Generic name: semaglutide injection (Wegovy) [ SEM-a-GLOO-tide ]
Other brand names of semaglutide injection (Wegovy) include: Wegovy (0.25 mg dose), Wegovy (0.5 mg dose), Wegovy (1 mg dose), Wegovy (1.7 mg dose), Wegovy (2.4 mg dose)
Drug class: GLP-1 Agonists (Incretin Mimetics)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 19, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is semaglutide injection?

This medication guide is specific to Wegovy.

Semaglutide injection is used to help reduce the risk of serious heart problems such as heart attack or stroke in adults who have heart disease and obesity or who are overweight.

Semaglutide is also used to manage weight in children aged 12 years and older who have obesity and in adults who are overweight or obese with at least one weight-related medical condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Semaglutide injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Semaglutide injection side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Wegovy (2.4 mg dose) may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• vision changes;

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• severe stomach problems--diarrhea or constipation;

• signs of a thyroid tumor--swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath;

• pancreatitis or gallbladder problems--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, chalky-colored stools, stomach pain after eating, heartburn, and bloating;

• low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; or

• kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of Wegovy (2.4 mg dose) may include:

• low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes);

• upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• runny nose or sore throat;

• stomach flu symptoms; or

• headache, dizziness, tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath.

You should not use Wegovy (2.4 mg dose) if you or anyone in your family have or have ever had thyroid cancer or a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use semaglutide injection if you are allergic to it, or if you have or have ever had:

• multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands); or

• a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a severe stomach problem such as problems with digesting food or slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis);

• pancreas disorder;

• depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or mental illness;

• a planned surgery or a medical procedure;

• eye problems caused by diabetes; or

• kidney disease.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking semaglutide injection. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

May harm an unborn baby. You should stop using this medicine at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant. Ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use during this time. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of semaglutide injection on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I use semaglutide injection?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of Wegovy (2.4 mg dose). Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Semaglutide injection is given under the skin, usually once per week at any time of the day, with or without food. Use an injection on the same day each week. A healthcare provider will teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself.

If you change your dosing day, allow at least 2 days to pass between doses.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject semaglutide injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.

Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, medical tests, and special medical care.

You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, or if you eat or drink less than usual.

Each injection pen is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Store unopened injection pens in the original carton in a refrigerator, protected from light. Do not freeze. Throw away an injection pen that has been frozen.

You may store an unopened injection pen at room temperature in the original carton for up to 28 days. Throw away an injection pen kept at room temperature if you have not used it within 28 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can and then go back to your regular schedule. If your next dose is due in less than 2 days (48 hours), skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss doses of semaglutide for 2 or more weeks.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using semaglutide injection?

Avoid injecting into skin that is tender, bruised, hard, red, or in areas with scars or stretch marks.

What other drugs will affect semaglutide injection?

Semaglutide injection can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially insulin or other oral diabetes medicine.

Other drugs may affect semaglutide injection, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Popular FAQ

View more FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 12.01.