Doctors who prescribe Wegovy near me. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication that can help adults and children aged 12 years and older with obesity or excess weight.
It’s an injectable medicine that can help you lose weight and improve your overall health.
To take Wegovy, you’ll need a prescription from a doctor, such as your primary care physician or endocrinologist.
Any doctor can prescribe Wegovy, but some doctors or physician assistants who specialize in weight loss may be more knowledgeable about it.
If you’re having trouble finding a doctor who can prescribe Wegovy, you can try using a service like Push Health.
However, it’s important to note that there is currently a Wegovy shortage, and it may be difficult to find the medication in the three smallest pens.
Understanding Wegovy
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription medication that is used to help adults and children aged 12 years and above with obesity or excess weight to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
It contains the drug semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Semaglutide is similar to a hormone called GLP-1, which is naturally produced in the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
Wegovy is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company that specializes in diabetes care and other chronic diseases.
It was approved by the FDA in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults when used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 in the body. GLP-1 is a hormone that is released by the intestines after a meal, and it helps to regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas.
It also helps to reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness, which can lead to a reduction in food intake and weight loss.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist that is injected once a week.
It works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, which helps to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
It also slows down the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach, which can further reduce appetite and promote weight loss.
FDA Approval Of Wegovy
Wegovy was approved by the FDA in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or excess weight.
The approval was based on the results of several clinical trials, which showed that Wegovy was effective in helping people lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
In one clinical trial, people who took Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% for those who took a placebo.
The most common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking Wegovy to make sure it is safe and appropriate for you.
Who Can Use Wegovy?
If you’re struggling with obesity or excess weight, you may be wondering if Wegovy is right for you. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility and who should not use Wegovy.
Eligibility For Wegovy
Wegovy is a prescription medication that may help adults and children aged 12 years and older with obesity (BMI ≥30 for adults, BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex for children), or some adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems to help them lose weight.
However, it’s important to note that Wegovy is not a magic solution for weight loss. It should be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
Before taking Wegovy, your doctor will evaluate your medical history, current medications, and any other health conditions you may have.
They may also perform blood tests to check your kidney function and thyroid function. Additionally, they may measure your blood pressure, heart rate, and waist circumference to determine your eligibility.
Who Should Not Use Wegovy?
While Wegovy can be an effective weight loss tool for many people, it’s not suitable for everyone. You should not use Wegovy if:
- You have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer
- You have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- You have a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- You are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredients in Wegovy
- You have a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder problems
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should also avoid using Wegovy. It’s not known if Wegovy can harm an unborn baby.
In summary, if you’re struggling with obesity or excess weight and have a weight-related medical condition, Wegovy may be a helpful tool in your weight loss journey.
However, it’s important to discuss your eligibility and any potential risks with your doctor before starting treatment.
How Is Wegovy Administered?
If you are prescribed Wegovy, you may be wondering how it is administered. The medication comes in an injectable form, which means you will need to give yourself injections at home.
Here is what you need to know about administering Wegovy.
Wegovy Pen
Wegovy is administered using a prefilled pen that contains the medication. The pen is designed for single use only and should be disposed of after each injection. The pen is easy to use and comes with instructions on how to inject the medication.
To use the Wegovy pen, you will need to attach a new needle to the pen each time you inject the medication. The pen has a dial that allows you to set the dose of the medication.
Once you have set the dose, you will need to inject the medication into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
Dosage of Wegovy
The dosage of Wegovy will depend on your individual needs and the recommendation of your healthcare provider. The medication is typically administered once a week, and the dose may be increased over time.
Wegovy comes in a prefilled pen that contains 2.4 mg of the medication. The pen is designed to deliver a single dose of the medication.
Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose for you based on your weight and other factors.
It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for administering Wegovy. Do not change the dose or frequency of the medication without first consulting with your healthcare provider.
In summary, Wegovy is administered using a prefilled pen that contains the medication. The pen is easy to use and comes with instructions on how to inject the medication.
The dosage of Wegovy will depend on your individual needs and the recommendation of your healthcare provider.
Side Effects Of Wegovy
When you start taking Wegovy, you may experience some side effects. It is important to be aware of these side effects so that you can manage them and know when to seek medical attention. In this section, we will discuss the common and serious side effects of Wegovy.
Common Side Effects
Some of the common side effects that you may experience when taking Wegovy include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Gas
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
Most of these side effects are mild and will go away on their own within a few days or weeks. However, if these side effects persist or become severe, you should contact your doctor.
Serious Side Effects
While rare, there are some serious side effects that you should be aware of when taking Wegovy. These include:
- Allergic reactions
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Increased heart rate
If you experience any of these serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately. Allergic reactions can be life-threatening, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms. These can include:
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
Low blood sugar can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, sweating, and shaking. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should eat or drink something that contains sugar right away.
Increased heart rate can cause symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
In conclusion, while Wegovy can be an effective weight loss medication, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects.
Most of these side effects are mild and will go away on their own, but if you experience any serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Warnings and Precautions
When taking Wegovy, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. Before starting treatment, your doctor will discuss these risks with you and determine if Wegovy is the right choice for you. Here are some important warnings and precautions to keep in mind:
Thyroid Tumors and Cancer
Wegovy has been associated with an increased risk of thyroid tumors, including a rare type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
MTC is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not detected early. Wegovy should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Your doctor will perform a blood test to check your thyroid function before starting Wegovy and periodically during treatment.
If the test shows abnormal results, your doctor may recommend further testing, including a thyroid ultrasound or biopsy.
Other Warnings
In addition to the risk of thyroid tumors and cancer, Wegovy may also cause other serious side effects, including pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Symptoms of pancreatitis may include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.
Other potential side effects of Wegovy include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend other treatments to help manage your symptoms.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking Wegovy. Do not take more than the prescribed dose or use the medication for longer than recommended.
If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Interactions with Wegovy
When taking any medication, it is important to be aware of potential interactions with other drugs, diseases, and even food. Wegovy (semaglutide) is no exception. Here are some things to keep in mind when taking Wegovy:
Drug Interactions
There are 247 drugs known to interact with Wegovy, including 2 major, 224 moderate, and 21 minor interactions.
It is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Some medications known to interact with Wegovy include:
- Insulin
- Oral diabetes medications
- Blood thinners
- Certain antibiotics
- Certain antidepressants
Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of Wegovy or other medications to avoid potential interactions.
Disease Interactions
In addition to drug interactions, there are also 6 disease interactions to be aware of when taking Wegovy. These include:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Pancreatitis
- Renal impairment
- Thyroid disease
- Type 1 diabetes
If you have any of these conditions, your doctor may need to monitor you more closely or adjust your dosage of Wegovy.
Alcohol/Food Interactions
There are also 2 alcohol/food interactions to be aware of when taking Wegovy. Alcohol may increase the risk of pancreatitis when taken with Wegovy.
Additionally, high-fat meals may delay the absorption of Wegovy, so it is recommended to take it on an empty stomach.
Overall, it is important to inform your doctor of all medications, supplements, and medical conditions you have before starting Wegovy. This will help ensure that you are taking it safely and effectively.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
If you’re considering taking Wegovy, one of the most important things to consider is the cost and insurance coverage. Here’s what you need to know:
Insurance Coverage
Wegovy is a prescription medication for chronic weight management. The cost of Wegovy can vary depending on your insurance coverage.
It’s important to check with your insurance provider to confirm the accuracy of coverage information provided through online resources.
To check your insurance coverage, you can use the Wegovy online resource or enter basic information on the NovoCare website. You can also call your insurance provider directly to confirm your coverage.
Savings and Coupons
If you’re worried about the cost of Wegovy, there are savings options available. You can check for coupons and savings cards on the Wegovy website or through other online resources.
You may also be able to save money on Wegovy through your insurance provider. Some insurance plans offer discounts or copay assistance for prescription medications. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any savings options for Wegovy.
Conclusion
When it comes to the cost and insurance coverage of Wegovy, there are options available to help you save money.
Check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and look for coupons and savings cards to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Doctors Who Prescribe Wegovy Near Me
If you’re looking for a doctor who prescribes Wegovy near you, there are a few options to consider.
Whether you prefer to see a doctor in person or use telemedicine, there are ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Wegovy to help you with your weight loss goals.
Local Doctors
One option is to search for local doctors who prescribe Wegovy. You can start by checking with your primary care physician or family doctor to see if they are able to prescribe this medication. If they are not able to, they may be able to refer you to a doctor who can.
You can also search online for doctors in your area who prescribe Wegovy. Some helpful websites to check include Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and WebMD.
These sites allow you to search for doctors by location and specialty, making it easy to find a doctor who can prescribe Wegovy near you.
Telemedicine Options
Another option is to use telemedicine to get a prescription for Wegovy. Telemedicine allows you to see a doctor virtually, which can be a convenient option if you don’t have a doctor who prescribes Wegovy in your area or if you prefer the convenience of seeing a doctor from the comfort of your own home.
There are a number of telemedicine providers that offer weight loss consultations and prescriptions for Wegovy.
Some popular options include Invigor Medical, PlushCare, and SteadyMD. These providers offer virtual consultations with licensed doctors who can prescribe Wegovy if they determine it is appropriate for you.
When using telemedicine, it’s important to make sure you choose a reputable provider that employs licensed doctors and follows all applicable laws and regulations.
In conclusion, whether you prefer to see a doctor in person or use telemedicine, there are options available if you’re looking for a doctor who prescribes Wegovy near you.
By doing your research and choosing a reputable provider, you can get the help you need to reach your weight loss goals.
Key Takeaways
If you’re looking for a doctor who prescribes Wegovy near you, there are a few key takeaways to keep in mind.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that Wegovy is a weight loss medication that works best when used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
This means that finding a doctor who specializes in weight management and can provide guidance on physical activity and low-calorie diets is essential.
When searching for a doctor who prescribes Wegovy, it’s also important to consider your overall health and wellness goals.
While losing weight can have numerous health benefits, it’s important to approach weight loss in a safe and sustainable way.
This means working with a doctor who can help you develop a personalized plan that takes into account your unique health needs and goals.
Another key takeaway when it comes to finding a doctor who prescribes Wegovy is to do your research.
Look for doctors who have experience prescribing the medication and who have a good track record of helping patients achieve their weight loss goals.
You may also want to consider factors such as location, availability, and insurance coverage when choosing a doctor.
Overall, finding a doctor who prescribes Wegovy can be an important step towards achieving your weight loss goals.
By working with a knowledgeable and experienced healthcare provider, you can develop a personalized plan that takes into account your unique needs and goals, and that helps you achieve long-term success in maintaining a healthy weight.