Photo by Andres Ayrton
Andres Ayrton

Are you looking for ways to lose weight and keep it off by using medication? Then, Wegovy is a viable medication option for you! Last June 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy (semaglutide) as a once-weekly injection for patients who require chronic weight management.

When using this medication, you have to pair it with exercise and a healthy diet. Don't just starve yourself and exert too much energy at the gym. Ensure that you're doing just the right amount for your body.

How It Works

Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide 1 or a GLP-1. The GLP-1 acts on your brain so that it can regulate your appetite and food intake, and it's a natural hormone in your body. It acts like a GLP-1 and lowers your appetite and the amount of food you consume to help you lose weight.

This medication is prescribed to adults that are seeking long-term weight loss with a body mass index or BMI of:

  • 30 kilograms or greater

  • 27 kilograms or greater and at least one condition that's related to their obesity (e.g., high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes)

How You Can Buy It

Wegovy isn't an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. You must consult with a physician, meet the requirements, and communicate about your weight loss goals before a healthcare physician prescribes you to Wegovy.

Once you've received a prescription from your physician, you may go to your local pharmacies. You can also save on the cost by using a coupon from BuzzRx. You can get a discounted price of over $900.

Side Effects

Wegovy, like most drugs, may cause mild or severe side effects. The side effects of the drug would depend on your age, other medications you're taking, and other health conditions you may have. The following are the most common mild side effects that may go away after a while:

  • stomach flu

  • nausea

  • bloating or pain in the stomach area

  • dizziness

  • gas

  • burping

  • fatigue (or low energy)

  • constipation

  • vomiting

  • indigestion or heartburn

  • diarrhea

Mild side effects for many drugs entail that they would go away within a few hours or days. If a side effect doesn't go away by then or if it's unusually worse than you thought it would be, immediately call emergency services. Don't be afraid to speak with your physician or pharmacist about your concerns.

There's also a chance that severe side effects from Wegovy can occur; however, this isn't as common. If you experience the following, be sure to contact your physician immediately. However, if you think you're experiencing a medical emergency, it would be best to call 911 or your local emergency numbers. The severe side effects include the following:

  • low blood sugar

  • allergic reactions

  • increased heart rate

  • pancreatitis *swelling and damage in your pancreas)

  • gallbladder problems, e.g., gallstones or gallbladder inflammation

Wegovy Pens Have To Be Refrigerated

Once you've purchased your pens, you have to store them correctly. Ensure that it's refrigerated at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F. Be sure to follow the instructions given by your physician, the pharmacist, or even the pamphlet in the box.

When storing your Wegovy pens, you must ensure that it doesn't freeze. Please keep it in its original carton to protect the pens from light until you inject your dose. If you have any more questions, be sure to ask your pharmacist about how to handle and store these pens.

What To Do If You Missed A Dose

Whether you've been busy with work, family, or personal matters, there's a possibility that you may miss your dose. When physicians prescribe this medicine, they will help you schedule when you're supposed to be taking your dose. So, if you skipped your dose for more than 48 hours, you should immediately take the missed dose.

However, if it's been less than 48 hours, you should skip your missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. You should contact your physician if you've missed two or more Wegovy doses in a row. Your healthcare team can help you reset your dosing schedule.

It would also help if you asked your physician about this topic once you got a prescription from your healthcare provider. If you missed the chance to do this, you can ask them through their number or visit them at the hospital. Clarifying with professionals what to do when you miss a dose is essential before anything else.

Final Thoughts

When obese patients are on the road to weight loss, they often get discouraged and unmotivated. However, it would be best to remind yourself that progress isn't linear. Each body is unique in its own way, and by following what professionals around you and listening to your body, you can manage your weight successfully and meet your body weight goals. Don't lose hope just yet!

When taking medications to reach your goals, you should always go the extra mile to research more about the medication. Remember that these go inside your body, so you must be careful.