Wegovy is now just a click away: What you should know about this popular weight loss drug and the red flags

Novo Nordisk, the makers of the weight loss drug Wegovy, have announced that the medication will soon be available for purchase for US customers through telehealth companies such as Hims & Hers Health, Inc., LifeMD, and Ro. This means people who want to have access to the weight loss drug, but were lacking insurance coverage, can now buy it for a reduced price of $449 per month. The drug will be available in the same auto-inject pens. As more people would be reaching out for the drug, it is important to know more about the drug and also its possible side effects.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a prescription drug used to aid weight loss. It belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The semaglutide injection, when combined with a calorie-deficient diet and increased exercise, would result in weight loss. This drug works by reducing your appetite and slowing down the rate at which food moves from your stomach to your intestines. This way, you feel fuller for a longer time, and it also helps reduce your blood sugar levels.

Available as a 2.4 mg injectable, this drug reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with known heart disease and with either obesity or overweight. It can also help adults and children aged 12 and older manage weight and fight obesity and overweight-related problems.
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What are the side effects of Wegovy?

Like most drugs, Wegovy could also result in undesirable side effects. This can range from mild to serious.

The drug makers have cautioned people with thyroid cancer or a family history to not use the medication, as it may cause thyroid tumours, including cancer. People who have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) are also advised not to use the drug.

People who have or have had problems with their pancreas or kidneys should talk to their health provider before using the drug. The same goes for type 2 diabetes, those with a history of diabetic retinopathy, depression, suicidal thoughts, mental health issues, scheduled surgery, or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sedation. Pregnant women and those who plan to get pregnant are also advised to talk to their doctor. “Wegovy may harm your unborn baby. You should stop using Wegovy 2 months before you plan to become pregnant,” the company warns. Also, women who are breastfeeding or plan to, should know that the drug passes into the breast milk.

Common side effects of Wegovy include:

• nausea
  
• diarrhea
  
• vomiting
  
• constipation
  
• stomach (abdomen) pain
  
• headache
  
• tiredness (fatigue)
  
• upset stomach
  
• dizziness
  
• feeling bloated
  
• belching
  
• low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes
  
• gas
  
• stomach flu
  
• heartburn
  
• runny nose or sore throat
  

Some of the serious possible side effects of Wegovy include:

• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  
• gallbladder problems
  
• increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially in people who are on diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas
  
• kidney problems (kidney failure)
  
• severe stomach problems
  
• serious allergic reactions such as swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat
  
• change in vision in people with type 2 diabetes
  
• increased heart rate
  
• depression or thoughts of suicide
  
• food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sedation