Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection

Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection is usually given under the skin – it should not be injected into a vein or muscle. The best places to give the injection are the upper arms, stomach, or upper legs.

It is recommended to use Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection once a week and if possible, on the same day each week. You can give yourself the injection at any time of the day, regardless of meals.

If necessary, you can change the day of your injection of this medicine if it has been at least three days since your last injection. After selecting a new dosing day, continue with once-a-week dosing.

If you use more Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection than you should, talk to your doctor straight away. You may experience side effects such as feeling sick (nausea).

If it is five days or less since you should have used Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection, use it as soon as you remember. Then inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.

If it is more than five days since you should have used Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection, skip the missed dose. Then inject your next dose on your next scheduled day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

This medication should not be used during pregnancy, as it is not known if it may affect your unborn child. If you wish to become pregnant, you should stop using this medicine at least two months in advance.

You should not use this medicine if you are breast-feeding, as it is unknown if it passes into breast milk.

It’s essential to store Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection properly. Before opening the pen, store it in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, away from the cooling element. Once the pen is in use, you can keep it for up to 6 weeks when stored either below 30°C or refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C, still keeping it away from the cooling element. Wegovy must not be frozen at any point; if it has been frozen, discard it.

However, if at any point you notice the solution is not clear and colourless, do not use that pen and discard it appropriately.

It’s also important that you do not use the medication after the expiry date which is stated on the pen label and carton after ‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. You should ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

It is generally not recommended to use Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection with other prescription weight loss medications due to the potential for increased side effects and drug interactions. Always consult with your healthcare provider before combining medications.

Yes, Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection is approved for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related condition.

While there are no specific foods that you must eat or avoid while taking Wegovy (semaglutide), it is recommended that you follow a calorie-controlled, balanced diet to support healthy and sustainable weight loss. If you’re unsure how many calories you may need each day, you can use our free calorie calculator to estimate your daily energy requirements and weight loss calorie target:

To help maintain muscle mass, support satiety, and meet your nutritional needs during weight loss, we recommend focusing on:

• Protein-rich foods at each meal, such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, tofu, beans, and lentils.
• Fibre-rich foods, including vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, beans, pulses, nuts, and seeds, which can help support digestive health and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
• Plenty of vegetables and salad, aiming to include a variety of colours throughout the week.
• Regular fluid intake, as some people find they drink less when their appetite decreases. Aim for around 6–8 glasses of fluid per day unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Wegovy works best when combined with healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. The aim is to create sustainable lifestyle changes that support long-term weight management and overall health.

After discontinuing Semaglutide (Wegovy) Injection, it is possible for some weight regain to occur if lifestyle modifications are not maintained. It is important to continue following a healthy diet and exercise routine to sustain weight loss results achieved with the medication.

While there is no strict prohibition on drinking alcohol while taking Wegovy (semaglutide), it is advisable to limit your intake. Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain, which may work against the weight loss goals you are trying to achieve with the medication. The NHS recommends 14 units per week, or ideally a lower intake.

There are a few additional considerations to be aware of:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, and this effect may be more pronounced when combined with semaglutide. Be mindful of symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, or confusion.
• Nausea and digestive discomfort. Wegovy can already cause nausea and stomach-related side effects, particularly in the earlier stages of treatment. Alcohol may worsen these symptoms.
• Reduced inhibitions around food. Drinking alcohol can make it harder to stick to a balanced, calorie-controlled diet, as it may increase appetite and reduce your motivation to make healthy food choices.
• Dehydration. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect, and staying well hydrated is especially important while taking Wegovy. Aim for 6–8 glasses of fluid per day.

If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation and ideally alongside food. If you have any concerns about how alcohol may interact with your treatment, speak to one of our clinical team who will be happy to advise you.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is one of the most clinically studied and effective weight loss medications currently available.

In the landmark STEP 1 clinical trial, participants taking Wegovy alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks. For context, someone weighing 100kg could expect to lose around 15kg on average.

It is worth noting that individual results will vary depending on a number of factors, including:

• Starting weight and BMI. Those with a higher starting weight may see greater absolute weight loss in terms of kilograms, though percentage results can vary.
• Diet and lifestyle. Wegovy works best when combined with a calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity. Those who make meaningful lifestyle changes alongside treatment tend to achieve the best results.
• Consistency and dose. Wegovy is gradually increased over several months to reach the full maintenance dose of 2.4mg. Staying consistent with your injections and reaching the full dose is important for achieving optimal results.
• Individual response. As with any medication, some people respond better than others. Most people begin to see noticeable weight loss within the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Wegovy is not a quick fix, but when used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan, it can be a highly effective tool for achieving meaningful and sustained weight loss. If you have any questions about whether Wegovy is right for you, our clinical team is on hand to help.

Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) is available on the NHS, however access is currently limited and subject to specific eligibility criteria.

The NHS has approved Wegovy for use in adults who meet all of the following criteria:

• A BMI of 35 or above (or 32.5 or above for people from certain ethnic backgrounds who are at higher risk of weight-related health conditions)
• At least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Referral to a specialist weight management service

It is also worth noting that due to high demand and ongoing supply constraints, NHS access to Wegovy has been phased in gradually, meaning waiting times can be lengthy and availability may vary depending on your local area.

Getting Wegovy privately

If you do not meet the NHS criteria, or would prefer not to wait, Wegovy is available to order from e-surgery, subject to a clinical assessment. Our prescribers will review your medical history to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for you.