Description

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication primarily used for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight conditions with at least one weight-related comorbidity. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps with weight loss by regulating appetite and food intake.

Active Ingredient
– Semaglutide: A GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Indications
– Chronic Weight Management: Indicated for use in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
– 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity), or
– 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia).

Formulation
– Subcutaneous Injection: Available in pre-filled pens.

Dosage Forms
– 0.25 mg: Initial dose.
– 0.5 mg: Escalation dose.
– 1 mg: Intermediate dose.
– 1.7 mg: Higher dose.
– 2.4 mg: Maintenance dose.

Administration
– Route: Subcutaneous injection.
– Frequency: Once weekly, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without meals.
– Sites: Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotation of injection sites is recommended.

Mechanism of Action
– GLP-1 Receptor Agonist: Mimics the incretin hormone GLP-1, enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety and reduced calorie intake.

Pharmacokinetics
– Absorption: Peak plasma concentrations reached approximately 1-3 days post-administration.
– Half-Life: Approximately 1 week, supporting once-weekly dosing.
– Metabolism**: Primarily metabolized by proteolytic cleavage of the peptide backbone.
– Excretion**: Eliminated through urine and feces.

Storage
– Refrigeration: Store pens in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
– Room Temperature: Pens in use can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C or 86°F) for up to 28 days.