Wegovy (Semaglutide) Weight Loss Injection

What Is the Semaglutide Weight Loss Injection?

Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medicine containing semaglutide, licensed in the UK specifically for chronic weight management in adults. It is not a quick fix — it is a clinically evaluated treatment designed to support meaningful, sustained weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. If you have been struggling with your weight despite lifestyle changes, this could be a treatment worth discussing with a healthcare professional. You can explore our full range of weight loss products at Cured Pharmacy.

Wegovy received MHRA approval in the UK and is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It comes as a pre-filled, disposable injection pen, making it straightforward to use at home once you have been shown the correct technique. The semaglutide weight loss injection is available in five dose strengths — 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg — used progressively during a structured dose-escalation schedule.

How Does Wegovy Work in the Body?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your gut naturally releases after eating. Wegovy mimics this hormone, acting on receptors in the brain and digestive system to reduce appetite and slow the rate at which your stomach empties. The result? You feel fuller sooner and stay satisfied for longer — which naturally leads to eating less without feeling deprived.

• Activates GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus, reducing hunger signals
• Slows gastric emptying, prolonging the feeling of fullness after meals
• Reduces cravings and food-seeking behaviour over time
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can reduce energy dips that trigger snacking

Who Should Use Wegovy — and Who Is It Suitable For?

Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine, so it is not suitable for everyone. It is indicated for adults who meet specific clinical criteria and who have not achieved adequate weight loss through diet and exercise alone. Your prescriber will assess your full medical history before recommending it.

• Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (classified as obese)
• Adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or above who also have at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia
• People who are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes alongside treatment
• Those who have not responded sufficiently to diet and exercise interventions alone

How Does Wegovy Compare to Other Weight Loss Injections?

How Should Wegovy Be Stored and Who Should Avoid It?

Store Wegovy pens in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C before first use. Do not freeze them — a frozen pen must be discarded. After first use, the pen can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to six weeks. Always keep the pen cap on when not in use and store it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If you manage other health conditions alongside your weight, it may be worth checking our diabetes monitoring range for complementary support tools.

Wegovy is not suitable for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or diabetic retinopathy requiring treatment should discuss the risks carefully with their doctor before starting this semaglutide weight loss injection.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Wegovy and What Is It Used For?

Wegovy contains semaglutide 2.4 mg and is licensed in the UK for chronic weight management in adults. It is used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity to help people with obesity — or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition — achieve and maintain meaningful weight loss. It is not a standalone solution; it works best as part of a broader lifestyle programme.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Wegovy?

Before starting Wegovy, your prescriber will carry out a full clinical assessment. There are several important contraindications and warnings you must be aware of.

Do not use Wegovy if you:

• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredient in the pen
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have a history of pancreatitis

Use with caution and tell your prescriber if you:

• Have type 1 diabetes or use insulin
• Have diabetic retinopathy
• Have severe kidney or liver disease
• Have a history of severe gastrointestinal disease
• Are taking medicines for heart conditions or blood pressure

Known drug interactions:

• Oral medications with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g. warfarin, ciclosporin) — semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which may alter absorption
• Insulin and insulin secretagogues — increased risk of hypoglycaemia; dose adjustment may be needed
• Oral contraceptives — absorption may be slightly reduced; discuss with your prescriber

How Should You Use Wegovy Correctly?

Wegovy is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week. You can inject into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites each week to reduce the risk of skin reactions. Never inject into a vein or muscle.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the pen
2. Check the pen — the solution should be clear and colourless; do not use if it appears cloudy or contains particles
3. Attach a new needle to the pen for each injection
4. Select your injection site and clean the skin with an alcohol swab; allow to dry
5. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle and press the dose button until you hear a click
6. Hold the pen in place for six seconds after the click to ensure the full dose is delivered
7. Remove the needle and dispose of it safely in a sharps bin
8. Replace the pen cap and store correctly

Dose escalation schedule:

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Wegovy?

Like all medicines, Wegovy can cause side effects. Most are gastrointestinal in nature and tend to be most noticeable during the dose-escalation phase. They usually improve as your body adjusts. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, contact your GP or pharmacist. If you find nausea is affecting your daily life, our sickness and nausea range may offer some supportive relief.

Common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Headache
• Fatigue

Less common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):

• Dizziness
• Burping or flatulence
• Injection site reactions (redness, bruising, itching)
• Gallstones or gallbladder problems
• Increased heart rate
• Hair loss (telogen effluvium — usually temporary)

Serious but rare side effects — seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe and persistent abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
• Signs of an allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, or throat; difficulty breathing
• Changes in vision (possible diabetic retinopathy complications)
• Symptoms of thyroid tumour: lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness

How Should You Store Wegovy?

Correct storage is essential to maintain the effectiveness of your Wegovy pen. Follow these instructions carefully.

• Store unused pens in a refrigerator at 2°C–8°C
• Do not freeze — a frozen pen must be discarded
• After first use, the pen may be stored at room temperature below 30°C for up to 6 weeks
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Always keep the pen cap on when not in use
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
• Dispose of used pens and needles in an approved sharps container — ask your pharmacist about local disposal services

Managing your weight often involves looking after your overall health too. You might find our vitamins and supplements range useful for supporting nutritional needs during a calorie-controlled diet.