WEGOVY® FLEXTOUCH 0.5mg (Danish) Indications for Use
WEGOVY® (semaglutide injection) is a prescription medication used for chronic weight management in adults who are either:
- Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²)
- Overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) with weight-related health conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
WEGOVY® works by mimicking the action of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that helps regulate appetite and food intake. It makes patients feel fuller and reduces hunger. The drug should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Active ingredient: Semaglutide
- Main function: Suppresses appetite and increases satiety to assist with weight loss
- Administration: Weekly subcutaneous injection (under the skin)
WEGOVY® FLEXTOUCH 0.5mg (Danish) Dosage Information
WEGOVY® is available in a pre-filled pen and is administered once a week. The dosing schedule begins with a low dose that is gradually increased to the maintenance dose to reduce the likelihood of side effects.
- Starting dose: 0.25 mg once a week
- Dose escalation:
- Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg
- Weeks 9–12: 1 mg
- Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg
- Maintenance dose (after Week 16): 2.4 mg weekly
- Injection sites: Upper arms, thighs, or abdomen, with rotation of sites to avoid repeated injections in the same spot.
Patients should not exceed the recommended dose and must follow a diet and exercise plan set by their healthcare provider during treatment.
WEGOVY® FLEXTOUCH 0.5mg (Danish) Side Effects and Precautions
Like any medication, WEGOVY® may cause side effects. Most are mild and resolve over time as the body adjusts to the medication, but serious side effects may occur.
- Very common side effects (affects more than 1 in 10 people):
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
These are often temporary and may improve as treatment continues.
- Common side effects (affects up to 1 in 10 people):
- Indigestion and bloating
- Burping or flatulence
- Hair loss
- Reflux or heartburn
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, or swelling)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in diabetic patients
- Serious side effects (may require immediate medical attention):
- Thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer: Signs include lumps in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. Patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) should not use WEGOVY®.
- Pancreatitis: Symptoms include severe and persistent stomach pain that may radiate to the back.
- Gallbladder disease: Sudden abdominal or back pain, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Allergic reactions: Breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and a rapid heartbeat.
- Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience these symptoms.
Precautions:
- WEGOVY® is not recommended for individuals with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Patients with a history of suicidal thoughts or depression should be closely monitored.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use WEGOVY®, as its effects on fetal development and breast milk are unknown.
- Dehydration may occur due to vomiting or diarrhea. Patients should drink plenty of fluids.
WEGOVY® FLEXTOUCH 0.5mg (Danish) Clinical Studies and Real-World Outcomes
Clinical trials for WEGOVY® showed significant weight loss when combined with a calorie-reduced diet and physical activity. On average, patients experienced 10-15% body weight loss after sustained treatment.
- Key findings:
- Weight loss is typically 5-15% of total body weight, depending on adherence to the regimen.
- Improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control were noted in participants with type 2 diabetes.
- Patients reported increased satiety and reduced cravings.
WEGOVY® FLEXTOUCH 0.5mg (Danish) Drug Interactions
WEGOVY® may interact with other medications, particularly those that affect blood sugar levels or heart rate. The most common interactions involve diabetes medications.
- Important drug interactions:
- Insulin and sulfonylureas: Increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Adjustments in diabetic medications may be needed.
- Hypertension and heart failure medications: Consult with a healthcare provider to manage dosing.
- Medications for HIV, ADHD, or appetite suppression: Can increase the risk of side effects or reduce WEGOVY®’s effectiveness.
Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
WEGOVY® FLEXTOUCH 0.5mg (Danish) Instructions for Use
WEGOVY® is administered via a single-use pre-filled pen. The injection is easy to self-administer, but patients must be trained by a healthcare professional before first use.
- Steps to administer:
- Prepare the pen: Ensure the solution is clear and colorless. Avoid use if it appears cloudy.
- Choose an injection site: Rotate between the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.
- Inject: Press the pen against the skin and wait for the yellow bar to stop moving (indicating the injection is complete).
- Dispose of the pen: Use a puncture-resistant sharps container to discard used pens.
WEGOVY® FLEXTOUCH 0.5mg (Danish) Contraindications and Warnings
- WEGOVY® is contraindicated in:
- Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Individuals allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredients in the product.
Patients should undergo regular monitoring for thyroid function and pancreatitis while using WEGOVY®.