Wegovy FAQ

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide when used at higher doses for chronic weight management. It is made by Novo Nordisk, a once weekly injection, and was launched in South Africa on 18 August 2025.

Same active ingredient (semaglutide), same manufacturer (Novo Nordisk), but different brand names for different uses. Wegovy is dosed for weight management (up to 2.4 mg). Ozempic is dosed for type 2 diabetes (up to 1 mg in SA). Full comparison.

Yes. Launched 18 August 2025, SAHPRA registered, available at registered pharmacies across the country in five dose strengths.

Yes. Wegovy is a Schedule 4 prescription only medicine. You need a valid script from a registered SA medical practitioner to fill at a SAPC registered pharmacy.

No. Wegovy is semaglutide (single pathway GLP-1). Mounjaro is tirzepatide (dual pathway GIP and GLP-1). Both are weekly injections for weight management. Different molecules, similar but not identical effects. Full comparison.

Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or high cholesterol. Also approved for adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity.

Wegovy is not appropriate or approved for weight management in people below the BMI threshold. Other approaches are usually more suitable in this range.

Yes, for adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity. Adolescent use typically involves specialist input alongside the prescribing doctor.

No. Wegovy is not used in pregnancy. If you are planning to conceive, stop the medication at least two months before trying to fall pregnant.

No. The medication is not used during breastfeeding because of insufficient safety data.

It mimics a natural gut hormone called GLP-1. This reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying so food stays longer in the stomach, and improves the body's insulin response to food. The combination reduces calorie intake and supports weight loss. Full explanation.

Appetite changes are often noticeable within the first two weeks. Meaningful weight changes typically appear over the first few months. Most clinical trial weight reduction happens over 68 weeks at full dose.

Not directly. It reduces appetite and slows digestion so you eat less, and the resulting calorie deficit leads to fat loss. There are also small indirect effects on how the body handles glucose and fat.

Some lean mass loss is expected with any significant weight loss. Resistance training and adequate protein intake during treatment reduce this. More on exercise during treatment.

Almost always 0.25 mg weekly for the first four weeks. This is a starting dose, not a therapeutic dose, and exists to let the body adapt to the slowed gastric emptying.

Generally every four weeks through 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. The titration can be slowed if you are still having side effects.

2.4 mg weekly is the maximum approved dose for weight management. Many people respond well at 1 mg or 1.7 mg and do not need to escalate further.

If less than five days late, take it as soon as you remember and resume your normal schedule. If more than five days late, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regular day. Do not double up.

Yes. To change days, take the new day's dose at least two days after your previous injection.

Abdomen (avoiding the area around the belly button), front of the thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites week to week. Full guide.

The needle is very fine. Most people describe it as a brief pinch rather than pain. Letting the pen warm to room temperature before injecting helps.

Refrigerated between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Do not freeze. After first removal from the fridge, a pen can be at room temperature (below 30 degrees) for up to 28 days but not returned to the fridge.

Yes. Use a small insulated travel pouch to keep it within range. Most airlines allow refrigerated medical pens in carry on luggage with appropriate documentation.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, headache, and reduced appetite. Mostly gastrointestinal and most prominent in the first month and after dose increases. Usually settle.

Smaller meals eaten slowly. Stop eating when comfortable. Avoid fatty or greasy food in the first day or two after injection. Stay hydrated. Ginger or peppermint helps some people. If nausea is severe, the doctor can prescribe anti-nausea medication or slow the dose schedule. More tips.

No. For most people the gastrointestinal effects are worst in the first month and after each dose increase, and improve as the body adapts. By the time you reach a stable therapeutic dose, many people have minimal side effects.

In rat studies semaglutide caused C-cell tumours. Whether this applies to humans is unclear. The medication is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome.

Rare but recognised risk. Severe persistent abdominal pain radiating to the back, with nausea, warrants urgent assessment. Previous pancreatitis is a contraindication.

Postmarketing reports have noted depression and suicidal ideation in a small number of patients. The causality is uncertain. People with significant mental health history should discuss this with the prescribing doctor.

After Novo Nordisk's March 2026 price reductions, the starting dose (0.25 mg) is around R1,873 per month. The maximum dose (2.4 mg) is around R3,746 per month. Cost details.

Cover is variable. Obesity is not on the Chronic Disease List under PMB regulations, so cover is not mandatory. Some schemes (including Discovery) cover from medical savings accounts. Check directly.

Any SAPC registered SA pharmacy. Major retailers like Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Alpha Pharm, plus independent pharmacies and online dispensing pharmacies. Confirm stock with your pharmacy before paying for the consultation.

Importing prescription medication for personal use is restricted in SA. Overseas suppliers and 'compounding' services selling semaglutide outside the regulated pharmacy chain are often unreliable and unsafe. SAHPRA has warned about substandard and falsified products. More on this.

Compounded semaglutide is sold cheaply outside the regulated pharmacy chain by some local operators and online sellers. SAHPRA has issued warnings. Novo Nordisk has pursued legal action against local compounders. Around one in two South Africans on weight loss treatment is reportedly using an unregulated copy. Quality, dose accuracy, and safety are not assured.

Light to moderate drinking is usually fine. Heavy drinking increases nausea, dehydration, and pancreatitis risk. Many people find they want less alcohol on Wegovy.

Yes, and it is recommended. Resistance training and adequate protein during weight loss protect muscle mass. Cardio supports cardiovascular health. More on this.

It can affect absorption of oral medications due to slowed gastric emptying. Combinations with insulin or sulfonylureas need careful management because of hypoglycaemia risk. The consulting doctor reviews this.

Generally no significant impact on oral contraception (unlike Mounjaro). Standard contraception continues normally.

Appetite returns and weight tends to come back over time. The medication is intended as long term treatment for a chronic condition. Stopping should be discussed with the treating doctor. More on stopping.

Short breaks (a few weeks) are sometimes necessary for surgery, severe illness, or other reasons. Longer breaks essentially restart the conditioning process and benefits may regress.

That depends on your situation. Many people use it long term, similar to medication for blood pressure or cholesterol. Some are able to taper after sustained results, others find continued use is needed. The treating doctor reviews periodically.

Sometimes, particularly where weight regain has occurred. The altered gut anatomy needs to be factored in. Discuss with the consulting doctor.

Often yes. PCOS with significant metabolic features is one of the conditions for which weight management treatment is supported. The consultation reviews individual suitability.

Yes. Wegovy is approved to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and BMI of 27 or more, based on the SELECT trial. More on this.

Yes, for adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity. Adolescent treatment typically involves specialist paediatric input alongside the prescribing doctor.