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Overview: Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist. It is used for weight loss in people with obesity or who are overweight and have certain other health conditions, to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in people with either obesity or overweight, and to treat a liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, bloating, and upset stomach are among the most common side effects. Wegovy is available as a weekly injection and a daily oral tablet.

Uses

What is Wegovy used for?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is commonly used for the following conditions.

Learn more about the dual benefits of Wegovy for weight management and heart health.

Navigating MASH: What to Know About Wegovy for Fatty Liver Disease

Wegovy may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Wegovy work (mechanism of action)?

Wegovy works for weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing down the movement of food through your body. Weight loss from Wegovy can lead to improved cardiovascular risk factors, such as decreased blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and better control of blood sugar. In people with MASH, fat builds up in the liver causing inflammation. Weight loss helps reduce fat in the liver, potentially reducing inflammation and scarring. 

How is Wegovy supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Wegovy
  • Wegovy HD

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg oral tablets
  • 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg, and 7.2 mg solution for injection (prefilled pens)

How should I store Wegovy?

Injection Liquid. Wegovy injection pens should be stored in their original carton in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Unopened Wegovy can be stored in the refrigerator until the expiration date. If needed, as long as the cap has not been removed, Wegovy can be stored at higher temperatures, between 46 F and 86 F (8 C and 30 C), for up to 28 days. Store in a place that is not exposed to direct light and heat. Do not freeze.

Oral Tablet. Wegovy tablets should be stored in their original container at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?

The most common side effects of Wegovy are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Stomach pain, upset stomach or indigestion, acid reflux
  • Abnormal skin sensations, such as tingling, prickling, or burning
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Swelling of your stomach area
  • Low blood sugar (see below)
  • Gas or burping
  • Stomach flu
  • Hair loss

There may be other side effects of Wegovy that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Wegovy?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Wegovy are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Wegovy may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Wegovy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Thyroid Tumors. Wegovy may cause thyroid tumors. Some of these tumors could be cancerous. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a thyroid tumor.

  • Swelling or a lump in your neck
  • Hoarseness
  • Trouble swallowing or breathing

Pancreatitis. Wegovy may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop using Wegovy and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Gallbladder Problems. Using Wegovy can cause gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Fever
  • Pain in your upper stomach area
  • Stool (poop) that is clay-colored

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Wegovy can cause low blood sugar, especially when used with insulin or other medicines that increase your insulin levels. Hypoglycemia can be serious and may lead to death if left untreated. Your health care provider may need to adjust your dose of insulin or other diabetes medicines to lower your risk of low blood sugar. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.

  • Headache
  • Crankiness or anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Blurry vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Feeling jittery or shakiness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Seizures

Dehydration. Wegovy may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting which may lead to dehydration. Dehydration may cause kidney damage. If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink plenty of water, so that you do not get dehydrated. Call your health care provider right away if you have severe vomiting or diarrhea that will not go away or any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Peeing less than normal
  • Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet
  • Loss of appetite or nausea
  • A hard time catching your breath or chest pain or pressure
  • Seizures
  • Extreme thirst

Vision Changes (Diabetic Retinopathy). If you have diabetic retinopathy, your vision changes may get worse with Wegovy. Call your health care provider if you notice any of the following vision changes (new or getting worse).

  • Loss of central vision, which is used to read or drive
  • Not being able to see colors
  • Blurry vision
  • Holes or black spots in your vision
  • Floaters, or small spots in your vision caused by bleeding

Fast Heart Rate (Tachycardia). Wegovy may cause your heart rate to increase. Call your health care provider right away if you feel like your heart is pounding or racing when you are not exerting yourself.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Wegovy?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Wegovy.

  • Semaglutide
  • Wegovy
  • Rybelsus
  • Ozempic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Wegovy.

Thyroid Cancer or Endocrine Condition. Wegovy should not be used if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Talk to your health care provider about your current and past health conditions and your family medical history.

What should I know about Wegovy before using it?

Do not use Wegovy unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Wegovy with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Wegovy out of the reach of children. Since the injectable form of this medicine can be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

People who are 75 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Wegovy. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Read and follow the instructions for the Wegovy product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. Ask your health care provider if you have questions about how to use Wegovy.

Use Wegovy injection on the same day each week, at any time of day. Avoid using the same injection site each time you use Wegovy by rotating where you inject it.

Swallow Wegovy tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, chew, or dissolve the tablets. The Wegovy tablet should be taken when you first wake up, on an empty stomach, with no more than 4 ounces of plain water. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Wegovy?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Wegovy is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Slowed Stomach Emptying. Tell your health care provider if you have a condition called gastroparesis. Symptoms may include heartburn, nausea, and feeling bloated or full quickly after eating.

Vision Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetic retinopathy or have had diabetes-related vision problems. Your health care provider may check your vision while using Wegovy.

Kidney Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have kidney problems, including long-term kidney failure, as this may worsen while using Wegovy. 

Upcoming Surgery or Procedure. Tell your health care provider that you use Wegovy before any planned surgeries or procedures that require anesthesia or deep sedation. Wegovy causes your stomach to empty more slowly which can increase the risk of food getting into your lungs (aspiration) during surgery or procedures.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Wegovy may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Wegovy, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Wegovy could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. They may suggest that you stop using Wegovy at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant. You can register for the Wegovy Pregnancy Registry by calling 877-390-2760 or at www.wegovypregnancyregistry.com. This registry collects information about the use of Wegovy during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if semaglutide (the active medicine in Wegovy) passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Wegovy tablets because the tablets contain an ingredient called SNAC that passes into breast milk and may cause serious side effects in a breastfed baby. Wegovy injections do not contain SNAC. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

How can I get more information about Wegovy?

For more information about Wegovy, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.wegovy.com or call them at 888-809-3942.

Interactions

Does Wegovy interact with foods or drinks?

Take Wegovy tablets on an empty stomach in the morning with up to four ounces of plain water. Do not take with drinks other than water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking your dose to eat, drink, or take other medicines by mouth.

Wegovy injection may be given with or without food.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Wegovy. The risk of dizziness, nausea, or other side effects may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Wegovy.

Does Wegovy interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using insulin or taking another type of medicine for diabetes called a sulfonylurea (glimepiride, glyburide, glipizide). These medicines may increase your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Wegovy works by slowing down the movement of food through your body. Because of this, Wegovy may affect the absorption of some other medicines that you take by mouth. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Wegovy. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Wegovy?

If you or someone else has used too much Wegovy, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?

Wegovy Injection. If you miss one dose of Wegovy injection and your next dose is more than 2 days away (48 hours), use Wegovy as soon as possible. If you miss one dose of Wegovy injection and your next dose is less than 2 days away (less than 48 hours), skip the missed dose. Then use Wegovy at the next scheduled weekly dose. If you miss more than one dose of Wegovy injection in a row you can follow your normal dosing schedule or restart Wegovy at the lowest dose and increase the dose every month until you get back to your normal dose to help reduce the risk of side effects.

Wegovy Tablet. If you miss a dose of Wegovy tablets, skip the missed dose and  take your next dose the following morning. Do not take double or extra doses.