Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication used for:
## Indications
1. Chronic weight management: In adults with obesity or overweight, in combination with diet and exercise.
2. Type 2 diabetes treatment: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.
## How Wegovy Works
Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which helps to:
1. Regulate appetite: Reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness.
2. Improve insulin sensitivity: Enhance the body's response to insulin.
3. Slow gastric emptying: Delay the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
## Benefits of Wegovy
1. Significant weight loss: Clinical trials have shown an average weight loss of 15-20% of initial body weight.
2. Improved glycemic control: Wegovy has been shown to reduce HbA1c levels and improve blood sugar control.
3. Cardiovascular benefits: Wegovy may reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.
## Administration and Dosage
Wegovy is administered via injection once weekly. The recommended dose is:
1. Starting dose: 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
2. Maintenance dose: 1.7 mg once weekly.
## Common Side Effects
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Abdominal pain
5. Injection site reactions
## Important Considerations
1. Prescription only: Wegovy should only be used under medical supervision.
2. Monitoring required: Regular monitoring of blood sugar, HbA1c, and weight is necessary.
3. Potential interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, including insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents.
## User Guide
1. Take as directed: Follow your doctor's instructions for dosage and administration.
2. Inject subcutaneously: Administer the injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
3. Store safely: Keep Wegovy out of reach of children and pets.
## Contraindications
Wegovy is not recommended for individuals with:
1. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
2. Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
3. Severe gastrointestinal disease.
4. Pancreatitis.
