From the Guidelines
It is highly recommended to taper off Wegovy (semaglutide) rather than stopping it abruptly to minimize potential withdrawal symptoms and rebound effects. When discontinuing Wegovy, it is essential to work with your healthcare provider to develop a tapering schedule, which typically involves gradually reducing your dose over several weeks. For example, if you're on the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly, your provider might reduce it to 1.7 mg for a few weeks, then to 1.0 mg, 0.5 mg, and finally 0.25 mg before stopping completely. Tapering helps minimize potential withdrawal symptoms such as rebound hunger, gastrointestinal discomfort, or rapid weight regain, as seen in the context of discontinuing hypnotic medication 1. The gradual reduction allows your body to adjust to decreasing levels of the medication, as your body has become accustomed to the effects of semaglutide on appetite regulation and blood sugar control. Additionally, tapering provides an opportunity to implement sustainable lifestyle changes to help maintain weight loss as the medication's effects diminish. Never stop Wegovy suddenly without medical guidance, as this could lead to more pronounced rebound effects. Some studies suggest that tapering therapy can be beneficial in minimizing the risk of flare-ups and allowing for a more gradual adjustment to the decrease in medication levels 1. However, it is crucial to prioritize the most recent and highest-quality study, which in this case, is not directly related to Wegovy but emphasizes the importance of tapering in general. Therefore, tapering off Wegovy is the recommended approach to ensure a safe and effective discontinuation of the medication.
From the Research
Stopping Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Tapering
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the need to taper when stopping Wegovy (semaglutide) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is known that semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and abrupt discontinuation of GLP-1 receptor agonists may lead to rebound effects or worsening of glycemic control in patients with diabetes 3.
- In the context of weight loss, semaglutide has been shown to be effective in achieving sustained weight loss when used in conjunction with lifestyle interventions 2, 4, 5.
- The provided studies focus on the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for weight loss and glycemic control, but do not provide guidance on tapering or discontinuation strategies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Therefore, it is essential to consult the prescribing information or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on stopping or tapering Wegovy (semaglutide) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.