Title: Exploring Wegovy Injections for Weight Loss: Side Effects, Cost, and Insights
Wegovy, a brand-name injection, is your go-to buddy if you're on a mission to shed some pounds and maintain a healthy weight long-term. Thisarticle covers the cost, side effects, and the inner workings of Wegovy. Let's dive in!
Wegovy comes in the form of a liquid solution inside a single-dose pen, fittingly called the injection pen. Wegovy belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. And, yes, you've guessed it right, there's no generic version readily available—yet!
Wegovy Side Effects
Using Wegovy can bring about mild or even serious side effects. Let's talk about the most common ones:
Mild Side Effects
Week
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Burping
- Flatulence (you know, gas)
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Usual dosage for adults and children ages 12 years and older
Serious Side Effects
- Increased heart rate
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level)
- Kidney damage
- Acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones
- Eye problems, in people with type 2 diabetes
- Changes in mood/suicidal thoughts
- Risk of thyroid cancer
- Allergic reaction
1 to 4
Frequently Asked Questions
0.25 mg once per week
Is Wegovy the strongest weight loss drug?
Wegovy is not solely about being the strongest weight loss drug; it's all about finding what works best for you. Other options include liraglutide (Saxenda), phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave), and orlistat (Xenical, Alli). Your doctor will help you choose the best fit.
5 to 8
How fast do I lose weight on Wegovy?
0.5 mg once per week
Results can vary, but in clinical trials, people using Wegovy steadily lost weight over a 68-week period. About half of the participants lost at least 15% of their body weight during this time.
Do I have to take Wegovy long-term?
9 to 12
Wegovy is a long-term medication. To avoid regaining weight, you must follow a low calorie diet and invest in regular exercise.
1 mg once per week
Cost and savings for Wegovy
Wegovy cost depends on various factors such as your insurance plan and location. To save money, explore coupon options available.
13 to 16
In case you're intrigued by how Wegovy works, let me explain!
1.7 mg once per week
How Wegovy Works
Wegovy, a type of medicine called a GLP-1 receptor agonist, acts like the hormone GLP-1 in your body, which governs your appetite and blood sugar levels. It slows down the movement of food from your stomach to your intestines and reduces your appetite, helping you consume fewer calories.
17 and onward
Over time, this leads to weight loss and maintenance.
2.4 mg once per week or 1.7 mg once per week*
The Bottom Line
Wegovy, while not without side effects, has proven to be an effective long-term weight loss solution. Be sure to discuss all options with your doctor to find the best fit for you. Stay tuned for more insights on Wegovy!
Enrichment Data:
In recent studies, the effectiveness and side effects of Wegovy for weight loss and long-term weight management have been examined.
Effectiveness
- High-dose Semaglutide: The STEP UP trial with high-dose semaglutide (7.2 mg) demonstrated superior weight loss compared to the standard dose (2.4 mg) and placebo. Participants achieved a mean weight loss of 20.7% over 72 weeks, with 33.2% achieving over 25% weight loss.[1][5]
- Long-term Weight Loss: In the STEP Phase 3 studies, semaglutide was shown to be effective in reducing weight over a period of up to 68 weeks, with an average weight loss of 15.9 kg (35 lb) or about 15% of body weight.[4]
- Adolescents: The STEP TEENS clinical trial showed that adolescents treated with Wegovy experienced a significant reduction in BMI, with a mean percent change in BMI at week 68 being 16.1% decrease compared to a 0.6% increase in the placebo group.[4]
- Maintenance of Weight Loss: Some research suggests that only about 20% of adults who lose significant weight are able to maintain it long-term without the medication. Understanding the need for long-term weight management is essential for those considering using Wegovy.
Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Common adverse reactions include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and stomach discomfort. These side effects are often mild to moderate and diminish over time.[1][4]
- Erectile Dysfunction and Low Testosterone: A study found that men taking semaglutide were more likely to develop erectile dysfunction and low testosterone compared to those not taking the medication. However, the risk is considered small.[2]
- Gallstones: The medication can slow the movement of bile, increasing the risk of gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, and bile duct problems. This risk is particularly high with rapid weight loss.[2][4]
- Other Side Effects: Adverse reactions, such as injection site reactions, allergic reactions, and hair loss, have also been reported. Adolescents treated with Wegovy experienced higher incidences of gallbladder problems, low blood pressure, rash, and itching compared to adults.[4]
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information provided in this article is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or other healthcare provider before taking any medication. The drug information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to cover all possible uses, dosages, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular drug does not imply that the drug or drug combination is safe, appropriate, or effective for all individuals or for all uses.
In addition to being a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Wegovy is often used in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as a low calorie diet and regular exercise to maximize weight loss results.
Alternative weight loss drugs, such as liraglutide (Saxenda), phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave), and orlistat (Xenical, Alli), may also be considered under a doctor's guidance, depending on the individual's specific needs and responses.
[1] reference for effectiveness of Wegovy[2] reference for side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists including Wegovy[3] reference for Anthrax as a counter-measure to bioterrorism attacks[4] reference for Wegovy and weight loss research[5] reference for effectiveness of high-dose Semaglutide in the STEP UP trial
