Wegovy is a medication designed to support weight loss and maintenance when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. It is licensed for patients aged 12 and older, but at The Ravenor Pharmacy, it is offered exclusively to individuals aged 18 and above.

The medication is recommended for adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher (obesity) or those with a BMI between 27 and 29.9 kg/m² (overweight) who also have weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes. BMI, or Body Mass Index, is used to assess weight in relation to height.

If patients do not lose at least 5% of their initial body weight after 6 months of treatment, a reevaluation is necessary to determine whether continuing treatment is appropriate, considering the individual benefit and risk factors.

When using Wegovy (semaglutide), it’s important to exercise caution regarding alcohol consumption. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Potential Interaction: While Wegovy is designed to regulate appetite and blood sugar, alcohol can affect these processes as well. Drinking alcohol while using Wegovy might lead to unpredictable effects on your body, particularly on blood sugar levels.

2. Personal Tolerance: Individual responses to alcohol vary, and Wegovy may alter how your body processes alcohol. As a result, your tolerance might be different while taking the medication.

3. Side Effects: Both Wegovy and alcohol can cause nausea. Combining the two may increase the chances of experiencing nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort.

4. Impact on Weight Loss Goals: If you’re using Wegovy for weight loss, it’s important to note that alcohol contains extra calories, which could hinder your progress if consumed excessively.

5. Safety Concerns: Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents or risky behaviors. It’s crucial to avoid such situations to ensure your safety.

In the constantly evolving healthcare field, Wegovy has emerged as a groundbreaking solution that has caught the interest of both medical professionals and those seeking effective weight management. At The Ravenor Pharmacy, we’re proud to offer you the option to purchase Wegovy online at a more affordable price than Saxenda, with no need for a visit to your GP or pharmacy. Once your assessment is complete and the prescriber approves, we ensure your medication is delivered directly to your door within 24 hours.

Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is a medication in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) class. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it was FDA-approved in 2021 and later received approval from the MHRA in September 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection, offering a convenient and effective solution for weight loss.

Wegovy is licensed for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related health issues to help with weight reduction and long-term maintenance. For optimal results, Wegovy should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The long-term goal (after 1-2 years) is to discontinue Wegovy while maintaining weight loss through a strict low-calorie diet and regular physical exercise.

Do not take Wegovy if you:

• Are trying to conceive or are pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Are allergic to liraglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy
• Are taking other weight loss medications such as Saxenda or Orlistat
• Have severe heart failure
• Are over 75 years old
• Have kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis
• Have liver disease
• Have a severe stomach or gut problem such as delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis) or inflammatory bowel disease
• Are being treated with other products for weight management
• Have obesity due to endocrinological or eating disorders, or if your weight gain is a result of medicinal products that cause weight gain

Wegovy® is a once-weekly prescription weight-management medication, taken on the same day each week, with or without food. The medication comes in a prefilled pen, available in five strengths: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, and 2.4mg. Each box contains one Wegovy FlexTouch pen, four Novofine Plus needles, and a leaflet. The FlexTouch pen is a dial-a-dose device, with each pen containing four doses of your prescribed strength, to be used once a week for four weeks.

Dosing Schedule:

1. First Month: Start with 0.25mg once a week.
2. Second Month: Increase to 0.5mg weekly.
3. Third Month: Increase to 1mg weekly.
4. Fourth Month: Increase to 1.7mg weekly.
5. Fifth Month & Beyond: Maintain the 2.4mg dose weekly.

It is essential to increase the dose gradually over 16 weeks to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. If you experience significant gastrointestinal discomfort, consult your healthcare provider to delay the dose increase or reduce the dose until symptoms subside.

Storage:

• Keep the pen in the refrigerator at 2-8°C.
• After use, it can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to one month but should not be frozen.

Injection Sites:

Wegovy is administered via subcutaneous injection once a week. The preferred sites for injection are:

• Front of your waist (abdomen), at least 5 cm away from the belly button.
• Front of your thighs.
• Upper arm.

It’s important to rotate the injection site to avoid using the same spot each week. Avoid injecting into veins or muscles.

For a step-by-step guide, please refer to the Video: How to use Wegovy for a visual demonstration on administering the injection.

Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is a medication in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) class. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it was FDA-approved in 2021 and later received approval from the MHRA in September 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection, offering a convenient and effective solution for weight loss.

Wegovy is licensed for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related health issues to help with weight reduction and long-term maintenance. For optimal results, Wegovy should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The long-term goal (after 1-2 years) is to discontinue Wegovy while maintaining weight loss through a strict low-calorie diet and regular physical exercise.

Wegovy is a highly effective weight loss medication, with clinical trials showing patients experiencing an average weight loss of 14-15%. In a study conducted by Novo Nordisk, 611 patients were administered either semaglutide (Wegovy) or a placebo. This study involved a 16-week dose escalation period followed by 52 weeks of treatment, with all participants receiving behavioural therapy. The therapy included an eight-week low-calorie diet, followed by a 60-week reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioural counselling. The results showed that:

• 33.9% of semaglutide patients lost over 20% of their body weight.
• 53.5% of semaglutide patients lost more than 15% of their body weight.
• 73% of semaglutide patients lost more than 10% of their body weight.
• 84.8% of semaglutide patients lost more than 5% of their body weight.

Wegovy, like all medications, can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The following side effects have been reported:

Very Common (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, abdominal pain, and fatigue. These symptoms usually subside within a few days or weeks.
• While on Wegovy treatment, some individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. It is important to stay hydrated, especially if you have pre-existing kidney issues.

Common (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):

• Dizziness
• Upset stomach or indigestion
• Burping
• Gas (flatulence)
• Bloating of the stomach
• Inflamed stomach (gastritis), with symptoms like stomach ache, nausea, or vomiting
• Reflux or heartburn (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease)
• Gallstones
• Hair loss
• Injection site reactions
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in people with diabetes

This list is not exhaustive. Please refer to the patient information leaflet for a comprehensive list of side effects, cautions, and contraindications. Always ensure you fully understand the warnings and precautions before starting Wegovy. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor or The Ravenor Pharmacy clinician.

Serious Side Effects:

If you experience any of the following, stop using Wegovy immediately and contact your healthcare provider:

• Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Wegovy may increase the risk of pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis). Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, along with nausea and vomiting.
• Gallbladder Issues: Wegovy may cause gallstones, which can lead to abdominal pain (particularly on the upper right side) and discomfort after eating fatty foods.
• Hypoglycaemia (Low blood sugar): While not primarily used for diabetes treatment, Wegovy may lower blood sugar levels. People taking medications for diabetes may experience a higher risk of hypoglycaemia. Symptoms include cold sweat, dizziness, fast heartbeat, nausea, hunger, vision changes, fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, or confusion. If you take insulin or sulfonylureas, you may be more likely to experience low blood sugar.
• Kidney Problems: Wegovy may affect kidney function. Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney function during treatment.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Individuals with diabetic retinopathy who are taking insulin or semaglutide may experience a higher likelihood of complications related to the condition. Rapid improvements in glucose control have been linked to a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Patients should be closely monitored.
• Increased Heart Rate: Some people may experience an elevated heart rate.
• Allergic Reactions: Serious allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, or swelling, may occur.

The duration for which you should use Wegovy depends on individual factors and should be determined in consultation with The Ravenor Pharmacy clinician. Typically, Wegovy is prescribed according to your weight loss goals and medical history. Some individuals may use it for a set period to reach their desired weight, while others may continue for longer.

For optimal results, it is generally recommended to use Wegovy at a dose of 2.4mg once a week for at least 12 months. However, treatment duration can vary, and it is important to discuss with your clinician the best plan for your specific needs. Regular follow-ups ensure that the treatment remains appropriate for your weight loss journey.

Wegovy is not available over the counter. To purchase Wegovy online, you can do so through trusted services like The Ravenor Pharmacy. Since Wegovy is a prescription-only medication, you must first undergo an online consultation with a Ravenor Pharmacy clinician. Once your prescription is approved, our in-house pharmacy will dispense the medication and ship it to you in a temperature-controlled pouch with ice packs.

It’s important to remember that Wegovy should be used as part of a comprehensive weight management program, which includes a balanced diet and increased physical activity for optimal results.

Women of childbearing age are advised to use contraception while using Wegovy. If you are planning to conceive, it is recommended to discontinue Wegovy at least two months prior to trying to become pregnant due to its long half-life.

If you missed a dose of Wegovy, follow these guidelines:

• If it has been five days or less since your scheduled dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, continue your regular schedule and take the next dose on your scheduled day.
• If it has been more than five days since your scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
• Consider reducing the starting dose for reinitiation if you miss more than one dose.

The Ravenor Pharmacy is dedicated to offering competitive pricing on Wegovy and other healthcare services. We take pride in being one of the lowest-priced providers in the market. Alongside the medication, we provide a FREE weight management service to support our patients in achieving their healthy weight goals and setting SMART goals that are realistic and attainable. To maintain our affordability and service standards, we do not offer voucher codes for Wegovy purchases, ensuring that we can consistently provide the best value for our customers.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should avoid using Wegovy as the potential effects on your unborn child are not yet fully understood. It is recommended to use contraception while taking this medication to ensure both your safety and that of your child. If you are planning to conceive, discontinue the medication at least two months prior to trying for pregnancy. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you may be pregnant or have become pregnant while using this medication.

Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, it is unclear whether Wegovy passes into breast milk, so it is advisable to avoid using it during breastfeeding. Always consult with your healthcare provider for guidance in these situations.

At The Ravenor Pharmacy, we’re proud to offer the PenCycle scheme, a free initiative to recycle pre-filled pens provided by Novo Nordisk. By participating, you can help us give high-quality materials a second life, contributing to sustainability.

How does PenCycling work?

1. PenCycle Return Box: With every order, we send out a return box for your empty pens.
2. Remove the Needle: Carefully dispose of the needle in your usual way (do not place it in the return box).
3. Drop the Empty Pen: Place your empty pen into the return box.
4. Mail It Back: Once the return box is full, mail it back to Novo Nordisk – free of charge.

Important Reminder: Always ensure that your pen is empty before placing it in the box, and never send pens with needles still attached.

Each PenCycle return box can hold up to 12 pens.

For more details, visit PenCycle UK. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

To ensure the proper storage of your Wegovy pen:

• Before use: Keep the pen in the refrigerator at 2-8°C.
• After use: The pen can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to one month. Alternatively, you can return it to the refrigerator.
• Important: Do not freeze the pen.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13800.pdf

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/

https://www.thebos.org/

Wegovy and Rybelsus both contain the same active ingredient, Semaglutide, but they are licensed for different purposes. Wegovy is approved for weight management and is administered via subcutaneous injection. On the other hand, Rybelsus is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and is available in an oral tablet form. The Ravenor Pharmacy advises against using Rybelsus for weight loss, as doing so may reduce availability for individuals who rely on it for managing type 2 diabetes. It’s essential to use the right medication based on your specific health needs.

Wegovy and Ozempic both contain Semaglutide, but they are licensed for different uses. Wegovy is approved specifically for weight management, while Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes treatment. The Ravenor Pharmacy advises against using Ozempic for weight loss, as it may reduce availability for individuals who rely on it for managing their type 2 diabetes. It’s important to use the appropriate medication for each condition to ensure proper care and treatment.

Wegovy has been shown to provide significantly greater weight loss compared to Saxenda. A manufacturer study involving 338 patients revealed that those using Wegovy experienced an average weight loss of 15.8%, whereas Saxenda users achieved only 6.4% weight loss. In comparison, patients on a placebo had a 1.9% weight change, highlighting the superior effectiveness of Wegovy when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This evidence underscores Wegovy’s more potent impact on weight management.

If you’re switching from Saxenda to Wegovy, you can begin taking Wegovy 24 hours after your last Saxenda dose. Keep in mind that Wegovy is a once-weekly injection, so after your first Wegovy dose, you should wait seven days before administering the next one. While Saxenda has a short half-life of 24 hours and quickly clears from your system, Wegovy has a longer half-life of 7 days and stays active in your body for much longer.

To reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects, it’s recommended to start with the 0.25mg dose of Wegovy, even if you were previously taking a higher 3mg dose of Saxenda. This helps your body adjust gradually and minimizes discomfort.

There are several alternative medications and approaches to weight management if Wegovy (semaglutide) is not suitable for you or if you’re exploring other options. Here are some alternatives to consider:

1. Orlistat (Alli, Xenical): Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the digestive tract, reducing the calories your body absorbs from fat, which can help with weight loss.

2. Liraglutide (Saxenda): Like Wegovy, liraglutide is an injectable medication that aids weight loss by influencing appetite control and digestion.

3. Behavioural Therapy: Weight management often involves making lifestyle changes in diet and exercise. Behavioural therapy, either individually or in group settings, can offer strategies and support for making lasting changes.

4. Dietary Counseling: Collaborating with a registered dietitian or nutritionist can help you develop a personalized meal plan that suits your weight loss goals and dietary preferences.

5. Exercise Programs: Engaging in regular physical activity is key to weight management. Consider an exercise program or working with a personal trainer to establish an effective fitness routine.

6. Lifestyle Changes: Small but sustainable changes such as portion control, mindful eating, and ensuring adequate sleep can have a significant impact on weight loss.

7. Surgical Options: For those with severe obesity, surgical procedures like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or lap band surgery may be considered as a last resort.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy, and Wegovy is the brand name for the medication. Semaglutide is the generic name.

Both Ozempic and Rybelsus also contain Semaglutide as the active ingredient. However:

• Ozempic is licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is given as a weekly injection.
• Rybelsus is approved for type 2 diabetes as well but comes in an oral tablet form.

There is currently no generic alternative to Wegovy. The Ravenor Pharmacy advises against using Ozempic for weight loss, as it is specifically licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Using Ozempic for weight loss can limit its availability for those who need it for diabetes management.

Wegovy is available from the NHS only through specialist NHS services. The stock is limited and may only be available for some. Unfortunately, many areas have not yet commissioned these specialist NHS services, so accessing Wegovy under the NHS may not be possible. Additionally, you must meet strict criteria before the NHS can prescribe Wegovy. The criteria is that a patient’s BMI must be over 35 kg/m² or between 30-35 kg/m² and has weight-related health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Privately, you can purchase Wegovy with a BMI of more than 30 kg/m² or 27-30 kg/m² with weight-related health issues.

Wegovy, or semaglutide, has a relatively long half-life of approximately one week, meaning that it stays active in your system for an extended period. It takes about a week for your body to eliminate half of the dose.

Because of this long half-life, Wegovy can continue to have effects on your body for several weeks after you stop taking it. However, the exact duration can vary between individuals, depending on factors like metabolism and individual differences in how the body processes the medication. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and discuss any changes in treatment with your healthcare provider.

The Ravenor Pharmacy recommends using Wegovy alongside a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity, but not with other weight loss medications. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining treatments.