Wegovy

Weekly injection (pen) · Novo Nordisk
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

Wegovy is a weekly injection (pen) made by Novo Nordisk that contains Semaglutide several strengths. Semaglutide is a diabetes and weight-loss medicine (glp-1): lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and helps weight loss by reducing appetite; tablets or weekly injection.

Ingredient (salt)Amount
Semaglutideseveral strengths

What it is used for

Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and helps weight loss by reducing appetite; tablets or weekly injection.

How it works

A GLP-1 receptor agonist that boosts insulin after meals, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite, lowering sugar and weight. Also lowers heart risk.

How to take it

Weekly injection on the same day each week, starting low and increasing every 4 weeks; tablet form (Rybelsus) is taken on waking with a sip of water, 30 minutes before food or other medicines.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Reduced appetite
  • Tiredness

Get medical help straight away if

  • Severe stomach pain spreading to the back (pancreatitis)
  • Pain under the right ribs (gallstones)
  • Lump in the neck
  • Severe vomiting with dehydration

Be careful

Nausea and stomach upset are common at first. Report severe stomach pain.

Other medicines and interactions

Low sugar more likely with insulin or sulfonylureas. Slower stomach emptying can affect other tablets.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy; not used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Same ingredients, different strength or form

Rybelsus

Common questions

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a weekly injection (pen) by Novo Nordisk containing Semaglutide several strengths.

What is Wegovy used for?

Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and helps weight loss by reducing appetite; tablets or weekly injection.

How should I take Wegovy?

Weekly injection on the same day each week, starting low and increasing every 4 weeks; tablet form (Rybelsus) is taken on waking with a sip of water, 30 minutes before food or other medicines. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.

What are the side effects of Wegovy?

Common side effects include: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, reduced appetite, tiredness. Get medical help straight away for: Severe stomach pain spreading to the back (pancreatitis), pain under the right ribs (gallstones), lump in the neck, severe vomiting with dehydration.

Does Wegovy need a prescription?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Can I take Wegovy in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy; not used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

What are the substitutes for Wegovy?

We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.