What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 analogue. It is a weight loss drug produced by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.
Wegovy is an injectable once-a-week drug similar to the natural GLP-1 hormone. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. One function of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which lowers blood glucose (sugar). GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with parts of the brain that reduce appetite and signal a feeling of satiety. It regulates appetite by reducing the feeling of appetite and hunger and increasing the feeling of satiety. This will make you eat less and therefore lose weight.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. One function of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which lowers blood glucose (sugar). GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with parts of the brain that reduce appetite and signal a feeling of satiety.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy, among others. A drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Semaglutide lowers blood sugar. Too much sugar in the blood makes you sick and is harmful to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. It belongs to the incretin-like substances. These ensure that the amount of insulin after a meal is at a better level and that the body releases less sugar.
In the context of the treatment of obesity, semaglutide is prescribed. inIt is used in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise to help overweight or obese people lose weight.
When can Wegovy be prescribed?
Wegovy (semaglutide) can be prescribed for the treatment of obesity in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:
- 30 kg/m² or higher, or
- with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher who have obesity-related complications, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or dyslipidaemia (abnormal blood fat levels).
It is important to know that Wegovy is not intended as a standalone weight loss treatment. It should be used as part of a comprehensive weight management program combining diet, exercise and behavioral modification.
- Ask about the possibilities for financing your treatment
- Possible from € 500,-
When is Wegovy reimbursed by health insurance?
Wegovy is currently not yet reimbursed by Dutch health insurers and is not yet available on the Dutch market.
authorized
This medicine has now been authorized for use in the European Union.
Wegovy dosing schedule
Always use this medicine as your doctor has told you. Wegovy is available in pre-filled pens containing an injectable solution. It is injected under the skin in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once a week. To reduce the risk of symptoms affecting the gut, the weekly dose is gradually increased over 16 weeks.
Find below
you a simple dosing schedule that helps you build up the dosage of the
starting dose of 0.25 mg to the maximum dose of 2.4 mg.
- Week 1 - 4 | 0.25 mg weekly dose
- Week 5 - 8 | 0.5 mg weekly dose
- Week 9 - 12 | 1 mg weekly dose
- Week 13 -16 | 1.7 mg weekly dose
- Maintenance dose 2.4 mg weekly dose
The dosing schedule is designed to reduce the risk of nausea when starting
with Wegovy®. Because you slowly increase the dosage, you can
your body will adjust to the medication and the nausea will usually go away
to decrease. Your doctor may adjust the dosing schedule if you do not get the side effects
can tolerate.
Side effects Wegovy
Like all medications, Wegovy® can cause side effects, although not
everyone will experience it. The most common side effects of Wegovy®
are headache, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting. These side effects
usually disappear after a few days or weeks. A full list of side effects can be found in the information leaflet in the packaging of your Wegovy® pen.
Storage advice
For use:
Wegovy® may be stored outside the refrigerator for up to 28 days at a temperature
below 30°C. Discard the pen if it has been out of the refrigerator for more than 28 days. Do not store in the freezer or near the freezer compartment. When Wegovy® has been frozen, it loses its effect.
When using:
After first use, Wegovy® can be stored for one month below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Keep the cap on the pen in order to protect from light. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date. which is stated on the label of the pen and on the carton after EXP. There is a month and a year. The last day of that month is the expiration date.
Have you forgotten Wegovy® to use?
If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible and within 5 days of the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose should be administered on the usual scheduled day. In either case, patients can then resume their usual weekly dosing schedule. If more doses are missed, the starting dose should be lowered before restarting
considered.
Needles for your Wegovy® pen
Depends on which pen is used. The single-dose pre-filled pen is for single use only.
- Ask about the possibility of financing your treatment
- Possible from € 500,-
- Contact us!
How much does treatment with Wegovy cost?
At the moment, the costs for the drug Wegovy are not yet known.
Make an appointment
For questions or to make an appointment, you can contact us directly by telephone, e-mail or whatsapp.
- 085-400 99 90
- Monday - Friday 8:30 - 17:00
- Whatsapp +31 (0)85 - 400 99 90
