Prescription treatment information
Wegovy (semaglutide): injection and tablet information
Factual UK information about the weekly injection and daily tablet formulations, including licensed use, dosing, administration and important safety considerations.
This page does not recommend Wegovy over other approaches to weight management.
Information, not individual medical advice
Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine and is not suitable for everyone. Whether treatment is appropriate—and which formulation is most suitable—must be decided following an individual clinical assessment. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the patient leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Understanding the treatment
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It acts on pathways involved in appetite and food intake and can help people feel fuller and less hungry.
For weight management, it is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. TheraVita’s private service assesses adults aged 18 and over.
Licensed use for adult weight management
The UK product information states that Wegovy injection and tablets may be used for weight management, including weight loss and maintenance, in adults with an initial BMI of:
Classed as obesity within the licensed indication.
Where at least one weight-related health condition is also present.
Meeting a BMI threshold does not automatically make either formulation suitable. A full clinical assessment is still required.
How semaglutide works
The same active ingredient, delivered differently
Both formulations contain semaglutide. Their schedules, absorption and administration differ, so they are not directly interchangeable without prescriber guidance.
Appetite
Semaglutide acts on brain receptors involved in appetite regulation and calorie intake.
Fullness
It can increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger, supporting a reduced-calorie eating pattern.
Blood-glucose response
It also affects insulin and glucagon responses when blood-glucose levels are high.
Weekly formulation
Wegovy injection
The injection is administered under the skin once weekly in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. It may be used at any time of day, with or without meals.
- Use on the same day each week where possible
- Rotate the injection site
- Follow the instructions supplied with the specific pen
- Do not increase the dose without prescriber approval
Licensed adult injection schedule
| Weeks | Once-weekly dose |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | 0.25 mg |
| 5–8 | 0.5 mg |
| 9–12 | 1 mg |
| 13–16 | 1.7 mg |
| From week 17 | 2.4 mg maintenance dose |
| If clinically needed | 7.2 mg maintenance option for eligible adults with obesity |
Dose escalation may be delayed or reduced if significant gastrointestinal symptoms occur. Changes should only be made following clinical review.
The 7.2 mg maintenance option is for adults with obesity where clinically needed, after at least 4 weeks on 2.4 mg. Doses above 2.4 mg are not recommended for adolescents. The device and administration instructions may differ from lower-strength pens.
Daily formulation
Wegovy tablets
The tablet formulation is taken once daily. Because oral semaglutide absorption can vary, following the fasting and administration instructions is particularly important.
Take after fasting for at least 8 hours, usually first thing in the morning.
Swallow one tablet whole with up to 120 mL of water. Do not split, crush or chew it.
Wait at least 30 minutes before food, drink or any other oral medicine.
Only one tablet per day: do not combine lower-strength tablets to make a higher dose. If a dose is missed, skip it and take the next dose the following day.
Licensed adult tablet schedule
| Month | Once-daily dose |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | 1.5 mg |
| Month 2 | 4 mg |
| Month 3 | 9 mg |
| Month 4 onward | 25 mg maintenance dose |
Each dose level is normally used for at least one month. If needed, the prescriber may keep treatment at the previous dose level rather than escalating immediately.
Factual comparison
Key differences between injection and tablets
Neither formulation is automatically better. Suitability depends on clinical factors, preferences, other medicines and the ability to follow the administration routine.
| Feature | Injection | Tablets |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Once weekly | Once daily |
| How it is taken | Injection under the skin | Swallowed whole |
| Food timing | With or without meals | After at least 8 hours fasting, then wait 30 minutes |
| Dose escalation | Usually every 4 weeks to 2.4 mg | Usually monthly to 25 mg |
| Absorption | Subcutaneous absorption | Oral absorption is more variable and depends on the dosing routine |
| Missed dose | Use within 5 days; otherwise skip | Skip it and take the next dose the following day |
Switching between formulations should be planned by a prescriber. Do not overlap formulations or calculate an equivalent dose yourself.
Tolerability
Common side effects
The safety profiles of the injection and tablets are broadly similar. Digestive effects are most frequently reported and are often more noticeable during dose escalation.
Tell your prescriber if side effects are persistent, worsening or affecting your ability to eat and drink normally.
Side effects can include
This is not a complete list. Read the current patient leaflet supplied with your medicine for all recognised side effects and advice.
Preventing dehydration mattersVomiting and diarrhoea can cause fluid loss and may affect kidney function. Keep hydrated where possible and seek clinical advice if symptoms are significant or persistent.
Safety information
When to seek urgent medical help
Do not wait for a routine review if you develop symptoms that may indicate a serious reaction.
Possible pancreatitis
Persistent, severe abdominal pain, which may spread to the back, with or without vomiting. Stop semaglutide and seek immediate medical attention.
Sudden eyesight change
Sudden loss of vision, partial vision loss or rapidly worsening eyesight requires urgent medical and ophthalmology assessment.
Serious allergic reaction
Difficulty breathing, rapid swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or collapse. Call 999 for emergency help.
Severe dehydration
Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea with inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, marked dizziness, confusion or fainting needs urgent advice.
Unsure what to do? Contact your prescriber or NHS 111 for urgent advice. Call 999 or attend A&E for a medical emergency.
Before treatment
What your prescriber needs to know
Your assessment should cover your health history, current medicines, previous weight-management treatment and anything that could affect safe administration or absorption.
Pancreas or gallbladder problemsIncluding previous pancreatitis, gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.
Gastroparesis or digestive diseaseSemaglutide is not recommended where gastroparesis is severe.
Diabetes treatmentEspecially insulin or a sulphonylurea, which may increase the risk of low blood sugar.
Diabetic eye diseaseRetinopathy may require closer monitoring, particularly when glucose control improves rapidly.
Kidney or liver problemsRecommendations differ between the injection and tablet formulations, particularly in severe impairment.
Other oral medicinesEspecially levothyroxine, warfarin or medicines that need precise timing or close monitoring.
Planned surgery or sedationTell the clinical team that you use semaglutide before anaesthesia or deep sedation.
Allergies and previous reactionsWegovy must not be used if you are allergic to semaglutide or another ingredient.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, current UK product information advises stopping semaglutide at least two months beforehand. Contact your prescriber straight away if you become pregnant during treatment.
Use effective contraception during treatment. Wegovy injection and tablets should not be used while breastfeeding.
Common questions
Wegovy treatment questions
These answers are general. Your prescriber’s instructions and the leaflet supplied with your medicine take priority.
View the factual treatment price list →What should I do if I miss a Wegovy injection?
Use the missed injection as soon as possible within 5 days. If more than 5 days have passed, skip it and take your next dose on the usual day. Ask your prescriber for advice if you have missed more than one dose.
What should I do if I miss a Wegovy tablet?
Skip the missed tablet. Take the next dose the following day—do not take two tablets to make up for a missed dose.
Can I switch between the injection and tablets?
Switching requires a planned clinical review because absorption and dose exposure are different. Do not overlap formulations or calculate an equivalent dose yourself.
Can I take my other tablets with a Wegovy tablet?
Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Wegovy before taking other oral medicines. Tell your prescriber about everything you take, as some medicines may require additional timing instructions or monitoring.
Does everyone using the injection progress to 7.2 mg?
No. The standard adult maintenance dose is 2.4 mg once weekly. The 7.2 mg option is only considered for eligible adults with obesity where clinically needed after at least 4 weeks on 2.4 mg.
Where can I find the full patient leaflets?
The current electronic Medicines Compendium leaflets for both formulations are linked in the sources below. You should also read the leaflet supplied with every pack.
Clinical authorship
Sources and further reading
- 1Wegovy FlexTouch injection Summary of Product Characteristics — electronic Medicines Compendium
- 2Wegovy 7.2 mg injection Summary of Product Characteristics — electronic Medicines Compendium
- 3Wegovy 7.2 mg injection Patient Information Leaflet — electronic Medicines Compendium
- 4Wegovy tablets Summary of Product Characteristics — electronic Medicines Compendium
- 5Wegovy tablets Patient Information Leaflet — electronic Medicines Compendium
- 6MHRA: GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes—what you need to know
TheraVita weight management
Learn about the clinical service
Explore TheraVita’s pharmacist-led weight-management programme, including clinical assessment, personalised lifestyle support and ongoing reviews.
Treatment options are only considered following an individual clinical assessment.