Wegovy®

SEMAGLUTIDE injection 2.4 mg, marketed under the brand name WEGOVY®, is a prescribed medication administered through injection. It’s intended for use alongside a diet low in calories and an increase in physical activity for:

• Lowering the chance of significant cardiovascular incidents such as death, heart attacks, or strokes in adults diagnosed with heart disease and who are obese or overweight.
• Assisting both adults and children aged 12 and above who are dealing with obesity, as well as certain adults who are overweight with related health issues, in losing and maintaining weight loss.

This product contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is advised not to be combined with any other products containing semaglutide or medicines that act on the GLP-1 receptor.

The safety and efficacy of this medication for children younger than 12 years old have not been established.

It’s crucial to be aware of significant potential risks associated with the medication branded as Wegovy®, which includes semaglutide. These risks include:

• The possibility of developing thyroid tumors, potentially cancerous. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about any new lumps, swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath, as these could indicate thyroid cancer. Research on rodents has shown that Wegovy® and similar medications can cause thyroid tumors, including cancer, although it’s unclear if this applies to humans.
• Avoid using this medication if you, or any family member, have had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• It’s also advised against using Wegovy® if you’ve had serious allergic reactions to semaglutide or any of its ingredients.

Before starting Wegovy®, discuss with your healthcare provider if you have or have had issues with your pancreas or kidneys, if you have type 2 diabetes with a history of diabetic retinopathy, or if you have experienced depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health concerns. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or plan to, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider since the medication may pose risks to an unborn child or pass into breast milk.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, as Wegovy® could interact with them, particularly other diabetes medications, which might require adjustments to your treatment.

Key side effects of Wegovy® can include severe, including pancreatitis, gallbladder issues such as gallstones, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, serious allergic reactions, changes in vision for those with type 2 diabetes, increased heart rate, and possible mood changes, including depression or suicidal thoughts.

Common side effects might encompass nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and others as listed in the comprehensive medication guide.