Semaglutide (obesity)
WEGOVY
What it isGLP-1 receptor agonist formulation for chronic weight management in obesity.
Why this oneUnlike diabetes-branded semaglutide, it is labeled specifically for obesity treatment and cardiovascular risk reduction.
What limits itGI intolerance often limits escalation. Delayed gastric emptying matters before anesthesia; gallbladder disease can end treatment.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce MACE risk (established CVD + obesity/overweight) | Adults | 0.25 mg SC once weekly x4 wk | 2.4 mg (recommended) or 1.7 mg once weekly | 2.4 mg once weekly |
| Chronic weight management (obesity, or overweight with ≥1 comorbidity) | Adults | 0.25 mg SC once weekly, escalate q4wk (0.5 → 1 → 1.7) | 2.4 mg (recommended) or 1.7 mg once weekly | 2.4 mg once weekly |
| Chronic weight management (obesity) | Pediatric ≥12 y | 0.25 mg SC once weekly, escalate q4wk (0.5 → 1 → 1.7) | 2.4 mg once weekly (may reduce to 1.7 mg if intolerant) | 2.4 mg once weekly |
Titration Escalate every 4 weeks (may delay escalation 4 weeks if not tolerated)
Renal No adjustment needed
Hepatic No adjustment needed
Do not coadminister with other semaglutide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonists; once-weekly dosing (missed dose: give if next dose >2 days away)
Instructions
- Inject subcutaneously in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once weekly, same day each week, any time, with or without meals
- Use in combination with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity
- In patients with type 2 diabetes, monitor blood glucose
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Cautions
- Acute pancreatitis
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Hypoglycemia (with insulin or insulin secretagogue)
- Acute kidney injury
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Diabetic retinopathy complications (type 2 diabetes)
- Heart rate increase
- Suicidal behavior and ideation
Adverse reactions
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dyspepsia
- Dizziness
Pregnancy May cause fetal harm; weight loss offers no benefit in pregnancy — discontinue when pregnancy recognized; discontinue ≥2 months before a planned pregnancy
Lactation No human data; present in rat milk; consider benefits vs risk
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Mechanism of action: Semaglutide (obesity) ballicule
