Wegovy® Weight Loss Injection Overview
Learn about the use of Wegovy injection as a medication for weight loss, including dosage, administration, and expected outcomes. Losing weight and keeping it off can be very hard. Some people find it an impossible task and feel frustrated and helpless. Many times lifestyle choices greatly contribute to an individual’s weight gain issues. However, there are those who, despite their diet and exercise attempts. Conversely, can not seem to lose and maintain a healthy weight. Similarly, sometimes people need a little help their hard work and discipline pay off. Wegovy® may be able to give you the help you need to lose and maintain a healthy weight.
What is Wegovy® Injection?
Wegovy® is a brand name for the prescription medication Semaglutide. Furthermore, originally approved by the FDA in 2017 in low doses for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, it was very effective in controlling patients’ blood sugar and many of them lost weight as a side benefit. In June of 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy injection at higher doses. For use in weight loss patients and the treatment of obesity.
How does Wegovy® Injection Work?
Wegovy® is a medication that mimics natural GLP-1 (a glucagon-like peptide-1). The body produces a hormone that works with the digestive system. In addition to this, regulates blood sugar through the secretion of natural insulin. GLP-1 also helps control the process of gastric emptying and how long you feel full after eating. Wegovy injection can help make losing weight a bit easier by helping control the patient’s appetite and metabolism. When used with a healthy diet and regular exercise regime Wegovy is highly effective in assisting patients with weight loss.
How Do Doctors Administer Wegovy Injection?
Administer Wegovy injections once a week on a schedule. Especially using the same day of the week and at around the same time of day. Administer Wegovy (Semaglutide) injections under the skin in the stomach/abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It is best to change injection locations for each dose so the area does not become irritated.
The Wegovy® Injection Pen Overview
Wegovy® is available by prescription and comes in a pre-filled single-use injection pen with the dose pre-measured for the patient. Each Wegovy injection pen designed for single use. Afterward, the user must properly discard it.
Wegovy Injection Implications
Administer the Wegovy injections subcutaneously. It means under the skin, and never into a vein or a muscle. Most patients find it easiest to pinch a bit of skin & fat between their fingers. Then administer the shot to the skin located on the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Besides this, changing the location of the exact injection site week to week will help mitigate tenderness or skin irritation.
Wegovy Injection Dosing Schedule
When using Wegovy® medication for weight loss. Patients begin with a low dose and work their way gradually up to a higher dose. Increasing the dose gradually helps acclimate the medication to the body and digestive system. Eventually reducing the common side effects of nausea. Although, patients begin their weight loss assistance. With a 0.25 mg dose of Wegovy medication weekly for the first four weeks. The dose increases each subsequent month until it reaches the maximum weekly dose of 2.4 mg. Some patients may find it difficult to adjust to the higher dose, so individuals can use an adjusted schedule.
Who is the Candidate for Wegovy® Injection?
Wegovy injection approved for use in adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of:
- 30 or higher – an individual with a heavy body weight.
- 27 or higher – individuals with a heavier body weight. Additionally, experience a secondary condition related to carrying excess weight such as type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy intended for use under medical supervision. Along with a restricted-calorie diet and consistent exercise program.
Who is not a Candidate for Wegovy®?
Wegovy injection is NOT a good choice for individuals if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have the rare genetic syndrome MEN2.
- You are currently using another GLP-1 medication.
- Are allergic to any ingredients contained in Wegovy®.
- You have health issues with your kidneys or pancreas.
- Have a family or personal history of MTC thyroid cancer.
What are the Benefits of Wegovy® Injection?
- Helps patients feel full by slowing down gastric emptying.
- Works to suppress appetite so patients do not eat as much.
- Assists in insulin level regulation to help reduce fat storage and promote the burning of body fat.
What are the Side Effects of Wegovy® Injection?
The most common side effects patients who are using Wegovy injection experience:
- Upset Stomach.
- Nausea or Vomiting.
- Abdominal Discomfort.
- Diarrhea or Constipation.
- Headache, Fatigue, or Dizziness.
More information regarding potential side effects available on the Wegovy® Website.
How Much Does Wegovy® Injection Cost?
Wegovy injection cost will vary by patient and the dose required. The patient’s actual cost influenced by insurance coverage, geographical location, and the pharmacy used. Indeed, insurance companies may require pre-authorization before covering the expense of Wegovy injections. However, some patients may be eligible for a 90-day supply of Wegovy® weight loss injections. Hence, may reduce the cost as well as trips to the pharmacy.
Where Can I Get Wegovy® Injection?
IBI Healthcare Institute offers Wegovy® weight loss medication treatments in combination. As a part of an extensive medical weight loss program in both Georgia and Florida. Wegovy weight loss injections designed to work alongside a comprehensive program for weight loss. Lastly, it also includes a low-calorie healthy diet and routine exercise program. Nonetheless, call us or set up a consultation today to determine the candidacy for Wegovy. Lastly, you can also take various weight loss quizzes and try calculators on our resources page.
