Semaglutide injections for weight loss

About semaglutide

Semaglutide very closely resembles a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that is released in your intestines after eating a meal. This hormone tells your brain that you have eaten something. Semaglutide works by stimulating the receptors in your brain that control appetite. This makes you feel fuller or less hungry with fewer cravings for food, helping you to eat less and lose weight.

Semaglutide should only be used as an addition to a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity. Ask your doctor for advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Semaglutide also has other effects on your body. It increases the amount of insulin produced by your body, which then reduces the level of sugar in your blood. It also works on your stomach so that food passes more slowly through it, making you feel fuller for longer.

Semaglutide is also used to treat type 2 diabetes. If you are using semaglutide for this reason, see our separate medicine leaflet called Semaglutide for diabetes.

Before starting semaglutide treatment

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start treatment with semaglutide it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding.

• If you have a problem with your stomach or digestive system.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works or the way your kidneys work.

• If you have an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.

• If you have ever had an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use semaglutide injections (Wegovy®)

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack as well as any information you are given by your doctor or diabetes clinic. The manufacturer's leaflet will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience.

• Use Wegovy® exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor or a nurse will show you how to inject yourself. Wegovy® should be injected into the skin on your upper arms, thigh, or tummy (abdomen). Try to choose a different injection site for each of your injections. This will help to prevent skin problems and difficulties in injecting.

• After each injection, remove the needle to help prevent problems with blockage, leakage or infection.

• Wegovy® should be injected once each week, on the same day each week. Each pre-filled pen provides a single dose. The injection can be given at any time of the day, and it can be given either before or after a meal. It is best to have your doses around the same time each day.

• There are several different strengths of semaglutide injection. You will start with a 0.25 mg dose once a week for four weeks, followed by 0.5 mg once a week for at least another four weeks. Provided you are not experiencing side-effects your dose will be increased every four weeks until you reach a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg.

• If you forget to use the injection on your usual day, use it as soon as you remember and keep to your normal weekly schedule. However, if it has been more than five days since the missed dose, skip the forgotten dose and take your next dose when it is due.

• You can change the day of your scheduled dose as long as you leave at least three days (72 hours) between doses. For example, if your dose is usually scheduled for Monday morning you could change it to Thursday morning at the earliest. Then continue each week on Thursdays.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It is important that you keep your regular doctor's and clinic appointments. This is so that your progress can be monitored.

• It is important for you to drink plenty while you are using semaglutide. Adults should aim to drink at least two litres (about 8-10 cups) of fluid per day. Most sorts of drink will do but as a start, try just drinking a glass of water 3-4 times a day in addition to what you normally drink.

• Try to eat a balanced diet containing high-fibre foods such as wholemeal and wholegrain breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables, brown rice and wholemeal pasta. If you are not used to a high-fibre diet, it may be best to increase the amount of fibre you eat gradually.

• The NHS recommends 150 minutes of physical activity per week - that's 30 minutes, five days a week. Ask your doctor or a pharmacist for advice about increasing your physical activity. It is best to start slowly and build up your level of activity over a period of a few weeks.

Can semaglutide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with semaglutide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store semaglutide injections

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store unopened packs of pre-filled pens in a fridge. Do not freeze the pens and do not use them if you think they have been accidentally frozen.

• Once in use you can keep the pre-filled pen at room temperature for up to six weeks. Keep the cap on the pen to protect the medicine from light.

Important information about all medicines