Description
Wegovy (Semaglutide) 1.7 mg Flextouch
Wegovy is a prescription medicine containing semaglutide. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for chronic weight management in appropriate patients. Regulatory authorities describe it as an anti-obesity medicine.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is semaglutide. It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, a group of medicines that act on pathways involved in appetite regulation and glucose control. Wegovy is classified by the EMA as an anti-obesity preparation.
Established Medical Uses
Wegovy is authorised for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, as part of a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. In the EU, it is also authorised for adolescents from 12 years of age with obesity who meet specified weight criteria. In the United States, the label also includes use to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in certain adults with established cardiovascular disease who are obese or overweight.
How It Works
Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and food intake. By activating GLP-1 receptors, it increases feelings of fullness and helps reduce hunger, which can support weight reduction when used within an approved treatment plan.
Important Safety Information
Wegovy is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and in those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported. It is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. Important precautions include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, dehydration-related kidney injury, and worsening gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinically significant interactions may occur because delayed gastric emptying can affect absorption of some oral medicines.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects are mainly gastrointestinal and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia and bloating. More serious reactions can include acute pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, acute kidney injury related to volume depletion, and severe allergic reactions.
Scientific Evidence
Large randomised trials have shown that once-weekly semaglutide produces clinically relevant weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity. The STEP programme and related studies also found improvements in cardiometabolic measures, and SELECT reported cardiovascular benefit in selected adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease.
Medical Information Notice
This page is an educational summary based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet or an individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Wegovy EPAR – Product Information
- Uijl, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021.
