Wegovy Tablets

Wegovy tablets are taken once daily, every morning, on an empty stomach. Take your tablet at least 30 minutes before your first food, drink, or any other oral medication of the day. Swallow it whole with a small glass of still water no more than 120ml. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet, as this affects how the medication is absorbed.

The tablet works best when taken consistently at the same time each morning. If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next tablet the following morning as usual. Do not take two tablets to make up for a missed one.

Wegovy tablets do not need to be refrigerated. Store them at room temperature, below 30°C, in the original packaging and away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep them out of reach of children.

The active ingredient in Wegovy tablets is semaglutide, a synthetic version of a natural gut hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Your body releases GLP-1 whenever you eat, and it plays a key role in how hungry you feel, how full you feel after a meal, and how your blood sugar is regulated. Semaglutide activates the same GLP-1 receptors that your natural hormone would, but it stays in the body for much longer.

Each tablet also contains SNAC (sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl) aminocaprylate]), which helps the semaglutide absorb through the stomach lining when taken on an empty stomach. The result is reduced hunger, slower stomach emptying after meals, and a stronger sense of fullness all of which make it easier to eat less without feeling deprived.

Most people get on well with Wegovy tablets, especially if they follow the gradual dose schedule. Side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to ease off within a few weeks as your body adjusts.

The most common side effects (more than 1 in 10 people) are digestive: nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a reduced appetite (which is partly the point of the medication). They’re most noticeable just after a dose increase and usually settle down within a week or two.

Less commonly (up to 1 in 10 people), some patients experience tiredness, dizziness, headaches, indigestion, bloating, gallstones, or hair loss. Low blood sugar can occur, particularly if you’re already on diabetes medication.

Serious side effects are rare but worth knowing about. Pancreatitis can cause severe stomach pain that may radiate to your back, and it needs urgent medical attention. Gallbladder issues sometimes occur, particularly with rapid weight loss. Severe allergic reactions and kidney problems are also possible. Very rarely, sudden visual disturbances or vision loss in one eye have been reported. If this happens, stop the tablet and seek urgent medical advice straight away.

A few practical tips help with the most common side effects. Eat smaller meals more often, ease off rich and fatty foods, and stay well hydrated, especially if you’ve had any diarrhoea. If side effects feel severe or aren’t improving, get in touch with your Rightangled clinician. Don’t stop treatment suddenly without speaking to us first.

Wegovy tablets aren’t suitable for everyone, and there are some situations where they shouldn’t be used at all. You shouldn’t take them if you’ve previously had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide, if you’re pregnant, while trying for a baby, or while breastfeeding. If you’re planning a pregnancy, you’ll need to stop Wegovy at least two months beforehand to allow it to clear from your system.

There are also conditions where Wegovy can be used, but you’ll need to mention them in your consultation so we can prescribe safely. These include any history of pancreatitis, severe stomach emptying problems (gastroparesis), inflammatory bowel disease, diabetic eye disease, kidney or liver problems, gallstones, current use of insulin or other diabetes medications, an eating disorder, mental health conditions including depression, or any planned surgery in the near future.

You shouldn’t combine Wegovy with other GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Saxenda, Victoza, or Mounjaro. Wegovy tablets can affect the absorption of other oral medications. If you take any daily oral medication, speak to your clinician as timing and dosing may need to be reviewed.

It’s sensible to be cautious with alcohol while you’re on Wegovy it can make low blood sugar more likely and tends to worsen any nausea. Until you know how Wegovy affects you, take care driving or operating machinery, especially during the first few weeks and after each dose increase. Throughout your treatment, your Rightangled clinician will keep an eye on how you’re getting on. Get in touch straight away if you notice severe stomach pain, sudden vision changes, or signs of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing.