Wegovy 0.5 mg/0.5 mL pre-filled pen-injector

Wegovy 0.5 mg/0.5 mL pre-filled pen-injector

 Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription medication used for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection and works alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help with long-term weight loss.

The 0.5 mg/0.5 mL pre-filled pen-injector is used as the second dose in the Wegovy titration schedule, following the initial 0.25 mg dose. This gradual dose escalation helps minimize side effects such as nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort and allows the body to adjust to the medication.

How It Works:
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, mimics the effects of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. By activating the GLP-1 receptor, Wegovy helps the body increase insulin production in response to high blood sugar, suppresses the release of glucagon (a hormone that increases blood sugar), slows gastric emptying, and promotes feelings of fullness, which leads to reduced food intake.

Dosage and Administration:
Each pre-filled pen contains 0.5 mg of semaglutide in 0.5 mL of solution, delivered through a subcutaneous injection once a week. The injection can be administered in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and patients should rotate injection sites to avoid irritation. The dose of 0.5 mg is typically used after 4 weeks of treatment with the 0.25 mg dose, with the goal of gradually increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg.

Storage Instructions:
Wegovy should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) before first use. After the first use, the pen can be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for up to 28 days. Do not freeze the pen, and avoid exposing it to direct heat or sunlight.

Important Safety Information:
Wegovy is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis and should not be used in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. Serious but rare side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and kidney problems. Regular monitoring is important to identify any potential complications.

Clinical Use:
The 0.5 mg dose is part of the titration schedule aimed at gradually increasing the dose to minimize side effects. The goal is typically to reach the 2.4 mg maintenance dose, which has shown the most significant benefits for sustained weight loss in clinical studies.