Question Answer

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is the brand name for the semaglutide injections that the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) approved.

Semaglutide has been used for several years to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Wegovy was approved due to the trials that Novo Nordisk carried out, which showed semaglutide to be incredibly effective for weight loss.

Wegovy followed the same path as Saxenda (also manufactured by Novo Nordisk), which has now been discontinued. Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda, was also used as a diabetes treatment (Victoza) for a few years before being approved for weight loss as Saxenda.

Wegovy was the first weight loss medication to be injected weekly.

Eli Lilly followed Novo Nordisk with the GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss, as their medicine, Mounjaro, was approved for weight loss in the UK in November 2023.

Wegovy and Ozempic have the same active ingredient; however, long-term treatment doses differ. Ozempic is also only used for diabetes. It hasn’t been licenced for weight loss in the UK.

The maintenance dose of Wegovy is higher than that of Ozempic. The typical long-term dose of Wegovy is 2.4mg, compared to Ozempic, with a long-term dose of 1mg with a maximum of 2mg.

Wegovy is stronger than Ozempic, making it more effective for weight loss.

You can read our guide here for more information on the differences between Wegovy and Ozempic.

How do I dispose of my sharps bin?

In the UK, you can dispose of a sharps bin by returning it to your provider or taking it to a Household Waste Recycling Centre. You can also arrange for collection from your local council.  

 

 

How to dispose of a sharps bin
    1. Don't fill the bin more than 3/4 full  
       
    2. Store the full bin securely until it's collected  
       
    3. Return the bin to your provider or take it to a Household Waste Recycling Centre  
       
  • You can also arrange for collection from your local council  
     
Where to get a sharps bin  
 
  • You can get a sharps bin from your GP on prescription
  • You can also get a sharps bin from a pharmacy
Why you should dispose of sharps carefully  
 
  • Sharps are hazardous waste and can carry blood-borne viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
  • You should not put sharps in your household waste bins or any other general refuse or street litter bin

For more information on how to dispose of your sharps please visit - https://www.gov.uk/request-clinical-waste-collection

Help Guide: Troubleshooting and Providing Support for Your Pen

Before reaching out for further assistance, please try the following steps, as they may resolve the issue:


  1. 1. Use a New Needle - Blockages in the needle can prevent the treatment from dispensing correctly.
    Replace the needle with a fresh one and try again.
    2. Examine the Treatment Window - If the window appears cloudy, gently wipe away any condensation.
    Hold the pen up to a light source for a clearer view.
    3. Check the Dial - If the dial has been over-twisted or pulled out, carefully twist it back down to its proper position.
    4. Remaining Dose Awareness - Each pen contains a surplus dose that is not intended for use.
    If only one dose remains, a replacement pen will be needed.


Best Practices for Injecting
To ensure proper administration, please follow these guidelines:

Prepare the Injection Site: Ensure the area is clean and dry.
Inspect the Needle: The needle should be straight and undamaged. If bent, use a new one.
Position Correctly: Hold the syringe at a 90-degree angle to the skin.
Overcoming Resistance: If resistance is encountered, gently pull the needle back slightly and try again.


Next Steps

Once you have recorded the video, please send it to us for review. We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work to assist you. If you have any additional questions or concerns. To help us quickly assess and resolve the issue with your pen, please send us a video showing the following:

How do I change my exemption reason?

You can update your exemption at any time. Please log into your account via the app or website and click My Account and then customer details.