Victoza

You may have seen the press coverage about this medication since 2021. Wegovy has shown promising weight loss results in clinical trials, with 75% of participants losing over 10% of their body weight. Recently licensed for weight loss, Semaglutide can currently be prescribed for weight loss in the UK by a qualified pharmacist as a weekly injection called Wegovy.

The medication mimics a natural hormone already found in your body (GLP-1). It works in three key ways to reduce your appetite. It blocks a key hunger hormone telling your brain that you are hungry, whilst also helping to reduce leptin resistance (a hormone which can help off-set weight gain by increasing satiety aka fullness, and speed up your metabolism to help regulate the levels of fatty tissue in your body). This also helps stop the weight from coming straight back on when you stop the jab.It slows down the gastric emptying process, meaning that your body takes longer to process food and it is fuller for longer. This means your body does not need as much intake as normal as it works off the food it has.The medication helps to speed up your metabolism and increase fat burning by reducing glucagon & reducing insulin resistance. This promotes normal blood glucose levels, the liver metabolism of glucose and helps adipose tissue burn fat in a safe and controlled method without causing a sugar-crash. This avoids the urges for quick-fix sugary foods.

Just like Ozempic and Saxenda, you inject Wegovy under the skin (subcutaneously) in your stomach area, thigh or upper arm.This is done once a week using a pre-filled injection pen. Don’t worry, it’s actually much easier than it sounds and if we prescribe Wegovy for you, we’ll provide you with full instructions on how to use it. You must follow a dosage schedule as advised by your healthcare provider.​​The pen comes in a self-injectable pre-filled syringe, with a built-in glass vial containing the medication.

The starting dose is is 0.25mg per week for 4 weeks. Official titration guidelines from the manufacturer then recommend increasing your dose every 4 weeks, however we will only titrate you up the doses if it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so.We’ll always start you on the lowest dose and slowly build up to help your body adjust, a process known as titration. Below is what your treatment plan could look like:Weeks 1-4: 0.25mg weeklyWeeks 5-8: 0.5mg weeklyWeeks 9-12: 1mg weeklyWeeks 13-16: 1.7mg weeklyWeek 17-20: 2.4mg weeklyWeek 20+: 7.2mg weekly (maximum dose)

If you have previously used Wegovy within the past 3 months and wish to order a higher dose than the starting dose of 0.25mg, we will require proof of previous usage uploaded via our Health Form or sent to us via email.If you are using another medication, such as Mounjaro, please contact us and we can advise you on an individual basis before any decisions are made.

The medication can be used for those with a BMI over 25. We take into account a range of factors such as:​BMIMedical HistoryCurrent MedicationBody measurementsEating habitsPast dietsCurrent exercise levelsYou shouldn’t use Wegovy if you’re pregnant or breast feeding, and you should stop taking Wegovy at least one month before trying to get pregnant.​Wegovy is not suitable in some medical circumstances, for example if you use some other diabetes medicines, have severe problems with digesting food, or have a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer. If you’re allergic to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in this weight loss injection treatment, you must not use Wegovy.​It’s essential that you give us a full medical history and details of any conditions or other medicines you’re taking when you fill out our online questionnaire. This ensures we’re able to prescribe weight loss treatment that’s suitable and safe for you.

Like any new medication introduced to your body, your body will have to adjust to it. Some people get mild side effects, such as headaches, nausea, dry mouth or tiredness. These side effects are generally mild and are transient - which means they will go after a few days once your body has adjusted.​We will send you aftercare information on how to deal with any potential side effects, along with the Patient Information Leaflet which goes into greater detail.​​Everyone is different. You may not experience any side effects, you may experience one side effect or several side effects. Common Side Effects:​NauseaHeadachesDry MouthConstipationLoose StoolTirednessStomach Cramps​Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any support on dealing with side effects. We are more than happy to advise you.​Adverse Effects:​Adverse effects are rare but they are something you should be aware of.​Adverse effects may include:​Palpitations / Fast Heart RatePancreatitis​If you experience or feel that you may be experiencing these adverse effects, please stop using the medication & contact 111. When you are safe to do so, please contact us.Anaphylaxis:​There have been no documented cases of an anaphylactic reaction to Liraglutide, Dulaglutide or Semaglutide but as this is a new medication being introduced to your body, we want to make you aware of the possible signs of anaphylaxis.​If you experience swelling of the lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, a severe rash or severe itching, discontinue use immediately and call 999.

Common side effects should be mild and are likely to lessen or even disappear after your body gets used to the treatment. We understand that it’s still tough to live with these discomforts though and so we’ve put together some tips for managing these where possible:Make sure to inject yourself with the treatment at the same time and day each week so your body has a regular interval between each doseStay hydrated, sipping water and other clear liquids if you’re experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. It may also help to eat smaller meals more regularly and avoid anything that smells or tastes too strongIf you’re struggling with constipation, increase your fibre intake, stay well hydrated and try eating small fruits such as prunes, figs or grapes. Make sure you’re also getting regular activity, such as going on short walksTo ease a headache, spend time in a quiet space to relax, take a simple pain relief medicine like paracetamol, drink plenty of water, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation and DIY scalp massage For more information on managing side effects and what to do if you experience more severe side effects, see our dedicated aftercare page for our customers.

During the current initial clinical trials by the manufacturer, the average weight loss has been calculated as between 10lbs and 18lbs. Everyone is different, so your weight loss may be more or less. Try not to compare yourself to others losing weight - focus on yourself, your goals and your progress. - your safety is paramount.

Wegovy is not suitable for everyone.You should not take Wegovy if:you're allergic to semaglutide or any of the other listed ingredientsyou've previously had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovyyou or a close family member has ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid canceryou have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)Please tell us before starting treatment if you:have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneyshave type 2 diabetes with a history of diabetic retinopathyare due to have surgery or a procedure involving anaesthesiaare pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Wegovy may harm your unborn baby, so you should stop taking it at least two months before trying to conceiveare breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Breastfeeding isn't recommended while taking WegovyTell us about all medications you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter treatments, vitamins and supplements. Wegovy can affect how some medicines work, and some medicines can affect how Wegovy works.This is especially important if you take diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, as using Wegovy alongside these treatments increases your risk of hypoglycaemia.