From the Guidelines
The patient can typically resume Wegovy at the 1 mg dose after a one-month break for endoscopy, but it is crucial to follow a specific restart protocol to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects. To resume Wegovy after a one-month break, the following steps should be taken:
- Consult with the prescribing physician before restarting.
- Resume at 1 mg dose if the break was 4 weeks or less.
- If the break was longer than 4 weeks, restart at a lower dose (0.25 mg) and follow the dose escalation schedule:
- Week 1-4: 0.25 mg once weekly
- Week 5-8: 0.5 mg once weekly
- Week 9-12: 1 mg once weekly
- Week 13 and onward: 2 mg once weekly (maintenance dose) This approach is recommended because Wegovy (semaglutide) has a long half-life, and tolerance to its effects can decrease during extended breaks, as noted in recent studies 1. Restarting at a lower dose helps minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are common side effects of semaglutide, as reported in a study published in Obesity Reviews 1. Some key points to consider when restarting Wegovy include:
- Always inject on the same day each week
- Monitor for any adverse reactions when restarting
- Be aware of the potential increased risk of pulmonary aspiration under anesthesia, as reported in a narrative review of clinical pharmacology and implications for peri-operative practice 1 It is essential to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being when restarting Wegovy, and to consult with the prescribing physician before making any changes to the treatment plan.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Resuming Wegovy (Semaglutide) After Discontinuation
There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support or refute the resumption of Wegovy (semaglutide) 1 milligram after a one-month discontinuation for an endoscopy.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for weight management and type 2 diabetes treatment, rather than addressing the specific scenario of resuming treatment after a temporary discontinuation 2, 3, 4, 5.
- One study discusses the use of midazolam for patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which is unrelated to the resumption of semaglutide treatment 6.
- None of the studies provide guidance on the appropriate timing or dosage for resuming semaglutide after a temporary discontinuation.
Considerations for Resuming Treatment
- It is essential to consult the prescribing information and guidelines for Wegovy (semaglutide) to determine the recommended approach for resuming treatment after a temporary discontinuation.
- Healthcare professionals should consider the individual patient's circumstances, medical history, and the reason for discontinuation when deciding how to resume treatment.
- The provided studies do not offer any insights into the potential effects of temporarily discontinuing and resuming semaglutide treatment on its efficacy or safety profile 2, 3, 4, 5.