Semaglutide, Wegovy & Ozempic
This has caused a bit of confusion for some people, so let us explain. From a medicine’s point of view, they are all the same thing. Semaglutide is the name of the active drug in both Wegovy and Ozempic. When a drug is developed, it goes through rigorous testing to ensure that it is safe. At the end of this testing, it is given a license to be prescribed in certain patient groups or for certain conditions. Semaglutide was originally used to treat people with diabetes and was used under the brand name ‘Ozempic’. However, it was soon noticed that it helped people with weight loss too. Because it had only been given a license to be prescribed in diabetes, for several years Ozempic was prescribed ‘off label’ or ‘off license’ for people who were overweight or obese but who didn’t have diabetes. After research showed how useful it was for helping people lose weight, a separate license was granted for it to be used in patients who are overweight or obese but who don’t have diabetes. For this patient group, the manufacturer rebranded it ‘Wegovy’.
So, while the drug is exactly the same in both Wegovy and Ozempic, only Wegovy is licensed for use in people without diabetes who are overweight or obese. People without diabetes who have previously been taking Ozempic ‘off-label’ are now advised to switch to Wegovy.
About Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1s are a type of medication that’s used to help with weight loss. They work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that the body naturally produces after eating.
GLP-1 helps to regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and slowing down the rate at which food leaves the stomach.
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic GLP-1 and can be injected under the skin once or twice a day or once a week, depending on the specific medication.
All medications have potential side effects and this includes GLP-1 agonists. This doesn’t mean that they affect everyone who takes it but it’s important to be aware of the most common ones. Remember that everyone is different. People often report feeling sick at the start of taking the medication. This usually passes after a few weeks.
Wegovy
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a weight loss medication from the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.
Wegovy was initially planned to launch in May 2023, but the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk had to delay the release. There is now limited stock available. We are currently in the process of securing a consistent supply so please join our waiting list for the latest information of when it will be available.
Yes. You’ll need to pass strict eligibility criteria to be approved for Wegovy via the NHS. This includes a BMI over 35 and living with at least one obesity-related comorbidity, such as high blood pressure.
No. Wegovy is a prescription only medication. You’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria in order to be prescribed the medication. In order to ensure you are eligible to be prescribed by Slimmr, there is an online consultation form that must be completed and submitted. This will then be reviewed by the prescriber to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Research* has shown that semaglutide – alongside a lifestyle intervention – can lead to a significant weight loss of between 15-20% after 68 weeks.
In comparison, lifestyle interventions without semaglutide typically lead to a weight loss of around 5-10%.
We cannot guarantee results from the medication and cannot offer a refund if you are not satisfied with the results you achieve.
Wegovy is a weekly injection. If you miss a dose, then take it as soon as you remember. However, if you have missed 5 or more days, then you should skip the missed dose and take the next one as usual. To avoid missing doses, we recommend you set a weekly reminder on your phone.
Wegovy is injected and it comes in pen with a small disposable needle. You inject yourself with it each week. It’s up to you what day and time you inject – whatever is convenient for you. Make sure you do this on the same day and time each week though, to ensure a steady level of the drug in your body.
The needle is very fine and most people have no problem at all injecting themselves. If you are squeamish to start, then you can always ask a family member or friend to help you inject until you get used to it. The best place to inject is in the stomach region, at least 5cm away from the belly button. Alternatively, you can inject in the upper thigh. We recommend alternating the injection side each week.
Each pen comes with 4 disposable needles and enough medicine for 4 weeks. Never take more medicine than is prescribed. Never share prescribed medication.
Things change in our lives and it may be that the day you were taking Wegovy is no longer convenient and you want to change the day you take it. This is fine, don’t worry. You can change the day of your weekly injection of this medicine as long as it has been at least 3 days since your last injection. After selecting a new dosing day, continue with once a week dosing on this new day.
Wegovy should be stored in the fridge until you have started using it. Once you have started using a pen, it can either be stored in the fridge or at room temperature (8 to 30 degrees Celsius) for up to 42 days. Do not freeze.
Each pen has 4 doses in it and therefore lasts for 4 weeks. Once you’ve used the 4 doses, the pen is empty and must be disposed of. You should dispose of the pen in a sharps bin. We will provide you with a sharps bin with your first order and you can buy any further bins online or at a local pharmacy. When the sharps bin is full, you can take it to any pharmacy who will dispose of it for you.
All medications can have side effects and how people respond to a medication is very individual. Some people have no side effects on Wegovy. The most common, however, are heartburn, nausea, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. These usually improve over the days and weeks as your body gets used to the drug.
Nausea usually passes within a few minutes. If this does occur, try to relax, take deep breaths and sip some water. Eating small amounts often is a good way to ensure you are still getting the nutrients you need and avoiding feeling nauseous. People often find that certain foods, particularly fatty or calorie-dense food they once loved, lose their appeal. Try to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables combined along with a source of protein. Drinking plenty of water also helps with any changes to your bowel habit. Some people on Wegovy find that they don’t feel as thirsty as usual but it’s important to make sure you are keeping up your fluid levels. Remember to drink plenty of water as well if you are sick or have diarrhoea as this helps prevent you becoming dehydrated.
Some people on Wegovy find themselves eating very little. Do not skip meals as this isn’t healthy. Some people find it easier to eat small amounts throughout the day.
Buying from Slimmr
We at Slimmr are committed to helping you on your safe and healthy weight loss journey. Slimmr is run by a group of clinicians with many years experience of working with obese patients. We work with UK based pharmacists and doctors to consult and prescribe. All prescriptions are fulfilled by a UK based pharmacy which is fully CQC approved and regulated by the GPhC. We abide by the highest levels of data security and patient safety.
1. Complete the quick and easy online consultation form. This checks that you’re suitable to be prescribed Wegovy.
2. Press submit, confirm your order and pay.
3. A UK based prescriber will review your form.
4. Once your consultation has been approved, your medication will be shipped directly to you. If you’re not approved, your payment will be refunded.
Month 1 (weeks 1-4) 0.25mg each week
Month 2 (weeks 5-8) 0.5mg each week
Month 3 (weeks 9-12) 1mg each week
Month 4 (weeks 13-16) 1.7mg each week
Month 5 (weeks 17 and onward) 2.4mg each week
Shipping & Returns
If you change your mind after you’ve placed your order, then don’t worry. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible and we will cancel your shipment and refund your money, no questions asked. Please make sure you provide your name and order number. We aim to send out orders within 24 hours of them being placed, so please ensure you contact us as soon as possible. If your medication has already been despatched, then you will not be able to cancel your order and we are unable to offer a refund. This is because of legislation around prescription medication as once it has been sent to you, it cannot be used by anyone else
Yes. Because this is a prescription-only medication, all deliveries must be signed for. Please make sure someone is in at the delivery address that you’ve given on the day of delivery. Slimmr will not be liable for any replacements due to missed deliveries. If your parcel is returned back to us due to repeated missed delivery attempts, we will not issue a replacement or refund. We understand it’s not always easy making sure you’re in to collect the delivery, so to make things easier for you, you can select the day your delivery will arrive when you place your order.
No. Deliveries are to the UK only. Due to legal and logistical reasons, we cannot currently send medication outside the UK.