Wegovy® Weight Loss Injection NZ

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.