Wegovy® Tablets

Wegovy® tablets contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 medicine used for weight management in suitable adults.

They are taken by mouth once daily and offer an alternative for people who prefer not to use weekly injections.

Wegovy® tablets are prescription-only medicines. Supply is subject to an online consultation, clinical suitability, stock availability and prescriber approval.

Wegovy® tablets contain semaglutide, which acts like a natural hormone called GLP-1.

GLP-1 medicines can help reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness and support lower food intake. This can help with weight loss and weight maintenance when used alongside diet and physical activity.

They are not a quick fix. Results vary and treatment works best when combined with long-term lifestyle changes.

Wegovy® tablets are usually started at a low dose and increased gradually.

• Month 1: 1.5mg once daily
• Month 2: 4mg once daily
• Month 3: 9mg once daily
• Month 4 onwards: 25mg once daily, where clinically appropriate

Your prescriber will confirm whether treatment is suitable and whether the selected dose is appropriate. Do not increase your dose unless instructed to do so.

Wegovy® tablets must be taken correctly to help your body absorb the medicine properly.

• Take once daily after fasting for at least 8 hours.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Do not crush, split or chew the tablet.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medicines.

Eating or drinking too soon after taking the tablet can reduce absorption, so the 30-minute wait is important.

Wegovy® tablets may be suitable for adults who meet the required BMI criteria and are clinically appropriate after assessment.

Treatment may be considered for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related health condition, subject to prescriber review.

Your prescriber will review your BMI, medical history, current medicines, previous weight-loss treatment and treatment goals before deciding whether Wegovy® tablets are suitable.

Some patients may be able to switch from injectable GLP-1 treatment to Wegovy® tablets, but this must be assessed clinically.

Do not combine, overlap or switch GLP-1 treatments unless a prescriber has told you to do so.

Your prescriber will consider your current treatment, dose, tolerance, side effects, medical history and treatment goals before deciding whether switching is appropriate.

Common side effects with semaglutide treatment can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach discomfort, indigestion and reduced appetite.

Side effects are often more noticeable when starting treatment or increasing dose. Starting low and increasing gradually may help your body adjust.

Some side effects can be serious. You should read the patient leaflet and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worrying.

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop:

• Severe stomach pain that does not go away, especially if it spreads to your back
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty or severe rash
• Severe vomiting or diarrhoea causing dehydration
• Sudden changes in vision or new eyesight problems

If you are unsure whether symptoms are serious, seek medical advice promptly.

No. Wegovy® tablets should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If you want to become pregnant, you should speak to your doctor about changing treatment and stop Wegovy® tablets at least 2 months before trying to conceive.

If you become pregnant while using Wegovy® tablets, speak to your doctor straight away.

The current UK patient leaflet does not state that Wegovy® tablets reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

However, Wegovy® tablets should not be used during pregnancy, and contraception should be used during treatment if pregnancy is possible.

If you have vomiting or severe diarrhoea, this may affect how well some oral medicines are absorbed. Follow the advice in your contraceptive leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if unsure.