Whereas the trials have shown this to be very effective in the majority of patients taking it, like any medication, it is not guaranteed to work for you. You may either not tolerate it (have severe side effects) or not respond to it and find that it does not work for you.

The clinical trial by the manufactures (STEP 1) showed that patients using Wegovy achieved an average weight loss of 14.9%. Of those:

almost 84% achieved weight loss of less equal to or greater than 5%
Over 66% achieved weight loss of equal to or great than 10%
almost 50% achieved weight loss of over 15%
Over 30% of patients lost more than 20% of their starting body weight.
Alongside taking wegovy, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and increase in physical activity.

Semaglutide is the chemical name and active ingredient which is contained in Wegovy. Wegovy is therefore one of the brand names of Semaglutide which is licensed for licensed for weight management. Ozempic and Rybelsus (medicines licensed for the treatment of type-2 diabetes) also contain Semaglutide.

Ozempic and Wegovy contain exactly the same active ingredient (Semaglutide). Ozempic is licensed for the treatment of type-2 diabetes whereas Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management (including weight loss and weight maintenance). Both are once-weekly injections. Ozempic is available in 3 doses (0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1.0mg) whereas Wegovy is available in 5 doses (0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg).

Wegovy is a once-weekly injection whereas Saxenda is a once-daily injection, also licensed for weight loss. It works in a very similar way to Wegovy and is manufactured by the same company. The active ingredient of Saxenda is liraglutide (also a GLP-1 - a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1) and the active ingredient of Wegovy is semaglutide.

Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Ensure it is NOT kept near the cooling section (usually on the back of the bridge) to prevent it from freezing. You can keep and use the pen for 6 weeks outside the fridge (for example when you start using it) as long as the temperature stays below 30°C.

Important points to note:

• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
• Do not freeze it and do not use it if it has been frozen.
• Do not use this medicine if you notice that the solution is not clear and colourless.
• Keep the pen cap on in order to protect from light.

It is important to try to take your dose on the same day each week. However if you forget or miss it then follow the following guidance:

If you forgot to inject a dose and

• It is 4 days or less since you should have taken wegovy, use it as soon as you remember. Then inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
• It is more than 4 days since you should have used wegovy, skip the missed dose. Then inject your next dose as usual on your next scheduled day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

For example, if your scheduled day is Saturday and you remember to take it on Tuesday then take it as soon as possible and continue as normal the following Saturday. If your scheduled day is Saturday and you remember to take it on Wednesday then skip that week and take it the following Saturday.

If you If you are currently taking Ozempic or have previously taken Ozempic for weight loss then follow the following guidance:
If you are currently taking Ozempic:
You can switch to the same strength of Wegovy or the next higher dose. For example, if you are currently on 1.0mg Ozempic then you can go up to 1.7mg Wegovy.

If you have been taking Ozempic previously and have had a short treatment gap of a couple of weeks:
You can continue on Wegovy from you left off at.

If you have been taking Ozempic 1.0mg previously and have had a longer treatment gap:
You should start on the 0.5mg. Re-starting from 0.5mg will reduce the chances of side effects such as nausea so it is the safer and appropriate option

If you have been taking Ozempic for the treatment of type-2 diabetes then you should continue on Ozempic and do not take Wegovy. Wegovy is not licensed for type-2 diabetes.

• If you are taking a lower dose than 3.0mg Saxenda:

  You should start on 0.25mg Wegovy.

• If you have been on Saxenda previously but had a long gap in treatment:

  You should start on 0.25mg Wegovy.