wegovy can be taken with or without food, at any time of day.

Can I change my Wegovy injection day?

Yes, provided there are at least 3 days, or more than 72 hours, between injections. After changing the day, continue dosing once weekly.

What should I do if I miss a Wegovy dose?

If it has been 5 days or less, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it has been more than 5 days, skip it and take the next dose on your usual day. Do not take a double dose.

Is Wegovy 7.2mg available in the UK?

Wegovy 7.2mg has been approved in the UK for adults with obesity. It is not a starting dose and should only be used if prescribed after clinical assessment.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

No. Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, but they are different branded medicines with different licensed uses, doses, and prescribing considerations. You should only use the medicine that has been prescribed for you.

Can I stop Wegovy suddenly?

You should speak to your prescriber before stopping. Some people experience increased appetite or weight regain after stopping treatment, so a maintenance plan and lifestyle support are important.

References

1. electronic Medicines Compendium. Wegovy Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: medicines.org.uk/emc
2. MHRA. Single-dose 7.2mg semaglutide Wegovy pen approved to treat adult patients with obesity. Available at: gov.uk
3. NHS. Safe disposal of needles and sharps. Available at: nhs.uk
4. MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. Report suspected side effects. Available at: yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine. Suitability, dose changes, missed dose advice, and treatment continuation should be reviewed by a qualified healthcare professional.