Wegovy (semaglutide) dosage guide: strengths, side effects, and more

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Wegovy weight loss injections

Generic name: Semaglutide
Dosage form: Injection
Drug class: GLP-1 Agonist

Wegovy injections are a popular aid for weight management for adults in the UK. The active ingredient Semaglutide works for weight loss by suppressing your appetite and making you feel fuller for longer.

These pens can be used by adults aged 18-74 if their body mass index (BMI) is over 30. Those who have weight-related health conditions such as diabetes could qualify if their BMI is over 27.

The weight loss drug Wegovy is available on prescription only, and you can experience a weight loss of up to 15% of your starting body weight on this medication. The pens should be used alongside a reduce-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

In this article, we explore the Wegovy weight loss injection dosage for weight loss and the possible symptoms you might experience on your journey.

Recommended Wegovy dosage chart for adults

You must follow the recommended Wegovy dosing chart created by the Wegovy manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, to ensure the most effective weight loss results and safety.

Not only is the gradual dose increase recommended for the best weight loss results, but it will also reduce your chances of experiencing unwanted side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea.

You will be told to follow the table below:

Dose escalation	Weekly dose
Week 1-4	0.25 mg
Week 5-8	0.5 mg
Week 9 - 12	1 mg
Week 13 - 16	1.7 mg
From week 17	2.4 mg

Month 1: Start Wegovy at a dose of 0.25mg once a week

Month 2: You can increase your weekly dose to 0.5mg

Month 3: You can increase your weekly dose to 1mg

Month 4: You can increase your weekly dose to 1.7mg

Month 5 onward: you can increase your weekly dose to the maintenance dose of 2.4mg

What strengths does Wegovy come in?

When buying Wegovy online, there are 5 different strengths available. Starting at the lowest dose, your Wegovy dose should be increased every 4 weeks until you reach your maintenance dose.

This guide is based on someone who requires a gradual dose increase, it is not uncommon for people to stay on the lower doses, this all depends on the individual and the effectiveness of the medication strength.

The 5 different strengths of Wegovy pen are:

Wegovy 0.25 mg pen
Wegovy 0.5 mg pen
Wegovy 1 mg pen
Wegovy 1.7 mg pen
Wegovy 2.4 mg pen

You can buy Wegovy pens in the above strengths from Oxford Online Pharmacy using our online doctor service. For more information, refer to the Wegovy injection product page.

What factors can affect my dosage?

Many factors can impact the suitable dose of Wegovy for you, including:

Body weight and BMI: While Wegovy dosages aren't solely determined by weight, your healthcare provider might modify the dose according to your BMI and how you respond to the medication.

Tolerance and side effects: If you experience significant side effects at a specific dose, your healthcare provider may decide to maintain that dose for a longer duration or decrease it to help your body get used to it.

Pre-existing medical conditions: Some health issues like diabetes or heart disease may require you to start on a lower dose or a slower adjustment to avoid potential interactions.

What is the maintenance dose of Wegovy?

The maintenance dose of Wegovy in adults is either 1.7mg or 2.4mg (recommended), but this depends on how well you tolerate the higher doses.

Staying on a lower dose of Wegovy may be right for you if you are struggling with unwanted effects at the higher doses but are still losing weight. Studies have shown that gradually increasing your dose to the maintenance dose of 2.4mg will have the most noticeable weight loss effects.

How long will a Wegovy pen last at the maintenance dose?

The chart below shows that once you are on the 2.4mg maintenance dose, you should be able to sustain a mean weight loss of 15% over 2 years.

Source: Novomed, Chronic weight management

Each Wegovy pen contains four doses, so lasts for four weeks.

Wegovy side effects

Like any medicine, you may experience side effects, especially when you start a new medicine or during dose increases.

When taking Wegovy, it is not uncommon to experience side effects, the most common side effects including:

Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people

Headache
Feeling sick (nausea)
Stomach pain
Feeling weak or tired
Being sick (vomiting)
Diarrhoea
Constipation

These side effects of Wegovy are not normally severe and usually go away over time.

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

Feeling dizzy
Upset stomach or indigestion
Burping
Gas (flatulence)
Bloating of the stomach
Gallstones
Hair loss
Injection site reactions
Change in the way food or drink tastes
Inflamed stomach (‘gastritis’) – the signs include stomach ache, feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
Reflux or heartburn – also called ‘gastro-oesophageal reflux disease’
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with diabetes

For a full list of side effects, refer to the Wegovy patient information leaflet.

Wegovy side effects with alcohol

While there are no interactions between alcohol and Wegovy you may want to consider the following:

Wegovy may cause nausea and so can alcohol, so you may feel even more nauseous when drinking alcohol while using Wegovy. You can also become more nauseous when dehydrated, which is more common while using Wegovy.

Alcohol is high in calories and to get the best results from your weight loss routine, you should be in a calorie deficit. Therefore, drinking alcohol could increase the amount of calories you consume, preventing you from successful weight loss.

If you are eating a calorie deficit while on this weight loss treatment, you may notice that you get drunk quicker due to a lack of carb-heavy food in your body. This may also exacerbate an upset stomach, resulting in sickness.

You should take this opportunity to limit your alcohol intake. There are reports of people curbing their addictive behaviours while on Wegovy, such as drinking, smoking and biting their nails. You may find that you don’t feel like drinking alcohol at all. Read our dedicated article ‘Is Wegovy a potential treatment for addiction’ here.

What to expect in the first week of Wegovy

Here's a week-by-week outline of what to expect during the initial month of treatment:

Week 1: Introduction to initial dosage and body response

During the first week of treatment, people start on 0.25mg to allow their bodies to get used to the medication. Users may begin to notice a decrease in appetite and an increase in feelings of fullness.

Week 2: Second dose and shifts in appetite

The next dose is given from the same pen in the second week. Users may experience further changes in appetite, reduced hunger, and feeling fuller for longer.

Week 3: Continue and look out for side effects

Throughout the third week, people maintain 0.25mg while looking for potential side effects to ensure that the medicine is safe and effective. Common side effects may include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

Week 4: Evaluation of first month's progress

The fourth week signifies the end of the first month. This is when you should evaluate progress, including changes in weight and body measurements. It's important to understand that the first month mostly involves your body adapting to the medication and may not fully reflect its potential for weight loss.

Will changing my dose cause side effects?

When you increase your dose, you may experience side effects. These side effects shouldn’t be severe and should go away after a few days once your body gets used to the new strength.

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of common Wegovy side effects, such as:

Chose to eat low-fat foods
Sit upright after eating
Get fresh air
Stay hydrated
Consider short-term antacid use

If you experience constant unbearable side effects during your dose increase, consult your prescribing doctor, who will advise you on the next steps.

How much does Wegovy cost?

You can buy Wegovy at Oxford Online Pharmacy from £168.99*. This Wegovy price is for one month's worth of injections. Depending on the dose you require, the price may gradually increase each month.

Aside from Oxford Online Pharmacy, there are many other pharmacies online selling Wegovy. Because of this, we offer a price match promise. In addition, if you sign up for our mailing list, you will receive weekly discounts to lower your Wegovy treatment price.

*Prices are as of 02.05.24 and are subject to change.

What to do if you inject too much Wegovy

Wegovy should be taken as directed by your prescribing doctor. If you accidentally inject more Wegovy than you should, contact your prescribing doctor right away or call 111. You must familiarise yourself with the symptoms of an overdose with this treatment.

Symptoms of overdose

An overdose of Wegovy may cause the following symptoms:

Nausea
Rapid heart rate
Sweating
Confusion
Constipation
Vomiting
Heartburn
Headache
Delirium

What should be done in case of an overdose

If you believe you have used too much Semaglutide, contact your healthcare provider right away. One of the most severe immediate effects is gastrointestinal paralysis (a complete stopping of your digestion), so it’s important to ensure regular bowel movements.

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. If extreme nausea persists, your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medication. Should this fail to help your symptoms, seek emergency care. These medications can remain in your system for up to a week, prolonging symptoms.

If you suspect low blood sugar, often characterised by symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, and trembling, you should check your blood sugar levels if possible. If you have low blood sugar, drink a glass of juice or sugary drink, as this is one of the quickest ways to raise it.

What to do if a dose has been missed

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's nearing the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and resume your usual dosing regimen. Never double up doses.

If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than two days away, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the next dose is less than two days away, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. If you miss doses for more than two weeks, consult your doctor for guidance on resuming your treatment.

How do you get a prescription for Wegovy?

Order Wegovy in the UK from Oxford Online Pharmacy simply using the online doctor service. Follow these few steps to order the pens online:

Complete our medical consultation. This allows our doctors to check that this medicine is safe and appropriate for you.
Select your preferred strength and quantity to add to your basket before completing checkout.
One of our UK-registered doctors will review your order and prescribe your preferred treatment if appropriate. Occasionally we need extra information and will contact you via our confidential message centre.
Your order will be packaged and posted from our pharmacy via our tracked delivery service.

How to take Wegovy

You should always take this medicine as recommended by your healthcare provider. The pen should be injected once weekly on the same day each week.

This medicine can be taken with or without food and injected at any time on your injection day.

For full instructions, refer to the patient information leaflet.

How to store Wegovy

Before first use, the pen should be stored in the fridge.

Once you have used your first dose from the pen, you should store it in its original box at room temperature, making sure that it is no warmer than 30 degrees.

You must keep the Wegovy pen out of sight and reach of children.

How long does a Wegovy pen last in storage?

When stored in the refrigerator (at 2°C to 8°C), Wegovy lasts until the expiration date indicated on the pen.

However, once the pen reaches room temperature (between 8°C and 30°C), a Wegovy pen should be used within 28 days.

It's important to keep this medicine from extreme temperatures while travelling.

Why choose Oxford Online Pharmacy?

Oxford Online Pharmacy is a well-known regulated pharmacy specialising in weight loss aids, erectile dysfunction, hair loss treatments and more.

We are a team of GMC-registered doctors and GPHC-registered pharmacists with a wealth of knowledge.

Oxford Online Pharmacy offers a completely secure service, next-day discreet delivery and a price match promise. We’ve also been trusted by over 21,000 people.

Customer reviews

Don’t just take our word for it. See what our customers think:

Trustpilot reviews

Google reviews

Related products

Other than Wegovy for weight loss, there are other weight loss aids you could consider, such as Mounjaro injections, Orlistat capsules or Mysimba tablets. To explore our range of weight loss aids, head over to our weight loss page for more information.

You can also find detailed articles on our weight loss aids and comparisons through the weight loss blog page.

If you are still determining the best treatment for you, get in touch with a member of our trained team who will be happy to help.

Wegovy FAQs

Is Wegovy available in the UK?

Wegovy is now available in the UK for weight management on prescription.

How many doses are in a Wegovy pen?

Each Wegovy pen contains 4 doses, so one pen will last 4 weeks.

Can you inject Wegovy cold?

Yes, Wegovy can be used cold, and it doesn't need to be heated up or cooled down to be used. Therefore, you can use Wegovy straight out of the fridge.

Are there withdrawal symptoms of Wegovy?

After stopping Wegovy, you may notice that you are starting to eat more as your hunger begins to come back. You should maintain your healthy eating habits and exercise regime to prevent putting weight back on.

Can I increase my dose early?

No, it is important that you follow your doctor's dosing schedule. An early increase in your dose may result in unwanted and sometimes serious side effects.

How many Wegovy pens will I need during the treatment?

You should expect to need one pen per month of treatment with Wegovy, and the number of pens you need will all depend on how long you choose to stay on the treatment.

If you have been increasing Wegovy gradually and have reached your 2.5mg maintenance dose, then it is up to you when you stop using Wegovy.

Can I change the day I take Wegovy?

We advise not changing the day that you inject Wegovy. If this is something you need to do, you should consult a healthcare professional.

Is it possible to skip doses of Wegovy?

You can skip a dose of Wegovy, although this isn’t recommended for successful weight loss.

Do all patients have to reach the maintenance dose of Wegovy?

No, not at all. Some people choose to stay on the lower doses of Wegovy as this works effectively enough for them. Reaching the maximum dose will encourage the most successful weight loss outcome, but this is down to your requirements.

Is Wegovy used long term?

Wegovy can be used long-term, although it is not necessary. Once you reach your ideal weight, you can stay on Wegovy to help maintain it or discontinue use. Ensure you stick to a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity to avoid putting weight back on.

Can I use a Wegovy needle more than once?

No, once you have used a needle for a dose, you should dispose of it straight away in a yellow sharps bin. Upon ordering your first pen you will receive some needles so you will have more than enough to use a new needle for every injection. If you run out of needles, you can purchase more here.

What should I do with a broken Wegovy pen?

If your Wegovy pen is broken or faulty, contact your supplier right away and they will advise you on what to do.

If liquid is leaking from the pen, dispose of it in your yellow sharps box, ensuring you don’t get the medication on anything in the process.

How long until I lose weight on Wegovy?

This all depends on the person. Some people will notice weight loss as soon as the first few days of starting Wegovy and others may start to see weight loss by the end of the first month.

The main factor contributing to early weight loss is whether you eat in a calorie deficit.

What is the main difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?

Ozempic is the brand name for Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy. Ozempic is for managing type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy is the brand name for the weight management treatment.

How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound compare for weight loss?

All of these weight loss injections work in a similar way: to prevent hunger and make you feel fuller for longer. Although they contain slightly different ingredients, they are all glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 inhibitors.

Check out our blog article on the comparison of the available weight loss injections for more detailed information.

Sources

Novomed, Wegovy for chronic weight management
Novomed, Wegovy pdf guide
EMC, Wegovy Pil
Mayo Clinic, semaglutide subcutaneous route