Wegovy

Wegovy is a once-weekly injection containing Semaglutide, approved specifically for weight management. It's the same active ingredient used in diabetes medications but at doses optimised for weight loss.

Both contain semaglutide, but they are licensed for different uses. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy is licensed specifically for weight management. The two products use different dose ranges — your pharmacist can explain which is appropriate for your clinical context.

It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite. It signals your brain that you are full and slows down stomach emptying, so you feel satisfied with less food and experience fewer cravings.

In the STEP-1 randomised controlled trial (Wilding et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2021), participants on semaglutide 2.4mg weekly lost an average of around 15% of baseline body weight over 68 weeks versus roughly 2.4% on placebo. Trial results do not predict individual outcomes — your pharmacist will discuss realistic expectations as part of your consultation, taking into account your starting weight, health profile, and lifestyle.

Yes. Semaglutide has been used safely for over a decade (originally for diabetes) and has extensive long-term safety data. It's one of the most studied weight loss medications available.

Wegovy has been on the market longer and has more long-term safety data available. Some patients also prefer the "FlexTouch" pen mechanism. It's an excellent choice for those who value established, proven medications.

Yes. Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management in people without diabetes who have a BMI over 30 (or 27 with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure).

It is a pre-filled pen that contains 4 weekly doses. You attach a needle, dial the dose, and inject. The FlexTouch mechanism is designed for ease of use and consistent dosing.

0.25mg (Month 1), 0.5mg (Month 2), 1.0mg (Month 3), 1.7mg (Month 4), and 2.4mg (Maintenance). This gradual increase helps minimise side effects while your body adjusts.

Not necessarily. If your pharmacist is satisfied with your clinical response at 1.0mg or 1.7mg and you are experiencing side effects, the escalation can be paused or slowed. Finding a well-tolerated dose matters more than following a rigid schedule.

If it's within 5 days of your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 5 days have passed, skip it and wait for your next scheduled day. Never double up on doses.

The best sites are the front of your thighs, your stomach (avoiding the belly button area), or your upper arms. Rotate your injection site each week to prevent skin irritation.

We recommend pinching a fold of skin if you are injecting into the stomach to ensure you inject into fat tissue, not muscle. This makes the injection more comfortable and effective.

Your Caremacy care pack includes a yellow Sharps Bin. Put used needles in there immediately after injection. Never put needles in the household bin or recycling.

Yes. Since Wegovy is weekly and Saxenda is daily, many patients switch for convenience. You typically wait 24 hours after your last Saxenda shot before starting Wegovy at the 0.25mg dose.

No. About 44% of people report nausea, but for many, it is mild and goes away after a few weeks as your body adjusts. Eating smaller meals and avoiding fatty foods helps manage it.

This is a media term for facial volume loss due to rapid weight loss. It is not specific to Wegovy but a natural result of losing body fat from all areas including the face. It can happen with any significant weight loss.

Some patients feel tired in the first few weeks as their calorie intake drops significantly. Ensuring you eat enough protein, stay hydrated, and don't drastically cut calories helps maintain energy levels.

Unlike Mounjaro, Wegovy is not known to significantly interact with oral contraceptives, but we still recommend caution during the initiation phase when side effects like vomiting are more common.

Yes, because it keeps food in your stomach longer, some patients experience acid reflux. Avoid lying down immediately after eating, eat smaller portions, and avoid spicy or acidic foods to prevent this.

Rare risks include pancreatitis and gallstones. If you feel severe abdominal pain radiating to your back, stop the medication and seek medical help immediately. These are uncommon but important to be aware of.

Low mood is a rare report. If you have a history of depression or anxiety, please mention this in your consultation — your pharmacist will discuss whether this treatment is suitable and will monitor how you respond. Some patients report an overall improvement in wellbeing during treatment, though this varies.

Unopened pens must be refrigerated at 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Keep in the original carton to protect from light until ready to use.

This is a key advantage of Wegovy: Once opened (or if needed for travel), the pen can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 6 weeks - longer than Mounjaro's 30 days.

Yes. Keep it in your hand luggage (cargo holds can freeze). Ask us for a travel letter if you are worried about airport security - we provide these free of charge.

Do not use it. Wegovy should be clear and colourless. If it's cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles, contact us for a replacement.

Current prices are loaded from Caremacy's live operational catalogue. Your final treatment and price are confirmed before payment after clinical review.

Access via the NHS is extremely limited and usually requires a specialist referral with lengthy waiting lists. Caremacy offers immediate private access with pharmacist review typically within 24 hours.

We will move you to a "Maintenance Plan," likely lowering your dose gradually to help you maintain your weight loss without regaining. This is a critical phase we support you through.

Yes. Caremacy is a UK-registered pharmacy regulated by the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council). We source Wegovy through authorised UK supply channels with full batch traceability.

Every consultation receives individual review by a qualified prescriber, who verifies whether Wegovy is clinically appropriate based on your health profile. Prescriptions are not approved automatically.

Yes. Available clinical-support channels are explained during the consultation and before treatment begins.

Caremacy is a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. Every prescription is dispensed by our clinical team and patients receive direct pharmacist support.

Your health data is protected under UK GDPR and strict medical confidentiality rules. We use encrypted systems for all personal and health information. We never sell data or share it for marketing. Discretion and privacy are fundamental to how we operate.

We provide comprehensive ongoing care: regular progress check-ins, dosing guidance as you escalate, side effect management support, and general health advice. Our relationship doesn't end at dispensing - we're committed to supporting your entire weight loss journey.