Wegovy is an injectable prescription medication that is used to treat obesity and overweight in individuals with weight-related medical problems such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, which belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It decreases your body’s blood glucose levels and increases its response to the hormone insulin to get your type 2 diabetes under control. Not only does semaglutide help manage blood sugar levels, but it can also help patients with type 2 diabetes reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. It is also sometimes prescribed to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Wegovy is prescribed in conjunction with other treatment measures such as exercise and a low-fat, low-calorie diet to help patients lose weight and prevent serious complications caused by obesity. Wegovy is prescribed in the form of liquid which is injected subcutaneously (under the skin).

Wegovy is prescribed as a weight-loss treatment for patients with weight-related health problems, like high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is also prescribed as a weight-loss treatment for obese children 12 years of age and up. Wegovy helps to control blood sugar levels; when blood sugar levels become too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), it can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, eye damage, nerve damage, and skin conditions, among other complications.

Wegovy also mimics a hormone in your gut that controls how fast food moves through it. Wegovy slows down this movement, which means that you typically feel more full for longer and have a decreased appetite. It’s important to note that Wegovy is not a cure for weight loss or type 2 diabetes; it only helps to control those conditions and should be prescribed along with a healthy diet and exercise.

It depends on your insurance status. If you have health insurance, Wegovy can cost as little as $25/mo. depending on your plan. If you're uninsured or have a health insurance plan that doesn't offer coverage for Wegovy, you can access Wegovy at a self-pay price of $499 per month.

Both pricing options are available through Sesame's weight loss program, Success by Sesame, if you're clinically eligible. For those with insurance, Sesame providers can also help with any required insurance paperwork to help reduce the cost of Wegovy.

Wegovy has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects do not go away within a few days, talk to your healthcare provider. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Abdominal pain
  
• Constipation
  
• Decreased appetite
  
• Heartburn
  
• Burping
  
  

This is not a complete list of possible adverse effects.

If you experience an unexplained rash, swelling, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, decreased urination, changes in vision, or itchy skin while taking Wegovy, seek medical attention immediately. These are early signs of a potentially serious adverse reaction to the medication reaction.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any medication you are currently taking, or any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with before starting treatment with Wegovy.

Wegovy comes in the form of a prefilled injection pen which is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week. However, you should take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your Wegovy dosage without consulting your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

You should store your medication in its original carton under refrigerated condition between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). If necessary, prior to cap removal, the pen may be stored between 8 and 30 degrees C (46 and 86 degrees F) for up to 28 days. Keep your medication away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, Sesame’s weight loss doctors and specialists can write a prescription during an online weight loss program visit. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

It's important to note that the cost of medication is not included in this program, and Sesame does not guarantee insurance coverage for medication. If you are uninsured, please be aware that GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic and Saxenda can be expensive, typically ranging between $950 to $1,600 per month. If you are insured, your provider can assist with insurance pre-authorization paperwork to cover the cost of your medication.

Wegovy is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription during an online weight loss program visit. Book with one of Sesame’s online weight loss doctors or specialists to determine if Wegovy or another weight loss medication is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

No, there are currently no generic alternatives to Wegovy (semaglutide). Although there are other semaglutide medications (Ozempic, Rybelsus) on the market, all GLP-1 agonist drugs are available only as brand-name products.

If you need assistance with navigating your options, you can schedule a video consult with a provider through Sesame’s weight loss program to discuss the best medication for your needs.

The Success by Sesame subscription starts at just $99 per month and includes telehealth visits, unlimited messaging, and ongoing clinical care from a provider of your choice. The $99 subscription fee does not include the cost of medication.

It's important to note that brand-name GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Zepbound or Saxenda can be expensive without insurance coverage, typically ranging between $950 to $1,600 per month out-of-pocket. If you are insured, your provider can assist with insurance pre-authorization paperwork to help reduce the cost of your medication.

Note that providers on Sesame set their own prices, which means that some providers may offer the service at a higher price.

Certain GLP-1 therapies such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy), liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda and Victoza), and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) may increase the likelihood of developing thyroid gland tumors, including MTC, a type of thyroid cancer. This conclusion is based on studies where laboratory animals given semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications developed tumors. However, it is not yet confirmed if these medications pose the same risk to humans. You can find additional information about the risks of FDA-approved medications that contain semaglutide here.

It’s important to inform your doctor if you or any family member has ever had MTC or MEN. If this is the case, your doctor will likely advise against taking GLP-1 medications.

If you are prescribed a GLP-1 medication and exhibit any of the following symptoms, you should contact your provider immediately:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Severe abdominal pain
  
  

Before taking GLP-1 medications, you should also discuss the following with your provider:

Allergies: Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any allergies you have to semaglutide (including under brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) or similar medications such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon BCise, Byetta), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza, or in Xultophy) and lixisenatide (Adlyxin, or in Soliqua).

Personal and family medical history: Be sure to disclose if you have a history of medical conditions like pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder disease or kidney disease. Inform your doctor about recent episodes of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or any inability to consume liquids, which could lead to dehydration.

Current medications and supplements: Provide a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements you are currently taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. This is crucial as GLP-1 medications can alter how your body absorbs oral medications.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon.

Surgical procedures: In the event of surgery, including dental procedures, inform the medical or dental professional that you are on GLP-1 medication.

It's essential to thoroughly discuss these risks with your healthcare provider and consider your personal and family medical history when deciding whether to use these medications. Your doctor can provide guidance on the best course of action based on your specific health situation.

Your prescription must be filled by 6/30/25 to get the promotional rate offered by Novo Nordisk. Discount will be given at the pharmacy. This offer is not valid if you are already using or have previously used a Wegovy® savings offer or coupon.

Patients are not eligible if he/she is enrolled in any federal or state health care program with prescription drug coverage. Please see terms for more detail. The cost of Wegovy® under this promotion is separate from the $99/month Success by Sesame subscription price. The discount applies only to the medication cost, not to program or service fees.