Wegovy (injection)
semaglutide · GLP-1 receptor agonist · Novo Nordisk
In short
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk, used for weight reduction and long-term maintenance in adults and children 12+ with obesity, or adults with overweight and a weight-related condition, reduce major cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight and MASH (fatty liver disease) with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis in adults. Schedule: once weekly. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.
What it is used for
- Weight reduction and long-term maintenance in adults and children 12+ with obesity, or adults with overweight and a weight-related condition
- Reduce major cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight
- MASH (fatty liver disease) with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis in adults
Wegovy dosage
Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.
| 1Weeks 1–4 | 0.25 mg weekly |
|---|---|
| 2Weeks 5–8 | 0.5 mg weekly |
| 3Weeks 9–12 | 1 mg weekly |
| 4Weeks 13–16 | 1.7 mg weekly |
| 5Week 17 on | 2.4 mg weekly (or 1.7 mg if 2.4 mg is not tolerated) |
| 6Wegovy HD | 7.2 mg weekly for adults who have tolerated 2.4 mg for at least 4 weeks |
How to take it
Inject under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm on the same day each week.
Storage
Refrigerate 36–46°F (2–8°C). May be kept at up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 28 days. Do not freeze.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion / heartburn
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
Serious — get medical help
- Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
- Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
- Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
- Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
- Serious allergic reactions
- Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
- Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it
Who should not use it
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
- Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
- Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
- Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist
Cost
US self-pay through NovoCare and partners has been about $349/month for 0.25–2.4 mg, with intro offers on starter doses; Wegovy HD self-pay was listed around $399/month. Verify before filling.
How to buy Wegovy legally
- Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
- Fill it at a licensed pharmacy, or through the manufacturer's self-pay pharmacy.
- Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).
Common questions
- What if I miss a Wegovy dose?
- Can you drink alcohol on Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound?
- How long does semaglutide stay in your system?
- What is 'Ozempic face'?
- Does Wegovy or Zepbound cause hair loss?
- What happens when you stop Wegovy or Zepbound?
- Can you take Ozempic or Wegovy while pregnant or trying to conceive?
- Where do you inject Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound?
- How to manage nausea and constipation on GLP-1 medicines
- Semaglutide vs tirzepatide: which is stronger?
- Can Ozempic be prescribed for weight loss?
- When will generic semaglutide be available in the US?
- Generic Ozempic in Canada: what to know
- How to spot fake Ozempic or Wegovy pens
- How long does it take for Wegovy or Zepbound to work?
- What to eat on GLP-1 medicines
- How to store and travel with GLP-1 pens
- Does insurance cover Wegovy, Zepbound or Ozempic?
- Who qualifies for Wegovy or Zepbound?
- How to choose a GLP-1 telehealth provider
Frequently asked questions
Wegovy vs Ozempic: what's the difference?
Same molecule, different approvals and doses. Wegovy is for weight management (up to 2.4 mg, or 7.2 mg as Wegovy HD); Ozempic is for type 2 diabetes (up to 2 mg).
What is Wegovy HD?
A 7.2 mg weekly dose approved in March 2026. In the STEP UP trial it produced about 21% average weight loss versus about 18% for 2.4 mg. Altered skin sensation was more common at the higher dose.
Do I have to stay on Wegovy?
Studies show weight often returns after stopping. Long-term plans should be agreed with your prescriber.
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Sources
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