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Wegovy (Semaglutide) Information Sheet
Wegovy (Semaglutide) Information Sheet
Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication approved for chronic weight management in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. It is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that helps reduce appetite and calorie intake, making it an effective treatment for obesity. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy is available in several dosages for stepwise initiation and maintenance:
- Dosages: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg.
Indications for Wegovy
Wegovy is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in:
1. Adults: With a BMI of:
- 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity), or
- 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia).
2. Pediatric Patients (12 years and older): With a BMI at the 95th percentile or greater for age and sex.
Limitations of Use:
- Not for use with other semaglutide-containing products or GLP-1 receptor agonists.
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for patients with a history of pancreatitis.
Wegovy is intended to help patients achieve and sustain meaningful weight loss while addressing obesity-related health risks. Wegovy is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone.
Dosage and Administration of Wegovy
Wegovy follows a stepwise dosing schedule to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Dosing Schedule for Adults and Pediatrics (12 years and older):
- Start with 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
- Gradually increase every 4 weeks to reach the 2.4 mg maintenance dose.
Administration Instructions:
- Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to reduce irritation.
- Administer on the same day each week, at any time, with or without food.
- Inspect the solution to ensure it is clear and colorless before use.
Missed Dose:
- If a dose is missed, administer within 5 days. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the dose and continue the regular schedule.
Differences Between Wegovy in Canada and the US
1. Pricing:
- US: Wegovy pens are more expensive, with prices often exceeding $1,300 per month.
- Canada: Wegovy is significantly cheaper, often priced under $900 per month.
2. Pen Design:
- US: Single-use pens, with one pen required per weekly dose.
- Canada: Multi-use pens provide four doses per pen, offering convenience and reducing waste.
Mechanism of Action for Wegovy
Wegovy mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite and food intake by:
1. Reducing Hunger: Activates brain regions controlling appetite, leading to reduced calorie consumption.
2. Delaying Gastric Emptying: Slows food movement from the stomach, promoting a feeling of fullness.
3. Improving Insulin Sensitivity: Enhances the body’s response to insulin, aiding in blood sugar control.
Warnings and Precautions
1. Thyroid C-cell Tumors: Animal studies show a potential risk. Patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2 should avoid Wegovy.
2. Pancreatitis: Monitor for severe abdominal pain, as Wegovy may increase the risk of pancreatitis.
3. Gallbladder Disease: Substantial weight loss can raise the risk of gallstones. Monitor for gallbladder-related symptoms.
4. Hypoglycemia: Risk increases when used with insulin or sulfonylureas. Adjust dosages of concurrent medications as needed.
5. Pregnancy: Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy or for women planning to become pregnant.
Adverse Reactions
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
- Fatigue, headache, and dizziness.
Serious Side Effects:
- Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and severe hypoglycemia.
Wegovy Comparison to Ozempic
While both Wegovy and Ozempic share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, their uses and dosing are tailored to meet different treatment goals, and they differ in some key aspects:
1. Primary Purpose:
- Wegovy: Specifically approved for chronic weight management, Wegovy is prescribed to patients with obesity or overweight conditions accompanied by weight-related health issues, such as hypertension or Type 2 diabetes. It is designed to promote significant weight loss and sustain long-term weight management.
- Ozempic: Primarily indicated for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with existing heart disease. Weight loss with Ozempic is considered a secondary benefit rather than its primary purpose.
2. Dosage Differences:
- Wegovy: Offers higher doses of semaglutide, up to 2.4 mg weekly, to achieve optimal weight loss. This allows patients to gradually build tolerance and reach a dosage specifically tailored to obesity treatment.
- Ozempic: Capped at 2 mg weekly, Ozempic’s dosing is focused on achieving glycemic control rather than weight reduction. The lower doses are sufficient for managing blood sugar levels without the need for higher semaglutide concentrations.
3. Patient Population:
- Wegovy: Recommended for adults and adolescents (12 years and older) with a BMI qualifying for obesity treatment, whether or not they have diabetes. It is often prescribed alongside a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity to maximize its effectiveness.
- Ozempic: Primarily targeted at adults with Type 2 diabetes. It is not typically prescribed to individuals without diabetes unless used off-label.
4. Insurance and Accessibility:
- Wegovy: As a weight management medication, Wegovy is less likely to be covered by insurance plans, particularly in the U.S., unless obesity-related health conditions are documented.
- Ozempic: Often covered by insurance for diabetes treatment, making it more accessible for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
5. Weight Loss Expectations:
- Wegovy: Clinical studies have shown an average weight loss of around 15% of body weight, with some patients achieving losses greater than 20%.
- Ozempic: Patients on Ozempic may experience weight loss, but it is typically more modest, averaging about 6-8% of body weight.
6. Pen Design and Usability:
- Wegovy: In Canada, Wegovy is available as multi-use pens that provide four doses per pen, offering convenience and reduced waste compared to the U.S., where it is available as single-use pens.
- Ozempic: Available as multi-dose pens in both the U.S. and Canada, with each pen containing multiple doses depending on the prescribed weekly amount.
These distinctions make Wegovy the preferred option for patients whose primary goal is weight loss, while Ozempic remains the first choice for individuals managing Type 2 diabetes and seeking improved glycemic control. Both medications demonstrate the versatility of semaglutide in addressing varying health needs.
How To Order Ozempic From Canada
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Securely upload your prescription, email it to support@overthebordermeds.com, or have your prescriber fax it to 1-833-209-3704.
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Experience the convenience of purchasing Wegovy directly from our Canadian online pharmacy. By shopping with us, you’ll enjoy significant savings, on the same brand-manufactured medication.
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Our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, we are just a call or email away.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Wegovy help with weight loss in children?
Yes, Wegovy is approved for pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity, demonstrating significant weight loss benefits.
2. How much weight can I lose on Wegovy?
In clinical trials, adults lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, with some losing over 20%.
3. Is Wegovy covered by insurance?
In the US, Wegovy may be covered by select insurance plans with prior authorization. In Canada, lower prices make it more accessible for uninsured patients.
4. How long does a Wegovy pen last?
In Canada, multi-use pens provide four doses per pen. In the US, each pen delivers only one dose.
5. Can I switch from Ozempic to Wegovy?
Yes, but consult your healthcare provider, as Wegovy is used at higher doses for weight management.
6. Are Wegovy pens reusable?
No, Wegovy pens are designed for single or multi-use dosing, depending on the country.
7. Can I drink alcohol while using Wegovy?
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe, but excessive drinking may interfere with weight loss and glycemic control.
8. How do I store Wegovy?
Keep Wegovy refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C. Opened pens can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days.
References
For additional information, refer to the official Prescribing Information for Wegovy by Novo Nordisk.