Wegovy

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, one ground-breaking innovation that has captured the attention of medical professionals and individuals struggling with weight management is Wegovy. We here at The Family Chemist are proud to offer you an option to buy Wegovy online at a lower cost than Saxenda, affordable to many and without the need to visit your GP or a Pharmacy. Depending on the prescriber’s decisions, we deliver the medicine to your door within 24 hours after you complete your assessment.

Wegovy, also known by its generic name semaglutide, belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Novo Nordisk developed Wegovy, and the FDA approved it in 2021. The MHRA approved it in September 2023 as a prescription medication for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those overweight with at least one weight-related condition. It is administered as a once-weekly injection, offering a convenient and effective way to shed excess pounds.

Wegovy holds a license for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (excess weight) (BMI ≥27) with weight-related medical problems to help them lose weight and maintain it. You should use Wegovy® with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity for short and long-lasting results. The long-term aim (After 1-2 years) would be to stop Wegovy and maintain a strict lower-calorie meal plan with increased physical activity.

The active ingredient of Wegovy, semaglutide, mimics the effects of a naturally produced hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. Wegovy harnesses this mechanism, leading to reduced appetite and a feeling of fullness. As a result, individuals taking Wegovy consume fewer calories, ultimately leading to weight loss.

Wegovy not only helps you feel fuller for a more extended period, but it also helps to control your eating habits. It minimizes “hedonic eating,” which is eating for pleasure, and improves executive function, which is the ability to make decisions about eating. Additionally, it helps regulate homeostatic eating, which is consuming due to hunger. These behavioural interventions promote sustainable behaviours to control eating habits.

Is Wegovy, Semaglutide safe?

Semaglutide is a drug that is 94% similar to the human GLP-1 hormone. Scientists modified its chemical structure to enhance its binding to receptors, allowing it to stay in the body for extended periods. Weogvy only needs to be injected once a week instead of more frequently. 

Wegovy is a medication used to assist with weight loss and weight maintenance in conjunction with a balanced diet and physical activity. Although Wegovy is licensed for patients 12 years and above The Family Chemist only provides weight loss treatments for patients over 18 years old.

It is intended for use by adults who have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher (indicating obesity) or a BMI between 27 kg/m2 and less than 30 kg/m2 (indicating overweight) with accompanying weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes. BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measurement of your weight in relation to your height.

If patients have been unable to lose at least 5% of their initial body weight after 6 months on treatment, a decision is required on whether to continue treatment, taking into account the benefit/risk profile in the individual patient

Do not take Wegovy if:

• Women trying to conceive.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• If you are allergic to liraglutide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• Patients taking other weight loss medication such as Saxenda or Orlistat.
• If you have severe heart failure
• If you are over 75 years old.
• If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis.
• If you have liver disease.
• If you have a severe stomach or gut problem which results in delayed stomach emptying (called gastroparesis) or if you have inflammatory bowel disease.
• Treated with other products for weight management,
• With obesity secondary to endocrinological or eating disorders or to treatment with medicinal products that may cause weight gain.

There are various other precautions to consider. Please fill in the consultation correctly and fully so your prescriber from The Family Chemist can ensure the medicine is safe for you.

Wegovy^® is the first and only prescription weight-management medicine taken once weekly. It’s taken on the same day each week, any time of day, with or without food.

Wegovy packages in a prefilled pen with five strengths.: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg. Each Wegovy box contains ONE Wegovy FlexTouch pen, 4 Novofine Plus needles and a leaflet. Wegovy FlexTouch pen is a dial-a-dose pen that contains four of your prescribed doses of Wegovy, to be used once a week for four weeks. Use each strength of Wegovy for four weeks, and then the dose should be increased to the next strength in 4-week intervals until you reach the 2.4mg maintenance dose. Dose escalation should take a minimum of 16 weeks. Dose escalation is to minimise the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea. In case of significant gastrointestinal symptoms, consider delaying dose escalation or lowering to the previous dose until symptoms improve.

You should stay on the full maintenance dose until you achieve your desired weight loss target. Throughout the clinical trials, patients experienced weight loss for over a year.

Wegovy is a highly effective weight loss medication, with patients experiencing an average weight loss of 14-15%. During clinical trials, NovoNordisk enrolled 611 patients on semaglutide and placebo for a 16-week dose escalation followed by a 52-week treatment period. All patients received behavioural therapy consisting of an eight-week low-calorie diet followed by a 60-week reduced caloric diet, increased physical activity and behavioural counselling. They found:

• 33.9% of Semaglutide patients lost over 20% of their body weight.
• 53.5% of Semaglutide patients lost more than 15% of their body weight.
• 73% of Semaglutide patients lost more than 10% of body weight.
• 84.8% of Semaglutide patients lost more than 5% of body weight.

Wegovy can cause side effects like all medicines, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects reported are:

Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people

• Feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea, constipation, headache, abdominal pain and fatigue usually go away after a few days or weeks.

While undergoing Wegovy treatment, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. These symptoms can lead to dehydration, so drinking plenty of fluids is crucial to prevent this. Staying hydrated is particularly vital if you have pre-existing kidney issues.

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

• feeling dizzy
• upset stomach or indigestion
• burping
• gas (flatulence)
• bloating of the stomach
• inflamed stomach (‘gastritis’) – the signs include stomach ache, feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• reflux or heartburn – also called ‘gastro-oesophageal reflux disease’
• gallstones
• hair loss
• injection site reactions
• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with diabetes.

The list above is incomplete. Ensure you read the patient information leaflet for a complete list of side effects, cautions and contraindications. It would be best to take Wegovy once you understand all the warnings and precautions. Discuss this with your doctor or The Family Chemist clinician if you are concerned.

Suppose you experience serious side effects like a severe allergic reaction or severe and persistent pain in the abdomen, which might reach through to your back. In that case, you must stop using Wegovy and immediately contact your doctor or The Family Chemist clinician.

Serious Side Effects of Wegovy.

If you experience any side effects below, stop using Wegovy and see your doctor immediately.

• Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Wegovy may increase the risk of pancreatitis, which is pancreas inflammation. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain that can radiate to the back, nausea, and vomiting.
• Gallbladder Problems: Some individuals using Wegovy may experience gallbladder-related issues, such as gallstones. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right side, and discomfort after eating fatty foods.
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia): While people do not primarily use Wegovy to treat diabetes., it can lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or take other medications that reduce blood sugar, there may be an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. The warning signs of low blood sugar may come on suddenly. They can include cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, feeling sick (nausea) or hungry, vision changes, feeling sleepy or weak, nervousness, anxiety or confusion, difficulty concentrating or shaking. Low blood sugar is more likely to happen if you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin.
• Kidney Problems: Some individuals may experience changes in kidney function while using Wegovy. Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney function during treatment.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Individuals with diabetic retinopathy undergoing treatment with insulin and semaglutide may experience a higher likelihood of developing complications related to diabetic retinopathy. The prompt enhancement in glucose management has been linked to a transient deterioration of diabetic retinopathy, though other contributing factors could exist. Those with diabetic retinopathy utilising semaglutide should receive close observation and care.
• Increase heart rate
• Allergic reaction

The duration for which you need to use Wegovy can vary from person to person and should be determined by you and The Family Chemist clinician. Wegovy is typically prescribed based on individual weight loss goals and medical history. Some individuals may use it for a specific period to achieve their desired weight, while others may continue using it for a more extended period. To ensure maximum benefit you should aim to use Wegovy at 2.4mg once a week for at least 12 months.

No Wegovy is not available over the counter. If you’re looking to buy Wegovy online, an effective weight management medication, you can do so through online services like The Family Chemist. It’s important to note that Wegovy is a prescription-only medication, so you’ll need to undergo an online consultation/assessmentwith a Family Chemist clinician. Once your prescription is approved, our in-house pharmacy will dispense the medication and ship it to you in a temperature-controlled pouch with ice packs. This medication should be used as part of a comprehensive weight management program.

Women of childbearing age are recommended to use a contraceptive whilst using Wegovy. If you are planning to conceive, then you must discontinue Wegovy at least two months prior due to its long half-life.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should avoid using this medication. The potential effects on your unborn child are not yet fully understood. We recommend you use contraception while taking this medication for your and your child’s safety. If you are planning to conceive, it is advisable to discontinue this medication at least two months prior. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you may be pregnant or have become pregnant while taking this medication.

Additionally, if you are currently breastfeeding, it is unclear if this medication passes into breast milk, so it is best to avoid use.

If you missed a dose of Wegovy, follow these guidelines:

• If it has been five days or less since your scheduled dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, continue your regular schedule and take the next dose on your scheduled day.
• If it has been more than five days since your scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
• Consider reducing the starting dose for reinitiation if you miss more than one dose.

The Family Chemist prides itself as a competitively priced online pharmacy. We can reassure you as a healthcare provider that we are the lowest price in the market. We offer a FREE weight management service alongside Wegovy to allow our patients to hit their healthy weight targets and set obtainable SMART goals. With this in mind, The Family Chemist has decided not to offer voucher codes for Wegovy purchases.

BUT remember, we offer TheFamilyChemist Rewards Scheme, where you win 1 point for every pound spent by purchasing from The Family Chemist.

We at The Family Chemist offer a FREE scheme called PenCycle, the pre-filled pen recycling initiative brought to you by Novo Nordisk. We are asking for your help to return empty pens, so we can recycle them.

Manufacturers make these pens from high-quality, long-lasting materials that are too valuable to waste. By recycling them, we can help to give these materials a new purpose.

If you use pre-filled Novo Nordisk pens, PenCycling cannot be more straightforward and is entirely free of charge.

How can I PenCycle?

The Family Chemist sends out a PenCycle return box with every order. Use the PenCycle return box to send the empty pens back.

1. Remove the needle from your empty pen and dispose of it carefully in your usual way (do not put the needle in the PenCycle return box)

2. Drop your empty pen in your return box

3. When the return box is full, mail it back to Novo Nordisk free of charge

Please always ensure your pen is empty before dropping it in the box. 

Removing the needle from your empty pen before you drop your pen in the return box is essential – You cannot recycle your pen with the needle still attached.

Your PenCycle return box can hold a maximum of 12 pens.

For more information, please visit https://www.pen-cycle.co.uk.

The Wegovy pen should be kept in the refrigerator at 2-8 degrees for proper storage. After using a pen can be stored at room temperature (below 30 degrees) for one month or returned to the refrigerator. It is important not to freeze the pen.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13800.pdf

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/

https://www.thebos.org/

Wegovy demonstrates a more significant weight loss compared to Saxenda. A manufacturer study on 338 patients showed an average weight loss of 15.8% with Wegovy compared to 6.4% with Saxenda. The weight change in the placebo patients was 1.9%, demonstrating the superior effectiveness of Wegovy added to a lower-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Wegovy and Ozempic both contain the same active ingredient, Semaglutide. Wegovy holds a license for weight management, while Ozempic holds a license for type 2 diabetes treatment. The Family Chemist advises against using Ozempic for weight loss as it reduces availability for type 2 diabetes patients.

 Wegovy and Rybelsus both contain the same active ingredient, Semaglutide. Wegovy holds a license for weight management, and people inject it subcutaneously, but Rybelsus is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and is available in an oral tablet form. The Family Chemist advises against using Rybelsus for weight loss as it reduces availability for type 2 diabetes patients.

If you’re switching from Saxenda to Wegovy, you can begin taking Wegovy 24 hours after your last Saxenda dose. Remember that Wegovy is a once-weekly injection, so you should wait seven days after your first Weogvy dose to administer the next one. Saxenda has a short half-life, so it only remains in your bloodstream for 24 hours; however, Wegovy has a half-life of 7 days and can last much longer.

To reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects, begin with a lower dose of Wegovy 0.25mg prefilled pens, even if you are currently taking the total 3mg dose of Saxenda.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy. Wegovy is the brand name, and Semaglutide is the generic name. Both Ozempic and Rybelsus contain the active ingredient Semaglutide and hold licenses for type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy is available from the NHS only through specialist NHS services. The stock is limited and may only be available for some. Unfortunately, many areas have not yet commissioned these specialist NHS services, so accessing Wegovy under the NHS may not be possible. Additionally, you must meet strict criteria before the NHS can prescribe Wegovy. The criteria is that a patient’s BMI must be over 35 kg/m2 or between 30-35kg/m2 and has weight-related health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Privately, you can purchase Wegovy with a BMI of more than 30kg/m2 or 27-30kg/m2 with weight-related health issues.

There are several alternative medications and approaches to weight management if Wegovy (semaglutide) is not suitable for you or if you’re looking for alternative options. Here are some alternative options to consider:

1. Orlistat (Alli, Xenical): Orlistat is a medication that blocks dietary fat absorption in your digestive tract. It can help with weight loss by reducing the calories your body absorbs from your fat.
2. Liraglutide (Saxenda): Like Wegovy, liraglutide is an injectable medication that can help weight loss. It works by affecting appetite control and digestion.
3. Behavioural Therapy: Weight management often involves changes in diet and exercise habits. Behavioural therapy, either individually or in group settings, can provide valuable strategies and support for making lifestyle changes.
4. Dietary Counseling: Working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist can help you develop a personalized meal plan that aligns with your weight loss goals and dietary preferences.
5. Exercise Programs: Regular physical activity is essential for weight management. Consider engaging in an exercise program or working with a personal trainer to establish a fitness routine.
6. Lifestyle Changes: Small but sustainable changes in your daily habits, such as portion control, mindful eating, and adequate sleep, can contribute significantly to weight loss.
7. Surgical Options: In cases of severe obesity, surgical procedures like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or lap band surgery may be considered a last resort. 

Wegovy, or semaglutide, typically has a relatively long half-life, which means it remains active in your system for an extended period. Wegovy has a half-life of approximately one week, which means your body eliminates half of the medication in about one week.

Because of this long half-life, Wegovy can continue to affect your body for several weeks after you stop taking it. However, the precise duration can vary from person to person based on factors like metabolism and individual differences.

It’s essential to exercise caution and consult with your healthcare provider regarding alcohol consumption while taking Wegovy (semaglutide) or any medication. Here are some important considerations:

1. Potential Interaction: While Wegovy primarily works on appetite control and blood sugar regulation, alcohol can affect your body in various ways, including blood sugar levels. Combining Wegovy with alcohol might have unpredictable effects on your body, so it’s essential to be cautious.
2. Personal Tolerance: People’s tolerance for alcohol can vary widely. Wegovy can affect how your body processes substances, so you may find that your response to alcohol is different while taking this medication.
3. Side Effects: Both Wegovy and alcohol can potentially cause nausea. Combining the two may increase the likelihood of experiencing nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort.
4. Weight Loss Goals: If you are using Wegovy to support your weight loss goals, it’s important to note that alcoholic beverages often contain extra calories and can hinder your progress if consumed excessively.
5. Safety Concerns: Alcohol can impair your judgment and coordination. Avoiding situations where impaired judgment could lead to accidents or risky behaviours is essential.

The Family Chemist does not recommend taking other weight loss medications with Wegovy. It would be best to use Wegovy with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

No, There is no generic alternative to Wegovy. We do not recommend purchasing Ozempic for weight loss because it isn’t licensed for that purpose, and doing so reduces its availability for patients with type 2 diabetes.