Wegovy
semaglutide — GLP-1 receptor agonist by Novo Nordisk
GLP-1subcutaneous injectionOnce weeklyFDA Approved
Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 2 sources cited
FDA-Approved Indications
- Chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity
- Chronic weight management in patients aged 12+ with BMI at 95th percentile or greater
- Reduction of risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke) in adults with established CVD and either obesity or overweight (March 8, 2024)
Dosing
| Route | subcutaneous injection |
| Frequency | Once weekly |
| Starting Dose | 0.25 mg weekly |
| Maintenance | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Max Dose | 7.2 mg weekly (Wegovy HD, approved March 19, 2026) |
| Titration | 0.25 mg x 4 weeks → 0.5 mg x 4 weeks → 1 mg x 4 weeks → 1.7 mg x 4 weeks → 2.4 mg maintenance. Wegovy HD: may escalate to 3.6 mg → 7.2 mg. |
Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 44% | 3/5 |
| Diarrhea | 30% | 2/5 |
| Vomiting | 24% | 3/5 |
| Constipation | 24% | 2/5 |
| Abdominal pain | 20% | 2/5 |
| Headache | 14% | 1/5 |
| Fatigue | 11% | 1/5 |
| Pancreatitis (rare) | <1% | 5/5 |
| Gallbladder events | 2.6% | 4/5 |
Cost
| List Price | $1,349-$1,650/month |
| With Insurance | $25-$250/month (varies by plan; many plans exclude weight-loss drugs) |
| Savings Card | $0/month for eligible patients (NovoCare savings program) |
Pricing last updated 2026-04-14. Actual costs vary by pharmacy, insurance plan, and location.
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Boxed Warning
Thyroid C-cell tumors: In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans.
Sources
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions. See our full medical disclaimer.