WEGOVY
THE NEW LICENSED, MHRA APPROVED, WEEKLY WEIGHT LOSS INJECTION.
INTRODUCTORY OFFER - £50 OFF YOUR FIRST PEN WITH CODE: FIRST50
WeGovy has replaced Saxenda, which is currently being phased out and discontinued. No more daily injections, WeGovy is a weekly injection.
WEGOVY
Welcome to the world of WeGovy, a revolutionary medication designed to help you manage your weight and embark on a healthier lifestyle. Approved by health authorities and trusted by healthcare professionals, WeGovy is more than just a medication - it's a step towards a healthier you.
WeGovy has been clinically proven to aid in significant weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Studies show that patients experienced a noticeable reduction in body weight, which is a key factor in improving overall health and reducing the risks associated with obesity-related conditions.
In a 68 week clinical study of 1'961 adults:
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83% of adults taking WeGovy lost 5% or more of their bodyweight, compared to only 31% taking a placebo
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66% of adults taking WeGovy, lost 10% or more of their bodyweight, compared to only 12% taking a placebo
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48% of adults taking WeGovy, lost 15% or more of their bodyweight, compared to only 5% taking a placebo
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30% of adults taking WeGovy, lost 20% or more of their bodyweight, compared to only 2% of people taking a placebo
COST:
0.25MG PEN- £190
0.5MG PEN- £190
1.0MG PEN- £190
1.7MG PEN- £240
2.4MG PEN- £240
WHAT IS WEGOVY?
WeGovy is a prescribed, licensed, injectable medication that forms part of a weight management programme. It is suitable for adults over the age of 18 with obesity, and either a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 and above with no associated medical problems, or in adults with at least one weight-related condition (such as sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure), and a BMI of at least 27.
WeGovy works alongside lifestyle changes, which may include dietary changes, increased physical activity, and / or surgery.
WeGovy is NOT suitable for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or actively trying to conceive. There are people who are not suitable for treatment. Please see our FAQ's below for full information.
WEGOVY DOSING SCHEDULE
DESIGNED FOR EASE
WeGovy comes in 5 different strengths. The starting does is 0.25mg, once a week, for a month. Each dose comes in its own colour pen; each pen contains 4 doses, and lasts for 4 weeks before you then need to switch pens.You gradually increase your dose / pen every four weeks, until you remain on the maintenance dose of either 1.7mg, or 2.4mg. Wegovy is approved for long-term use, and can be taken for as long as it remains beneficial - for weight loss, weight maintenance, and isn't causing intolerable side effects
HOW DOES WEGOVY COMPARE TO OTHER WEIGHT LOSS INJECTABLES?
WEGOVY VERSUS SAXENDA
Wegovy and Saxenda are both weight management medications that function similarly by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, yet they are formulated with distinct active ingredients.
Wegovy contains semaglutide, while Saxenda includes liraglutide.
A key difference lies in their administration schedules: Wegovy offers the convenience of a weekly injection, compared to Saxenda's daily regimen, making Wegovy a more user-friendly option for many.
In terms of efficacy, Wegovy has shown a notable edge over Saxenda. A 2022 clinical trial revealed that individuals using Wegovy experienced significantly greater weight loss compared to those on Saxenda, with both groups adhering to a regime of diet and exercise.
Overall, while both medications provide effective pathways to weight management, Wegovy's once-weekly injection and superior efficacy in recent trials make it an increasingly preferred choice for those seeking an effective weight loss solution.
It is also important to note that Saxenda is no longer readily available, and has been discontinued in many pharmacies. We no longer offer Saxenda.
COST: £190 (£50 off with code FIRST50)
COST: £190
COST: £190
WEGOVY VERSUS OZEMPIC
WeGovy is specifically licensed for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition. Its design and dosage are optimised for this purpose.
Ozempic, on the other hand, whilst it is a seraglutide, is primarily used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. While it has shown weight loss as a side effect, this isn't its primary indication, and the extent of weight loss with Ozempic is typically less than what's observed with WeGovy, given Ozempic's primary focus on blood sugar control.
Current NHS and NICE guidance is clear: Ozempic should only be prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, to protect supply for diabetes patients. It should not be prescribed off-label for weight loss whilst WeGovy is available.
Ozempic is NOT licensed for weight loss.
COST: £240
COST: £240
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WEGOVY FAQ'S
WHAT IS WEGOVY?
WeGovy is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for managing obesity.
HOW DOES WEGOVY WORK?
WeGovy contains semaglutide. Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas in the brain which regulate appetite and food intake. This leads to reduced hunger and calorie intake, aiding in weight loss.
IS WEGOVY LICENSED FOR WEIGHT LOSS?
Yes. Unlike Ozempic which is not licensed for weight loss, WeGovy is designed and developed specifically as a weight loss injectable.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE WEGOVY?
WeGovy has demonstrated superior effects in clinical studies and clinical trials, and has demonstrated the highest level of weight loss in patients compared to other weight loss injectables or placebo.
WeGovy is convenient, requiring only a once weekly injection.
AM I SUITABLE FOR WEGOVY TREATMENT?
You may be suitable for treatment with WeGovy if:
- You have a BMI of over 30
- You have a BMI of over 27, with at least one associated co-morbidity, such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc
- You are willing to undergo associated lifestyle changes, such as sticking to a healthy / calorific reduced diet, and increased physical activity
CAN I GET WEGOVY FREE ON THE NHS?
You may be able to get WeGovy on the NHS, however, their threshold for treatment is higher due to their commercial contract with the manufacturer. From our understanding, to qualify for WeGovy on the NHS, you must:
- Have a BMI of at least 35 and also have at least one related medical condition
- Have a BMI of at least 30, also have at least one related medical condition, and also meet their criteria for referral to specialist weight management services
WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR WEGOVY TREATMENT?
You are not suitable for WeGovy treatment if:
- You are pregnant
- You are breastfeeding
- You are actively trying for a baby
- You are of childbearing age but are not using adequate contraception
- You are under the age of 18
- You have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide, or any of the ingredients in Wegovy in the past
- You have ever had pancreatitis, that was directly caused or related to weight loss injectables
- You, or any member of your family, have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- You have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
HOW LONG DOES WEGOVY TAKE TO START WORKING?
Wegovy starts to work straight away, and you ought to start feeling fuller after a few weeks. However, everyone responds to medicines in different ways, so there is not a set time for when you can expect to start to seeing results. It may take several weeks before the full appetite suppressant effects are noted. If you do not see any results within 6 weeks of taking Wegovy, your medical practitioner may want to try an alternative treatment.
Clinical trials indicate that when used alongside physical activity, diet, and behavioural support, Wegovy patient's can achieve up to a 15% reduction in their body weight after one year.
VERY COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people. These usually go away over time.
- headache
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick (nausea)
- feeling weak or tired.
- being sick (vomiting)
- stomach pain
- constipation
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
- feeling dizzy
- burping
- upset stomach or indigestion
- bloating of the stomach
- gas (flatulence)
- inflamed stomach (‘gastritis’) – the signs include stomach ache, feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- reflux or heartburn – also called ‘gastro-oesophageal reflux disease’
- hair loss
- injection site reactions
- gallstones
- low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with diabetes.
The warning signs of low blood sugar may come on suddenly. They can include: cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, feeling sick (nausea) or very hungry, changes in vision, feeling sleepy or weak, feeling nervous, anxious or confused, difficulty concentrating or shaking.
Low blood sugar is more likely to happen if you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin. Your doctor may reduce your dose of these medicines before you start using this medicine.
COMMON AND SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS:
Complications of diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy). If you have diabetes you should inform your doctor if you experience eye problems, such as changes in vision, during treatment with this medicine.
Low Blood Sugar Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: For those with type 2 diabetes, especially those on diabetes medications like sulfonylureas or insulin, there's an increased risk of hypoglycemia. This is both serious and common. Discuss with your healthcare provider how to recognise and manage low blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar levels before starting and during your treatment with WeGovy. Low blood sugar symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, mood swings, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion, sleepiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, rapid heartbeat, or feeling jittery.
UNCOMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
- fast heartbeat
- a delay in the emptying of the stomach.
- increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase) shown in blood tests.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
Complications of diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy). If you have diabetes you should inform your doctor if you experience eye problems, such as changes in vision, during treatment with this medicine.
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
Inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis). Signs of inflamed pancreas may include severe and long-lasting pain in your stomach, the pain may move to your back. Discontinue WeGovy immediately and contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent, severe stomach pain, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions, angioedema). You should seek immediate emergency medical help if you get symptoms such as feeling dizzy or weak, breathing problems, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and/or throat, along with difficulty swallowing, wheezing, a fast heartbeat, cold and pale skin.
OTHER POTENTIAL, RARE SIDE EFFECTS:
Gallbladder Issues: WeGovy has the potential to cause problems with the gallbladder, such as gallstones. Some cases might necessitate surgical intervention. Symptoms to watch for include upper abdominal pain, fever, skin or eye yellowing (jaundice), or coloured stools.
Kidney Problems (Kidney Failure): In individuals with pre-existing kidney issues, side effects like diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting may lead to dehydration, worsening kidney problems. It's crucial to stay hydrated to minimise this risk.
Increased Heart Rate: WeGovy can cause an elevated heart rate at rest. If you notice your heart racing or pounding in your chest for several minutes, inform your healthcare provider.
Depression or Suicidal Thoughts: Be vigilant for any changes in mental health, particularly sudden shifts in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience new, worsening, or concerning mental changes.
CAN I DRIVE WHILST TAKING WEGOVY?
Yes. However, if you are diabetic and using this medicine in combination with a sulfonylurea or insulin, low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) may occur, which may reduce your ability to concentrate. Do not drive or use machines if you get any signs or symptoms of low blood sugar.
CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WHILST TAKING WEGOVY?
Consuming alcohol while on Wegovy is generally permissible as there are no known direct interactions between the two. However, it's important to note that both alcohol and Wegovy can lead to lower blood sugar levels. As a result, it's wise to closely observe your body's response to the medication, especially if you experience symptoms like lightheadedness or dizziness.
WHAT IF I AM ALREADY TAKING ANOTHER WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION?
WEGOVY should not be used in combination with other semaglutide-containing products, or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist (1). The safety and efficacy of co-administration with other weight loss products has not been established.
WHAT LONG CAN I TAKE WEGOVY FOR?
WeGovy is safe and approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for long term use, for weight management and weight loss, as long as it remains beneficial.
IS WEGOVY ADDICTIVE?
There is no evidence that WeGovy is addictive.
DO I NEED A PRECRIPTION?
Yes. WeGovy is a prescription only medicine. Once you have completed your WeGovy form, our medical professional will assess suitability, and prescribe and dispense your treatment if you are medically suitable.
DO I NEED TO COME INTO CLINIC?
You are welcome to do so, but you do not have to. We have developed and launched an interactive screening tools, which takes into account your medical history and assesses your suitability for WeGovy. This is then reviewed by our prescriber, and if suitable, will be dispensed and then delivered to your address.
WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS THAT AREN'T ANSWERED ON HERE?
If you have any other questions or need any help at all, please email us. You can email us by clicking here.
