Wegovy
semaglutideMade by Novo Nordisk
A weekly injectable approved for chronic weight management, and a higher-dose sibling of the diabetes medication Ozempic.
What is it approved for?· FDA-approved use
How it works· Editorial explanation
Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which plays a role in appetite regulation and blood sugar.
How it's taken· Editorial explanation
Weekly injection, self-administered under the skin
- Injected once a week, on the same day each week
- Given under the skin — commonly in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
- Comes in a prefilled, single-dose pen
- Dose is typically increased gradually over time by a prescribing clinician
Common questions· Editorial explanation
Is Wegovy the same thing as Ozempic?
They share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and the same manufacturer, but they're approved for different uses, and the dosing schedules differ.
Why do some people call it 'the original' GLP-1 for weight loss?
Wegovy was one of the earlier GLP-1 medications to receive FDA approval specifically for chronic weight management, which is part of why it became widely known early on.
Cost overview
List price is typically over $1,000/month without insurance. Actual cost depends heavily on coverage and eligibility for manufacturer savings programs. See our cost guide for the full picture.
Read the full cost guide →Insurance overview
Coverage varies widely by plan. Many plans require prior authorization, and some exclude chronic weight management medications from coverage entirely.
Understand prior authorization →Common side effects· Discuss with a professional
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Important safety information
This is not a complete safety overview. Talk to a healthcare professional about your full medical history, current medications, and any personal or family history that might affect whether this medication is appropriate for you.
Wegovy vs similar medications· Editorial explanation
Wegovy and Zepbound are the two medications most often compared for chronic weight management. See our side-by-side comparison for the differences people ask about most.
Questions to discuss with a healthcare professional· Discuss with a professional
- Is this approved for what I'm hoping to use it for?
- What would the dose-increase schedule look like for me?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- How does this interact with medications I already take?
- What would make you recommend stopping or switching?
A note on this article: This site is for general information only. It isn't medical advice, and it doesn't replace a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
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