Semaglutide

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Wegovy^®. The information in this article refers to Wegovy. Wegovy is an injectable medication approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. 

It works by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite and food intake. Wegovy is administered once weekly and is intended to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis and is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals​.

Wegovy^® (semaglutide) is indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity:

• To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight

• To reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in:

  • Adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity

  • Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) in adults or pediatric patients aged 12 years and older are:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Indigestion

• Dizziness

• Abdominal distension

• Belching

• Low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes

• Flatulence

• Inflammation of the digestive system

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)

• Inflammation of the nasal cavities and back of the throat

The cost of semaglutide or Wegovy may vary depending on factors such as your insurance plan coverage and which pharmacy you use. The cost of Wegovy without insurance is about $1,350 per month, but manufacturer coupons may be available to lower the price. Insurance plans may cover some of the cost of this medication.

You can get a prescription for Wegovy if a licensed healthcare provider determines that it’s right for you. Depending on your needs, you may choose to consult your primary care provider, a specialist, or a telehealth provider. You can get Wegovy at a local pharmacy, a mail-order pharmacy, or through a telehealth platform.

You can get Wegovy online through the Hers platform if a provider determines it’s right for you.

When you access weight loss medication through the Hers platform, your medication is shipped directly to your door (in temperature-controlled packaging if appropriate). You get all the supplies you need, along with instructional videos, ongoing provider support through the app, and a wealth of holistic health resources like meal plans, recipes, and fitness content. 

Interested in Weight Loss by Hers? Learn more about our comprehensive weight loss programs.

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2

• Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients in Wegovy^®

• Drug interactions: Wegovy^® delays gastric emptying. May impact absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications

• Acute pancreatitis

• Acute gallbladder disease

• Low blood sugar: Concomitant use with insulin or an insulin secretagogue may increase the risk of low blood sugar, including severe low blood sugar

• Acute kidney injury

• Hypersensitivity reactions

• Diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with type 2 diabetes

• Heart rate increase

• Suicidal behavior and ideation

• Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm. When pregnancy is recognized, discontinue Wegovy^®

• Females and males of reproductive potential: Discontinue Wegovy^® at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy because of the long half-life of semaglutide

WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS

In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether Wegovy^® causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.

Wegovy^® is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.

Other drugs are available that can help support weight loss in people with overweight or obesity. Some medications may be better suited to you than others. Consult a provider to learn more about your options. 

Injectable medications:

• Compounded semaglutide** 

• Saxenda (liraglutide)

• Zepbound (tirzepatide)

Oral medications:

• Metformin 

• Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion)

• Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release)

• Xenical and Alli^® (orlistat)

**Compounded semaglutide is not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA.

*This information is from the label for brand name Wegovy^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy^®, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient semaglutide.