Wegovy is a popular medication for weight loss and heart health. Understanding Wegovy dose recommendations ensures safe and effective use.
This article explains the dosing schedule, administration tips, and key safety details in clear language. You’ll learn how to start, adjust, and maintain treatment.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription drug with the active ingredient semaglutide. It’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a weekly injection.
It helps reduce appetite and supports weight loss. It’s also approved to lower heart risks in certain adults.
The drug comes in pre-filled, single-dose pens. It’s made by Novo Nordisk, a leading pharmaceutical company. Wegovy is used with diet and exercise for best results. It’s approved for adults and children aged 12 and older.
Approved Uses
Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. It’s for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It’s also approved for teens with obesity (BMI above the 95th percentile).
It reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events, like heart attack or stroke, in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight. Off-label use for other conditions requires medical supervision. Always consult your doctor before starting.
How Wegovy Works
Wegovy mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and blood sugar. It slows digestion, helping you feel full longer. It also reduces hunger signals in the brain. This leads to lower food intake and weight loss.
The drug is injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Its weekly dosing is convenient compared to daily medications. Wegovy dose recommendations focus on gradual increases to enhance tolerability.
Wegovy Dose Recommendations
Wegovy dose recommendations follow a gradual escalation schedule. The starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks. This low dose helps your body adjust. It reduces the risk of side effects like nausea.
After four weeks, the dose increases to 0.5 mg weekly. Every four weeks, it rises to 1 mg, then 1.7 mg, and finally 2.4 mg. The maintenance dose is 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg weekly, based on your response.
Here’s the typical dosing schedule:
- Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg weekly
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg weekly
- Weeks 9–12: 1 mg weekly
- Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg weekly
- Week 17 onward: 2.4 mg weekly (or 1.7 mg if needed)
Dosage Strengths and Pens
Wegovy comes in five dose strengths, each in a color-coded pen. Each pen contains four weekly doses. The strengths match the escalation schedule for ease of use.
| Dose Strength | Pen Color | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mg | Gray | Starting dose |
| 0.5 mg | Red | Escalation dose |
| 1 mg | Blue | Escalation dose |
| 1.7 mg | Green | Maintenance dose |
| 2.4 mg | Black | Maintenance dose |
Each pen is for single-patient use. Never share pens to avoid infections. Dispose of used pens in a sharps container.
How to Administer Wegovy
Inject Wegovy under the skin, not into a muscle or vein. Choose the abdomen (2 inches from the belly button), thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites each week to prevent irritation. Use a new pen for each dose.
Press the pen firmly until the yellow bar stops moving. Hold for two clicks to ensure the full dose is delivered. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor for a demonstration if needed.
Adjusting the Dose
Wegovy dose recommendations allow flexibility for side effects. If you don’t tolerate a dose, your doctor may delay escalation for four weeks. If the 2.4 mg dose causes issues, they may lower it to 1.7 mg.
If you can’t tolerate 1.7 mg, your doctor may stop treatment. Never change your dose without medical advice. Regular check-ups ensure the dose is right for you.
Missed Dose Instructions
If you miss a dose and the next is more than 48 hours away, take it as soon as possible. If it’s less than 48 hours away, skip the missed dose. Resume your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once.
If you miss doses for two weeks or more, contact your doctor. They may restart you at 0.25 mg to avoid side effects. Use reminders, like apps or alarms, to stay on track.
Storage Guidelines
Store unopened Wegovy pens in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F. Keep them in their original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze the medication. After first use, pens can stay at room temperature (46°F to 86°F) for 28 days.
Check pens for clarity and color before use. Discard if cloudy or discolored. Proper storage ensures the drug remains effective.
Common Side Effects
Wegovy can cause mild side effects, especially during dose escalation. Common ones include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. These often improve as your body adjusts. Starting at 0.25 mg helps reduce these effects.
Eating smaller meals and staying hydrated can help. Injection site reactions, like redness, are also common. Report persistent symptoms to your doctor.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare but possible. Wegovy has a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors, seen in animal studies. It’s unknown if this applies to humans. Pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and low blood sugar are other risks.
Kidney problems may occur due to dehydration from nausea or vomiting. Stop Wegovy and call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain. Those with thyroid cancer history should avoid it.
Who Should Not Use Wegovy?
Wegovy is contraindicated for those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer. It’s not for patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it.
Children under 12 and those with type 1 diabetes shouldn’t use Wegovy. Severe gastroparesis is another contraindication. Discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Wegovy increases the risk of low blood sugar with insulin or sulfonylureas. It slows digestion, affecting oral medications like birth control. Tell your doctor about all drugs and supplements you take.
Your doctor may adjust doses or suggest alternative medications. Regular monitoring prevents complications. This ensures Wegovy is safe and effective.
Clinical Trial Results
The STEP trials showed Wegovy’s effectiveness for weight loss. Patients on 2.4 mg lost 15–20% of body weight over 68 weeks. The SELECT trial confirmed a 20% reduction in cardiovascular events.
Lower doses, like 1.7 mg, also showed benefits but less weight loss. Consistent dosing is key for results. These trials support Wegovy dose recommendations.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Wegovy works best with a low-calorie diet. Focus on whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Regular exercise, like walking or strength training, boosts weight loss.
For heart health, maintain consistent lifestyle changes. Work with a dietitian for personalized plans. Wegovy supports these efforts but isn’t a standalone solution.
Cost and Accessibility
Wegovy costs about $1,400 monthly without insurance. Novo Nordisk offers savings cards, lowering costs for eligible patients. Insurance coverage varies by plan.
Availability may be limited due to high demand. Check with your pharmacy for stock. Ask your doctor about assistance programs if needed.
Summary
Wegovy dose recommendations start at 0.25 mg weekly, increasing every four weeks to a maintenance dose of 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg. This gradual escalation reduces side effects like nausea. Approved for weight loss and heart risk reduction, Wegovy requires diet, exercise, and medical supervision. Proper dosing, storage, and monitoring ensure safe and effective use.
FAQ
What are Wegovy dose recommendations for starting treatment?
Start with 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks. Increase every four weeks to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and then 2.4 mg. Follow your doctor’s guidance for adjustments.
What happens if I miss a Wegovy dose?
If the next dose is more than 48 hours away, take the missed dose. If less than 48 hours, skip it and resume your schedule. Never take two doses at once.
What are common side effects of Wegovy?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. These often improve over time. Starting at a low dose helps reduce these effects.
Who should avoid Wegovy?
Avoid Wegovy if you have medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2. It’s not for pregnant women or children under 12. Discuss your health history with your doctor.
How should Wegovy pens be stored?
Store unopened pens at 36°F to 46°F in a refrigerator. After first use, keep at room temperature for up to 28 days. Do not freeze or expose to light.