If you’re considering WeGovy as a weight loss solution, you may be wondering who can prescribe Wegovy.
WeGovy is a prescription-only medication, which means you’ll need a licensed healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, to prescribe it for you.
In order to qualify for a WeGovy prescription, you must meet certain criteria. WeGovy is typically prescribed to adults and children aged 12 and older with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems.
Pediatric patients must have an initial BMI at ≥95th percentile standardized for age and sex.
It’s important to note that WeGovy is not a standalone weight loss solution. It is intended to be used as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Your healthcare provider will evaluate your individual weight loss needs and determine if WeGovy is the right choice for you.
Understanding Wegovy
If you are considering prescribing Wegovy, there are a few things you should know. Wegovy is a medication that contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
It is FDA-approved for use in adults and children aged 12 years and older who have a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with weight-related medical problems.
Wegovy is similar to another medication called Ozempic, which also contains semaglutide. However, Wegovy is specifically formulated for weight loss, while Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
When prescribing Wegovy, it is important to follow the dosing and administration guidelines carefully. Wegovy is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection.
Each pack contains four pens, one for each week, and comes in five different strengths.
As with any medication, there are potential side effects associated with Wegovy. Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as pancreatitis may occur.
It is important to note that Wegovy should not be used as a standalone treatment for weight loss. It should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Overall, Wegovy can be an effective tool for weight loss in eligible patients. As always, it is important to carefully consider each patient’s individual needs and medical history before prescribing any medication.
Eligibility For Wegovy Prescription
If you are struggling with obesity or overweight and have tried to lose weight through exercise and diet without success, you may be eligible for a Wegovy prescription.
Wegovy is a prescription medicine that helps with weight loss by reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness.
To be eligible for a Wegovy prescription, you must meet certain criteria. These criteria include:
- Being 12 years of age or older
- Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher for adults or a BMI of 95th percentile or higher for children
- Having a BMI of 27 or higher for adults with weight-related medical problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
Before prescribing Wegovy, your healthcare provider will evaluate your medical history and current health status to determine if the medication is right for you.
They may also perform blood tests and physical exams to ensure that you do not have any underlying health conditions that could be affected by the medication.
It is important to note that Wegovy is not a magic pill for weight loss. It is intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen to achieve long-term weight loss goals.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend additional lifestyle modifications to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
In summary, if you have obesity or overweight and have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise, you may be eligible for a Wegovy prescription.
However, it is important to discuss your eligibility with your healthcare provider and follow their instructions carefully to achieve the best possible results.
Administration And Dosage
When it comes to administering Wegovy, it is important to follow the prescribed dose-escalation schedule. This schedule is designed with the patient in mind and allows them to adjust to the treatment gradually.
The initial dose of Wegovy is 0.25 mg, which is injected subcutaneously once a week.
After the first four weeks, the dose is increased to 0.5 mg and then 1 mg after another four weeks. Finally, after 16 weeks, the dose is increased to the full dose of 2.4 mg.
It is important to note that Wegovy should be administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Patients should be instructed on proper injection technique and should rotate the injection site to avoid lipodystrophy.
Additionally, patients should be instructed on how to use the Wegovy pen. The pen should be stored in the refrigerator until the first use, after which it can be stored at room temperature for up to four weeks.
Patients should be instructed to check the pen for any visible particles or discoloration before use and to never share the pen with anyone else.
If a dose is missed, patients should be instructed to take it as soon as they remember, unless it is less than three days before the next scheduled dose.
In that case, they should skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule.
Common adverse reactions to Wegovy include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, and fatigue. Patients should be advised to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any persistent or severe side effects.
Overall, it is important to follow the prescribed dose-escalation schedule and injection instructions to ensure the safe and effective use of Wegovy.
Potential Side Effects Of Wegovy
Wegovy is a medication that is used to treat obesity. Like any medication, it can cause side effects.
Here are some of the potential side effects that you may experience while taking Wegovy:
- Nausea: Some people may experience mild to moderate nausea while taking Wegovy. This side effect usually goes away on its own after a few weeks of treatment.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is another common side effect of Wegovy. If you experience diarrhea, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Vomiting: Vomiting is another potential side effect of Wegovy. If you experience vomiting, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Constipation: Constipation is a less common side effect of Wegovy. If you experience constipation, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods that are high in fiber.
- Headache: Some people may experience headaches while taking Wegovy. If you experience a headache, you can take over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain.
- Pain: Pain is another potential side effect of Wegovy. If you experience pain, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is a less common side effect of Wegovy. If you experience dizziness, be sure to sit or lie down until the dizziness passes.
- Gas: Some people may experience gas while taking Wegovy. If you experience gas, be sure to avoid foods that are known to cause gas, such as beans and broccoli.
- Heartburn: Heartburn is another potential side effect of Wegovy. If you experience heartburn, be sure to avoid spicy or acidic foods, and try taking an over-the-counter antacid.
- Dehydration: Dehydration is a potential side effect of diarrhea and vomiting. If you experience either of these side effects, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Stomach pain: Stomach pain is another potential side effect of Wegovy. If you experience stomach pain, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
- Bloating: Bloating is another potential side effect of Wegovy. If you experience bloating, be sure to avoid foods that are known to cause bloating, such as beans and broccoli.
- Severe rash: A severe rash is a rare but serious side effect of Wegovy. If you experience a severe rash, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider right away.
- Rapid heartbeat: Rapid heartbeat is another rare but serious side effect of Wegovy. If you experience a rapid heartbeat, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Remember, not everyone will experience side effects while taking Wegovy. If you do experience side effects, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Serious Health Risks
If you are considering taking WEGOVY, it’s important to be aware of some serious health risks associated with this medication.
While WEGOVY can be an effective treatment for weight management, it’s not suitable for everyone.
One of the most significant health risks associated with WEGOVY is the potential for thyroid tumors. If you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), you should not take WEGOVY.
If you experience symptoms such as a mass in the neck, dysphagia, or dyspnea, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Another potential risk associated with WEGOVY is pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
If you experience these symptoms while taking WEGOVY, you should seek medical attention right away.
In some cases, WEGOVY can also cause allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, itching, swelling, and shortness of breath.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop taking WEGOVY and seek medical attention immediately.
Other potential health risks associated with WEGOVY include heart rate changes, suicidal thoughts, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar, depression, fatigue, kidney problems, stomach flu, severe rash, and increased heart rate.
It’s important to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider before starting treatment with WEGOVY.
It’s also worth noting that WEGOVY carries a boxed warning, which is the FDA’s strongest warning for prescription drugs.
This warning indicates that WEGOVY can increase the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, which can be fatal. As such, WEGOVY should only be used in patients for whom the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
In conclusion, while WEGOVY can be an effective treatment for weight management, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with this medication.
If you have any concerns about taking WEGOVY, speak to your healthcare provider.
Lifestyle And Dietary Considerations
When taking Wegovy, it is important to remember that it is not a magic pill. To achieve the best results, you should couple it with lifestyle and dietary changes.
Here are some things to consider:
Appetite
Wegovy works by reducing your appetite, but you may still feel hungry at times.
To help manage your appetite, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. This can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Diet
To increase the effectiveness of Wegovy, you should follow a healthy, balanced diet. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. You should also avoid processed and high-fat foods, as well as sugary drinks and snacks.
Exercise And Increased Physical Activity
In addition to following a healthy diet, it is important to incorporate exercise and increased physical activity into your daily routine. This can help you burn more calories and lose weight more quickly.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week.
Calories
To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit, which means burning more calories than you consume. Wegovy can help you eat less by reducing your appetite, but you still need to be mindful of your calorie intake.
Use a food diary or tracking app to keep track of what you eat and how many calories you consume.
Overall, while taking Wegovy, it is important to make healthy lifestyle changes to achieve the best results.
By following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and being mindful of your calorie intake, you can maximize the benefits of this medication and achieve your weight loss goals.
Insurance And Cost Considerations
If you are considering taking Wegovy, it is important to consider your insurance coverage and the cost of the medication.
All health insurance plans are different when it comes to weight-management medications, so it helps to see if your plan covers Wegovy and get your estimated cost.
Using the WeGoTogether savings offer from Novo Nordisk, people with health insurance coverage may pay as little as $0 per 28-day supply of Wegovy, and people paying out-of-pocket can save up to a certain amount per prescription.
However, whether or not you qualify for this savings program will depend on several factors, including your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.
If you have Medicare, it is important to note that the program does not cover weight-loss medications. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for these types of medications.
It is important to check with your plan to see if Wegovy is covered and what your out-of-pocket costs may be.
Additionally, if your insurance plan does not cover Wegovy or if you do not have insurance, there are financial assistance options available. Novo Nordisk offers a Patient Assistance Program for eligible patients who need help paying for their medication.
You can also check with your healthcare provider to see if they have any resources or programs available to help offset the cost of Wegovy.
Overall, it is important to consider your insurance coverage and the cost of Wegovy before starting treatment.
By doing so, you can ensure that you have access to the medication you need without breaking the bank.
Interactions With Other Medications
When taking Wegovy (semaglutide), it is important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications.
This medication can slow down your digestion, which can affect how your body absorbs other medicines.
Here are some medications that may interact with Wegovy:
- Insulin: If you take insulin, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully when starting Wegovy. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your insulin dose to avoid low blood sugar.
- Diabetes medications: Certain diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas (like glipizide and glimepiride), may interact with Wegovy. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose of these medications to avoid low blood sugar.
- Other medications: There are 247 drugs known to interact with Wegovy, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including vitamins and supplements.
If you experience any side effects or have concerns about potential interactions, talk to your healthcare provider.
They can help you determine the best course of action and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Remember to always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and take your medications as prescribed.
Special Populations
When it comes to prescribing Wegovy, there are certain special populations that require extra consideration.
In this section, we’ll discuss some of the factors that you should keep in mind when prescribing Wegovy for patients who fall into these categories.
Family History
If your patient has a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), you should exercise caution when prescribing Wegovy.
This is because semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, has been shown to cause MTC in animal studies. While there is no evidence that Wegovy causes MTC in humans, it is still important to be aware of this potential risk.
Pediatric
Wegovy is approved for use in patients aged 12 years and older who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related medical condition.
However, there is limited data on the safety and efficacy of Wegovy in pediatric patients. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of prescribing Wegovy to pediatric patients, and to closely monitor them for any adverse effects.
Pregnancy
Wegovy is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that semaglutide can cause fetal harm, including fetal death, when given to pregnant females.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Wegovy in pregnant women. Therefore, if your patient becomes pregnant while taking Wegovy, you should advise them to discontinue the medication and consult with their healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether semaglutide is excreted in human milk. However, animal studies have shown that semaglutide is excreted in milk of lactating rats.
Therefore, it is recommended that women who are breastfeeding do not take Wegovy. If your patient is breastfeeding and needs to lose weight, there may be other weight loss options that are safer for them and their baby.
Overall, when prescribing Wegovy, it is important to carefully consider each patient’s individual circumstances and medical history.
By keeping these special populations in mind, you can help ensure that your patients receive the best possible care.
Pharmacy And Prescription Guidelines
If you are interested in taking Wegovy for weight management, you will need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Once you have a prescription, you can take it to any pharmacy that carries Wegovy to have it filled.
It is important to note that Wegovy is not available in a generic form, so you will need to purchase the brand-name medication.
This may be more expensive than generic weight loss medications, so it is important to check with your insurance provider to see if Wegovy is covered under your plan.
When filling your Wegovy prescription, it is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Wegovy is available in a subcutaneous injection form, and the dosage may vary depending on your individual needs.
Additionally, it is important to store Wegovy properly to ensure its effectiveness. Wegovy should be stored in the refrigerator until it is ready to be used.
Once opened, the medication can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days.
If you have any questions or concerns about taking Wegovy, do not hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
They can provide you with more information about the medication and help you determine if it is right for you.
Clinical Trials And Studies
Wegovy has undergone several clinical trials to assess its effectiveness and safety in treating obesity. In clinical trials, weekly injections of semaglutide, or Wegovy, helped people drop an average of 15% of their body weight.
That’s an average of about 34 pounds over the course of 68 weeks. The SELECT trial is the long-term cardiovascular outcomes trial for Wegovy that aims to assess its effects on heart disease and stroke in patients with overweight and obesity. It is currently ongoing and expected to be completed in September 2023.
All three clinical trials demonstrated that semaglutide (injected or oral) has superior efficacy compared with placebo and other antidiabetic medications in weight reduction, which led to Food and Drug Administration approval of Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss.
In one of the trials, STEP 4, a 68-week trial that enrolled 902 adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as treated or untreated dyslipidemia or hypertension, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were excluded.
Animal studies have also been conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy.
In one study, rodents were given semaglutide and observed for 26 weeks. The study found that semaglutide caused a significant reduction in body weight, fat mass, and food intake in the rodents.
It is important to note that while clinical trials and animal studies have shown promising results for Wegovy, it may not be effective or safe for everyone.
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if Wegovy is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Mental Health Considerations
When considering prescribing Wegovy, mental health issues should be taken into account.
Here are a few things to consider:
- If you have a history of depression or other mental health conditions, it’s important to let your doctor know. Studies have shown that weight loss medications, including Wegovy, can sometimes worsen symptoms of depression or anxiety. Your doctor may want to monitor your mental health more closely while you’re taking Wegovy.
- If you’re currently taking medications for depression or other mental health conditions, it’s important to let your doctor know. Some medications can interact with Wegovy, so your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
- If you experience any changes in your mood or behavior while taking Wegovy, it’s important to let your doctor know right away. These changes could be a sign of a more serious mental health issue, and your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan.
It’s also worth noting that weight loss itself can have an impact on mental health. Losing weight can be a positive experience for many people, but it can also be stressful or triggering for others.
If you have a history of disordered eating or other mental health conditions related to body image, it’s important to discuss these issues with your doctor before starting Wegovy.
Overall, mental health considerations should be an important part of any discussion about prescribing Wegovy.
By working closely with your doctor and monitoring your mental health throughout your treatment, you can help ensure that you’re getting the best possible care.
Key Takeaways
If you’re interested in taking Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss, there are a few key takeaways you should keep in mind.
First, you will need a prescription from a doctor to take Wegovy. Your primary care physician or endocrinologist can prescribe this medication for you.
Second, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to see if Wegovy is covered by your plan. The list price for Wegovy is $1,350 per 28-day supply before insurance, so coverage can make a big difference in terms of affordability.
Third, once you have a prescription for Wegovy, it’s important to follow the dose-escalation schedule recommended by your doctor.
This will help you assess your progress and tolerability, and ensure that you reach the 2.4 mg maintenance dose safely and effectively.
Fourth, if you’re concerned about the cost of Wegovy, there are copay savings cards available that can help make your prescription more affordable.
Depending on your insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 for Wegovy using a savings card.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Wegovy has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis, and its safety and effectiveness in combination with other weight loss products have not been established.
If you have any concerns or questions about taking Wegovy, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.