Adults who have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater (with obesity) or a BMI of 27 kg/m² and less than 30 kg/m² (overweight) and weight-related health problems are likely to be eligible for the Wegovy weight loss treatment. Book a consultation with your pharmacist to find out if you’re eligible.

Like all medicines, this Wegovy can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain

These are usually mild and will usually go away over time.

Common: may affect between 1 in 100 people:

• Dizziness
• Gastritis
• Reflux
• Dyspepsia
• Flatulence
• Abdominal distension
• Cholelithiasis
• Hair loss
• Injection site reaction

Patients with Type 2 diabetes may experience diabetic retinopathy or hypoglycaemia.

The duration of Wegovy's side effects can differ for each person. However, any side effects you might experience are usually temporary, lasting from a few days to a few weeks.

If you notice any side effects or have concerns, please talk to your pharmacist.

How long it takes to observe noticeable changes varies between individuals, and depends on factors including your diet and physical activity level.

Wegovy is currently only available through specialist NHS clinics with strict eligibility criteria. However free consultations are available online and at your local pharmacy where you can discuss private treatment and check if you’re eligible for Wegovy.

It’s recommended that you take Wegovy on the same day every week. If you decide to change the day of the week that you take Wegovy, you can as long as your last dose was given three or more days (over 72 hours) before.

It is possible to drink alcohol in moderation while using Wegovy. However as alcohol is linked to weight gain, it is counterproductive to drink alcohol during your treatment. It may also increase your risk of experiencing side effects. Your pharmacist will discuss your current habits and make bespoke recommendations for you.

Learn more about alcohol awareness

Your pharmacist will take time to show you how to use your pen before you receive your supply. This is a summary of how to use the pen:

1. Remove the cap, check the pen and that the medication looks clear and colourless.
2. Unpack a new NovoTwist needle, screw onto the pen, and remove both caps (keep the outer cap for later)
3. Before the first injection, check the flow by turning the dose selector to the dotted line, and pressing the dose button. The dose selector should turn back to 0mg, and there should be a drop of medication at the tip of the needle.
4. Turn the dose selector to the appropriate dose.
5. Press the needle onto the skin. (Use the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen) and press the dose button. (Count to six slowly, and make sure the dose counter goes back to 0mg.) Wait until you hear a click before you remove the pen from the skin.
6. Replace the outer needle cap, unscrew it, immediately dispose of it in the sharps bin, and replace the pen cap.

Wegovy only works effectively when you maintain a healthy diet. This includes your five a day, plenty of protein, fibre, and nutrients. Your pharmacist will help you plan a realistic diet plan prepared for your weight loss journey.

More than one in ten people who use Wegovy may experience tiredness during their treatment. 

Unused Wegovy pens must be stored in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Do not freeze. If you accidentally freeze your Wegovy pen, do not use it.

Used Wegovy pens may be stored at room temperature up to 30 degrees Celsius for up to 30 days before they must be discarded.

If you feel you aren’t losing weight whilst on Wegovy, there are various reasons this may be.

1. You need to ensure you’re maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, as well as exercising regularly. Wegovy only works effectively when you make positive lifestyle changes.
2. Your dosage isn’t high enough – speak to your pharmacist to learn more about increasing your dosage and if this is appropriate for you.
3. Wegovy may not show results immediately. Everyone’s body is different and will lose weight at different rates. If you aren’t seeing the results you would like, speak to your pharmacist.
4. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, limit your alcohol intake and avoid smoking.

If you haven’t lost at least 5% of your initial body weight at six months, your pharmacist will discuss with you whether treatment should continue.

Wegovy is not suitable for people in the following categories:

• Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Aged under 18 or 75 or over
• Have a current or previous diagnosis of an eating disorder
• End-stage renal disease
• Severe hepatic impairment
• Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
• Congestive heart failure
• Pancreatitis
• Patients taking any other weight management product

If a dose of Wegovy is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible within five days from when it is usually administered.

If more than five days have passed, the missed dose should be skipped, and the next dose administered on the regularly scheduled day.