MedDataToolWegovy is a medication used to help adults and children aged 12 and older with obesity or overweight, especially those with weight-related health issues, as well as adults with a specific liver condition called MASH. It works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps control appetite, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss. Wegovy is taken either as an injection under the skin once a week, starting at a dose of 0.25 mg and can go up to a maximum of 2.4 mg, or as a tablet taken daily on an empty stomach, starting at 1.5 mg and increasing to a maximum of 25 mg. It is important to know that Wegovy should not be used if you have a personal or family history of certain thyroid tumors. Additionally, if you are taking other medications that affect blood sugar, like sulfonylureas, you may need to be cautious as they can increase the risk of low blood sugar when used with Wegovy.
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Uses
- To reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight.
- To reduce excess body weight and maintain weight loss in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity.
- To reduce excess body weight in adults with overweight and at least one weight-related condition.
- For the treatment of noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis in adults.
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Dosage
WEGOVY injection: 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then increase to 2.4 mg once weekly.
WEGOVY tablets: 1.5 mg once daily for 30 days, then increase to 25 mg once daily.
Inject in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Take tablets on an empty stomach with water, wait 30 minutes before eating.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
nauseadiarrheavomitingconstipationabdominal painheadachefatiguerisk of thyroid tumors
Serious
acute pancreatitisacute gallbladder diseasehypoglycemiaacute kidney injury
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors; contraindicated in patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- Increased risk of hypoglycemia when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues.
- Monitor blood glucose in patients with diabetes.
- Not recommended for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
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Drug interactions
- Insulinincreased risk of hypoglycemiaMonitor
- Insulin secretagoguesincreased risk of hypoglycemiaMonitor
- Levothyroxineincreased exposure by 33%Caution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).