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Wegovy Weight Loss Injection

Wegovy® Weight Loss Injection NZ

Wegovy® is a weekly weight loss injection designed for adults living with obesity or weight-related health conditions. It contains semaglutide, a medication that mimics the natural hormone GLP-1 to help reduce appetite, promote a sense of fullness, and support weight loss when used alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Clinical studies have shown that Wegovy® can help individuals lose up to 15% of their body weight. As one of the most in-demand treatments for those who have struggled with conventional weight loss approaches, weight loss injections are gaining popularity worldwide. Pre-booking is available in New Zealand.

What is Wegovy®?

Wegovy® is a prescription weight loss medication containing the active ingredient semaglutide. It's a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone released from the intestine after meals, helping to control appetite and reduce food cravings.


How Does Wegovy® Work?

Wegovy® works by acting on receptors in the brain that control appetite, causing you to:

  • Feel fuller after eating

  • Experience less hunger between meals

  • Have reduced food cravings

  • Naturally eat less food, leading to weight loss


Are these available as weight loss pills?

At the moment, GLP-1 medications are only available as weight loss injections, but not as weight loss pills.


Who Can Use Wegovy®?

Adults

Wegovy® is approved for adults who have:

  • Obesity: BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, OR

  • Overweight with complications: BMI of 27-30 kg/m² with weight-related health problems

  • Heart disease risk reduction: Adults with existing heart disease (without diabetes) and BMI ≥27 kg/m²


How is Wegovy® Administered?

Dosing Schedule

  • Administration: Once-weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneous)

  • Final maintenance dose: 2.4 mg weekly

  • Duration: Used long-term alongside diet and exercise

Injection Details

  • Use the FlexTouch® pre-filled pen

  • Inject into front of upper arm, upper legs, or stomach

  • Can be taken at any time of day, with or without food

  • Same day each week preferred, but can be changed if at least 3 days between doses


Common Side Effects

Most Common

  • Nausea (feeling sick)

  • Vomiting (being sick)

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Stomach pain

  • Headache

  • Feeling weak or tired


Common

  • Dizziness

  • Indigestion/upset stomach

  • Burping and gas

  • Stomach bloating

  • Heartburn/reflux

  • Dry mouth

  • Hair loss

  • Injection site reactions


Managing Side Effects

  • Start with low dose and gradually increase

  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration

  • Side effects often improve over time

  • Consult doctor if side effects are severe or persistent


Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Attention)

Emergency Situations

  • Severe allergic reaction: Breathing problems, swelling of face/throat, fast heartbeat

  • Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent stomach and back pain that doesn't go away

  • Bowel obstruction: Severe constipation with stomach pain, bloating, vomiting


Important Safety Information

Do NOT Use Wegovy® if you:

  • Are allergic to semaglutide or any ingredients

  • Are pregnant or planning pregnancy (stop 2 months before trying to conceive)

  • Are breastfeeding

  • Have Type 1 diabetes

  • Are using other weight loss products

  • Have severe heart failure


Storage and Handling

  • Refrigeration: Store at 2°C – 8°C (36°F – 46°F)

  • Room temperature: Can be kept out of fridge for up to 6 weeks below 30°C (86°F)

  • Protection: Keep in original carton to protect from light

  • Disposal: Discard pen after 6 weeks even if medicine remains

  • Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat


This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.


Step 1 - Pre-book a consultation


Our expert pharmacists will ask you about your weight loss goals, lifestyle, nutrition, and weight management challenges. Using this information, they will formulate long-term weight management strategies designed specifically for you. If you meet the eligibility criteria for a weight loss injection, this can be supplied without a prescription under a standing order for you from a consultation with your Unichem Pharmacist.

Step 2 - Start your weight management programme


In addition to lifestyle and dietary modifications, our pharmacists may recommend a weight loss injection suitable for you. These work in conjunction with lifestyle changes. In some instances, weight loss injections may not be right for you.

Step 3 - Regular check-ins


Your Unichem Pharmacist will make appointments to check on your progress regularly. We evaluate how well your programme is working, discuss any side effects, and make changes if required to improve your outcomes. We’re here to help you stay committed to your weight loss strategies in a safe and healthy way.



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115 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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(09) 303 4253

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119 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand

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(09) 476 9016

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4 Yaldhurst Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand

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(03) 341 4855

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3 Pilgrim Place, Sydenham, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

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(03) 365 7905

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325 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4414, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand

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(06) 358 1485

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73 Church St, Onehunga, Auckland 1061, New Zealand

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(09) 634 6744

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215 Massey Road, Māngere East, Auckland 2024, New Zealand

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(09) 270 0648

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60 Queenspark Drive, Parklands, Christchurch 8083, Canterbury, New Zealand

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(03) 383 1330

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1107 Heretaunga Street West, Saint Leonards, Hastings 4120, New Zealand

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(06) 878 9812

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131 Middle Renwick Road, Springlands, Blenheim 7201, Marlborough, New Zealand

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(03) 578 2271

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58 Gaunt Street, Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand

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(09) 302 0367

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316 Ti Rakau Drive, Burswood, Auckland 2013, New Zealand

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(09) 273 8981

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Parklands Pharmacy 60 Queenspark Drive, Parklands, Christchurch 8083, Canterbury, New Zealand

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(03) 383 0440

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96 College Street, Awapuni, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand

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(06) 358 1970

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29 Hukanui Road, Fairfield, Hamilton 3214, Waikato, New Zealand

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(07) 855 5389

References


Novo Nordisk. (n.d.). Managing weight with Wegovy®. Wegovy. Available at: https://www.wegovy.com (Accessed: 24 June 2025).

Verywell Health (2024). How Wegovy (semaglutide) helps you lose weight. Verywell Health. (Accessed: 24 June 2025).

Become a Unichem Pharmacy

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Unichem is part of Green Cross Health Limited, a leading primary healthcare provider in New Zealand with services across pharmacies and medical centres. Our green cross symbol is our trustmark for where to find quality health care and advice.

Contact

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, contact us at:

Phone (09) 571 9080  Fax (09) 571 9081

Our Customer Service Centre hours are Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

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