What information should be included in a patient information sheet for an adult patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition, who is undergoing weight loss management with Wegovy (semaglutide) and is being titrated from 1.7mg to 2.4mg weekly?

Patient Information Sheet: Increasing Wegovy from 1.7 mg to 2.4 mg Weekly

Your Dose Increase

You are now ready to increase your Wegovy dose from 1.7 mg to 2.4 mg once weekly, which is the final maintenance dose for weight management. 1, 2

• Continue injecting once weekly on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without meals 2, 3
• The 2.4 mg dose is the target maintenance dose that has been shown to produce the greatest weight loss in clinical trials 1, 4
• You will stay at this 2.4 mg dose long-term as part of your ongoing weight management plan 2, 4

What to Expect with This Dose Increase

Weight Loss Goals

• At the 2.4 mg maintenance dose, patients typically achieve 10-17% total body weight loss over 68 weeks 1, 5
• In real-world studies, patients using the 2.4 mg dose with support programs achieved approximately 17.6% weight loss at 12 months and 20.4% at 24 months 6
• You may achieve adequate weight loss at the 1.7 mg dose and could remain at that dose if you and your provider decide it's appropriate 2, 7

Side Effects to Monitor

Gastrointestinal side effects remain the most common issue but are typically mild to moderate and improve over time: 1

• Nausea - most common, usually temporary 1
• Vomiting 1
• Diarrhea 1
• Constipation 1
• Abdominal pain or bloating 1
• Heartburn or acid reflux 1

To minimize side effects: 1

• Eat smaller portion sizes 1
• Increase fiber intake gradually 1
• Stay well-hydrated to prevent dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea 1

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

• If less than 5 days have passed: Take your missed dose as soon as you remember 2, 3
• If more than 5 days have passed: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day 2, 3
• If you miss 2 consecutive doses: Contact your provider, as you may be able to resume at the same dose if you tolerated it well previously 2, 7
• If you miss 3 or more consecutive doses: Contact your provider, as you may need to restart the dose titration schedule 2, 7

Important Safety Information

Seek Medical Attention Immediately If You Experience:

• Severe abdominal pain that doesn't go away, especially with vomiting - could indicate pancreatitis or gallbladder problems 1, 8
• Signs of severe dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhea - can lead to kidney problems 1, 8
• Sudden vision changes or eye pain 1
• Rapid heartbeat or chest pain 1
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide 1
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing) 1

Ongoing Monitoring Required:

• If you have diabetes and take insulin or sulfonylureas: Monitor your blood sugar closely, as you may need dose reductions to prevent low blood sugar 1, 8
• Watch for signs of gallstones: Wegovy increases risk of gallbladder disease, especially during rapid weight loss 1, 8
• If you have kidney disease: Report any persistent vomiting or diarrhea immediately, as dehydration can worsen kidney function 8

Medication Interactions

Birth Control Pills

• Wegovy can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives due to delayed stomach emptying 1
• Add a barrier method (condoms) for 4 weeks after this dose increase 1
• Consider alternative contraception methods if needed 1

Other Medications

• Do not use Wegovy with other GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, Mounjaro) 2, 7
• Oral medications requiring rapid absorption may be affected - take them at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after your Wegovy injection when possible 3
• If taking warfarin: Your provider may need to monitor your INR more closely 3

Storage and Handling

• Store in refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) 2
• May be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days if needed 2
• Inject subcutaneously in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm - rotate injection sites 3
• Do not freeze - discard if frozen 2

When to Contact Your Provider

Contact your provider if:

• You cannot tolerate the 2.4 mg dose due to side effects - you may be able to stay at 1.7 mg long-term 2, 7
• You have not lost at least 5% of your starting body weight after 3-4 months on the maintenance dose 1, 8
• You experience persistent side effects that don't improve 1
• You are planning surgery or procedures requiring anesthesia - you may need to stop Wegovy temporarily 2
• You become pregnant or are planning pregnancy - Wegovy must be stopped 1

Lifestyle Interventions to Continue

Wegovy works best when combined with ongoing lifestyle changes: 1

• Reduced-calorie diet: Generally 1200-1500 calories/day for women, 1500-1800 calories/day for men 1
• Physical activity: At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise (30 minutes, 5 times per week) 1
• Behavioral strategies: Food tracking, self-monitoring of weight, stress management 1
• Regular follow-up: Monthly visits for the first 3 months, then at least quarterly thereafter 8

Expected Timeline

• Weeks 1-4 at 2.4 mg: Side effects may temporarily worsen but typically improve 1
• Steady-state reached: After 4-5 weeks at this dose, medication levels stabilize in your body 3
• Continued weight loss: Most patients continue losing weight for 12-24 months on the maintenance dose 4, 6
• Long-term maintenance: Continuing Wegovy long-term maintains weight loss; stopping typically results in weight regain 4

Cost and Access

• Average retail cost: Approximately $1,300-$1,500 per month without insurance 1
• Insurance coverage: Check with your insurance about coverage and prior authorization requirements 1
• Patient assistance programs: Available through the manufacturer if you qualify 1
• WeGoTogether support program: Free digital support application available to help with your weight loss journey 6