We now know that the FDA has approved Semaglutide for weight loss, but what strengths does Wegovy come in?
When the news about Wegovy’s approval was announced, it was noted that the weekly dosage would be 2.4mg.
This differs from the current 1.0mg that we see with Semaglutide for type 2 diabetes.
This led to people asking about the dosing for Wegovy, as the gap between 1.0mg and 2.4mg was quite large.
Luckily, Wegovy is titrated over a period of 17 weeks.
This is almost twice as long as the titration period for other Semaglutide treatments.
This is so that you can continue to gradually increase your dose to avoid experiencing severe side effects.
Whilst the titration period is longer, it shouldn’t be skipped or reduced.
This is in place for your own health & safety.
Wegovy will be available in the following doses:
- 0.25mg
- 0.5mg
- 1.0mg
- 1.7mg
- 2.4mg
What is the titration period for Wegovy?
Wegovy is prescribed with higher doses of Semaglutide than other treatment plans.
Because of this, it requires a longer titration period in order for you to reach a therapeutic dose.
Wegovy pens are colour-coded according to dosage so you can see the dose you’re taking at a glance.
You should gradually escalate your dose every 4 weeks until the 17th week.
This is when you’ll start to take the therapeutic dose of 2.4mg.
The dosing schedule for Wegovy is as follows:
It should also be noted that Wegovy will be released as 4 individual pre-filled pens.
This is also different to other Semaglutide injections, which come as one pen that contains 4 doses.
This means that the dose you receive is pre-set, so you won’t have to twist the dial to set it yourself.
The pens also include an integrated needle, so patients taking Wegovy also won’t be dealing with separate needles.
This arguably makes dosing easier, especially for patients that haven’t used any injectable medications previously.
What if 2.4mg Semaglutide is too strong?
Some patients are concerned about the strength of Wegovy being higher than the maximum dosage for other Semaglutide treatment plans.
However, trials have showed that 2.4mg Semaglutide is the most effective dose for weight loss whilst still being tolerable.
The titration period for Wegovy is longer so that your body has a chance to adjust to the increasing doses of Semaglutide.
However, there are currently provisions for those that struggle at the highest dose.
Novo Nordisk has stated that if a patient struggles to tolerate the 2.4mg dosage, it can be temporarily reduced to 1.7mg for a maximum of 4 weeks – essentially extending the titration period for the 1.7mg dose.
As Wegovy isn’t available in the UK yet, it isn’t something to worry about at this stage.
However, if you do have any questions about Semaglutide for weight loss, please take a look at our advice section.
It contains loads of great articles about diet, exercise, medical therapies such as Semaglutide, and general education around weight-related issues.
