Wegovy
Medication features
- This product is a prescription-only medication and is not available for purchase by the general public. Always consult a doctor before use.
NOTE: After selecting this product, you will need to complete a short assessment, so we can make sure this medication is suitable for you.
Overview
Wegovy Australia
Wegovy is prescription only medication available in Australia. It can only be prescribed by a registered Australian doctor who can review your suitability for treatment. If prescribed, a pharmacy can then dispense your treatment. Suitability assessment and treatment decisions including repeat prescriptions are at the discretion of the prescribing doctor.
If you are not eligible for any reason, your doctor will provide some additional medical advice and discuss alternative options. Prescriptions, resources and support should be provided by a robust healthcare team for the best outcomes.
Its active ingredient is semaglutide classified as a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist.
Wegovy Summary
| Dose | Inject as directed ONCE weekly. |
| Type of medicine | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist |
| Form | Wegovy Injection Pen |
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide |
| Side Effects | Can include nausea, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. |
*Always follow your doctor's directions for use. For a full list of potential side effects read the consumer medicine information.
How long does Wegovy take to work?
Individual results can vary. In a 68 week medical study a total of 83.5% of participants were able to maintain or exceed at least 5% change over that period. In a 104 week medical study patients who combined Wegovy with behavioural intervention, on average lost and maintained a 15% change.
Noticeable results will take time and must be supported by a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How to get Wegovy in Australia?
This product is not available for purchase by the general public. Wegovy is a prescription-only medication in Australia. It can be prescribed by any registered doctor to those who fit the prescribing criteria. Patients can consult a registered Australian doctor to determine what options are suitable for them.
How does Wegovy’s dosing work?
Wegovy dose is slowly increased to the maintenance dose in order to minimise the potential side effects of treatment. Over a period of 5 months, the dose may be increased once every month to a maintenance dose of 2.4mg once weekly. Some patients may be instructed differently by the doctor depending on whether they experience side effects and their results. Always follow your prescribing doctor's directions for use.
Once on the maintenance dose, continue until the treatment period ends as decided by your doctor.
| Week | Dose to Inject |
| Week 1-4 | 0.25mg once weekly |
| Week 5-8 | 0.5mg once weekly |
| Week 9-12 | 1mg once weekly |
| Week 13-16 | 1.7mg once weekly |
| Week 17+ | 2.4mg once weekly |
How long does a Wegovy pen last?
The packs have one pen with four once-weekly doses, lasting 28 days.
FAQ
How to use Wegovy?
Use your treatment as directed by your healthcare provider. Generally, Wegovy is injected into the fat tissue around your lower abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The consumer medicines information contains further information on how to inject Wegovy.
Do I need needles with Wegovy?
No, Wegovy pens come with 4 single-use disposable needles, one for each weekly dose.
How to dispose of your used Wegovy pen needles?
As Wegovy is a medical device with a needle, you should not dispose of the used, removed needle in the regular rubbish. Instead, place it in a sealed container or sharps bin. You can buy these from most community pharmacies.
Are Wegovy and Ozempic the same?
While both medicines contain semaglutide, they are approved for different medical conditions. Only use medicines as prescribed by a doctor for the condition they are indicated to treat.
Side Effects
Wegovy Side Effects
Wegovy, like all medicines, has the potential to cause side effects in some patients. Patients will experience these differently and it is important that you report all side effects to the doctor for advice. Side effects of Wegovy are typically worst at the start of treatment and slowly improve over time.
The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, headaches, diarrhoea and constipation.
Other side effects can include dizziness, stomach upset, flatulence, bloating, heartburn and fatigue.
There are rare but much more severe side effects that may require you to discontinue Wegovy or seek immediate medical attention. Always report your side effects to your doctor and report for medical attention if required.
For a compelte list of potential side effects, read the full consumer medicine information leaflet or consult your doctor.
Warnings & Precautions
Wegovy should not be used by anyone with an allergy or severe intolerance to semaglutide or any other listed ingredients. There are a number of medical conditions or situations where Wegovy may not be suitable for some patients. It is important to provide your doctor with an accurate and thorough medical history to ensure they can assess whether treatment is right for you.
Info Leaflet
Before using any medicine, it is recommended to read the consumer medicine information leaflet.
