Wegovy

Description

Who can use Wegovy?

Wegovy may be suitable for people who have:

• A BMI of 30 or above, or
• A BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related health condition

At The Family Chemist, our clinicians will review your BMI and medical history to check whether Wegovy is safe and suitable for you.

Although Wegovy is licensed for people aged 12 and over, The Family Chemist only provides this treatment to adults aged 18 and over.

Who cannot use Wegovy? 

Whilst Wegovy is a fully licensed treatment option, it may not be suitable for everyone. 

• Allergies: If you’re sensitive or allergic to semaglutide or any of Wegovy’s ingredients, you should avoid using it. 

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Wegovy, and all GLP-1s are not safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should use effective contraception during treatment and avoid conceiving whilst on Wegovy and for at least 8 weeks after your last dose. Its effects on the unborn baby are unknown and we therefore advise that you stop treatment immediately if you find out you are pregnant. 

• Type 1 Diabetes or Diabetic Retinopathy: Wegovy is not an insulin substitute but may impact glucose control, this can negatively affect diabetes control and worsen eye symptoms.  

• History of Thyroid Cancer: If you have a personal, or family history of thyroid cancer (Medullary thyroid Carcinoma), you should avoid using Wegovy. Trials suggest it may increase risk of developing thyroid tumours. 

• Those under 18 or over 75 years of age. 

• Those suffering from liver or kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, history of pancreatitis, severe stomach or gut problems (including gastroparesis) or severe inflammatory bowel disease. 

If you’re unsure whether Wegovy is right for you, please consult a healthcare professional. Always disclose all existing medications and conditions when completing your consultation. 

How does Wegovy work? 

Wegovy contains semaglutide, which works in a similar way to a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1. This hormone helps control appetite and how full you feel after eating.

By copying the effects of GLP-1, Wegovy can help you feel less hungry, reduce cravings, and feel fuller for longer. This may help you eat fewer calories and lose weight over time.

Wegovy may also support healthier eating habits by helping you feel more in control of your food choices. This can make it easier to manage hunger, reduce eating for pleasure, and build long-term habits that support weight loss.

How to inject Wegovy 

Wegovy is a once-weekly injection, we advise injecting on the same day of the week. You will always start from the lowest dose of 0.25mg and increase gradually. Each Wegovy pen has 4 doses and will last for 4 weeks of treatment.