Medication info

Wegovy Pre-Filled Pen 0.5 (Semaglutide)

Prescription medication근육 · 정맥 · 피하
Ingredient · strength
Semaglutide›2mg
Manufacturer / importer
노보노디스크제약(주)
Appearance
A transparent, colorless or nearly colorless solution contained in a colorless, transparent cartridge equipped with a dose-controlled pre-filled pen.
Packaging
1 pre-filled pen/box [pre-filled pen (1.5 mL)]
Approval status
Active

MFDS item code 202301387 · Approved 2023.04.27

Summary

Main use
Treatment of obesity and overweight (weight management, reduction of cardiovascular risk)
Who receives it
Adults · Children
Adult administration
Start with 0.25 mg once a week, escalating to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Gradually increase the dose over 16 weeks, and in case of gastrointestinal symptoms, dosage escalation may be delayed or the previous dose may be lowered. It is not recommended to exceed 2.4 mg once a week. Administered subcutaneously, it can be taken any time of the day regardless of meals. Administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Child administration
For adolescents aged 12 and older, the same dosage escalation schedule as for adults is applied. Doses should be escalated to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg or until the maximum tolerated dose is reached, without exceeding 2.4 mg once per week.

Ingredients

Importer
노보노디스크제약(주)

Efficacy & effects

Treatment of obesity and overweight (weight management, reduction of cardiovascular risk)

  • Obesity
  • abnormal glucose metabolism
  • prediabetes
  • type 2 diabetes
  • hypertension
  • dyslipidemia
  • obstructive sleep apnea
  • cardiovascular disease
  • overweight
View approved original text

This medication helps in weight loss and maintenance in overweight patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher with weight-related comorbidities, including prediabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease, as well as in obese patients with an initial BMI of 30 or greater among adult patients. Additionally, it is used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with confirmed cardiovascular disease. In adolescents aged 12 and older, it is also used for weight management if they are classified as obese and weigh over 60 kg; if there is no effect after a certain period of treatment, reevaluation is necessary. It is used as an adjunct to a diet that reduces calorie intake and increases physical activity for effective weight management. This medication contributes to improving the health of patients with obesity and overweight and is used for weight management.

How it is given

Adult administration

Start with 0.25 mg once a week, escalating to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Gradually increase the dose over 16 weeks, and in case of gastrointestinal symptoms, dosage escalation may be delayed or the previous dose may be lowered. It is not recommended to exceed 2.4 mg once a week. Administered subcutaneously, it can be taken any time of the day regardless of meals. Administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Child administration

For adolescents aged 12 and older, the same dosage escalation schedule as for adults is applied. Doses should be escalated to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg or until the maximum tolerated dose is reached, without exceeding 2.4 mg once per week.

Precautions

This medication should not be used by patients with allergies to the active ingredient or excipients. Caution is needed in dehydrated patients as gastrointestinal side effects may worsen dehydration, and measures should be taken to prevent fluid loss. Due to the risk of acute pancreatitis, the use should be discontinued immediately if symptoms of pancreatitis occur, and it should be used cautiously in patients with a history of pancreatitis. This medication cannot be used as a substitute for insulin and should not be administered in conjunction with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. The risk of hypoglycemia increases when used together with sulfonylureas or insulin; therefore, dosage reductions of these medications may be necessary. Patients with diabetic retinopathy should be closely monitored as their symptoms may worsen with the use of this medication. It is not recommended for weight management or in patients with type 1 diabetes, severe renal and hepatic impairment, or severe heart failure. It should be administered with caution in elderly patients over 65 years, and in patients with liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease, and in those with diabetic gastroparesis. Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation may occur during treatment, and patients should consult their healthcare provider if such symptoms arise. Adverse reactions such as acute pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, hair loss, and increased heart rate have also been reported, so immediate reporting of any unusual symptoms is necessary. Caution is required during general anesthesia or deep sedation due to the risk of aspiration from delayed gastric emptying. Mental health changes, including depression or suicidal thoughts, may occur, so any mood changes should be reported to a healthcare provider. This medication may delay drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, so care should be taken when taking other oral medications. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not use this medication, and nursing mothers should also avoid administration. Patients may experience dizziness; therefore, caution is required while driving or operating machinery. In the case of overdose, dehydration and gastrointestinal symptoms may occur, and immediate medical attention is required. This medication should not be mixed with other drugs and should not be used if it is discolored or frozen. When using for the first time, it should be stored in a refrigerator and used within 6 weeks after opening. This medication is for use by one person only; used needles should be disposed of to reduce the risk of infection.

Side effects

  • Nausea
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • vomiting
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • taste disturbance
  • abnormal sensation
  • diabetic retinopathy
  • hypotension
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  • orthostatic hypotension
  • increased heart rate
  • abdominal pain
  • gastritis
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • indigestion
  • belching
  • gastrointestinal gas retention
  • abdominal distension
  • acute pancreatitis
  • delayed gastric emptying
  • bowel obstruction
  • cholelithiasis
  • hair loss
  • angioedema
  • fatigue
  • injection site reactions
  • anaphylactic reactions
  • nasopharyngitis
  • gastroenteritis
  • sinusitis
  • urinary tract infection
  • ligament sprain
  • anxiety
  • cholecystitis
  • influenza
  • rash
  • urticaria
  • sensory disturbance
  • skin pain
  • sensitive skin
  • skin burning sensation
  • fracture
  • nephrolithiasis
  • increased amylase
  • increased lipase

Not everyone experiences these, and they can vary from person to person.

Storage

This medication should be stored in a sealed container to prevent contact with air, and care should be taken to avoid freezing, keeping it refrigerated at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Additionally, since the drug may degrade due to light exposure, it is advisable to store it in a dark place, away from direct sunlight.

Appearance and packaging

Appearance

A transparent, colorless or nearly colorless solution contained in a colorless, transparent cartridge equipped with a dose-controlled pre-filled pen.

Package unit

1 pre-filled pen/box [pre-filled pen (1.5 mL)]

Same-ingredient medicines

Even with the same ingredient, strength, dosage form and how it is taken can differ.

Even with the same ingredient, the dose and directions can differ by strength and dosage form. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before switching from a medication you are already taking.

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This drug information is based on data provided by the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist for accurate dosage, administration, and usage instructions.