If you’re looking to lose weight then medication like semaglutide injections can help you to do so more effectively – and more quickly – than just dieting and making lifestyle changes.
In this guide we’ll tell you everything you need to know about semaglutide injections, so keep reading.
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Semaglutide injections are a type of medication used to help manage type 2 diabetes and enhance weight loss. They work by mimicking a hormone in your body called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. The injections are usually taken once a week.
Yes, semaglutide injections are licensed in the UK. They are available under the brand names Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor to get them.
Semaglutide works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. This hormone helps regulate your blood sugar by stimulating insulin secretion when your blood sugar is high and reducing the amount of glucose produced by your liver. It also slows down the emptying of your stomach, which helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing your appetite and accelerating your weight loss.
Yes, semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in your body to help manage blood sugar levels and control appetite.
You are likely to start noticing effects within the first few weeks, particularly with appetite control. Significant weight loss and better blood sugar levels typically become more apparent over a few months. Clinical studies have shown that substantial weight loss can be achieved over a period of six months to a year.
Yes, both Ozempic and Wegovy are brands of semaglutide injections. Ozempic is used for managing type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss. They contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but are marketed for different purposes.
Yes, semaglutide injections are available in the UK. They are marketed under the brand names Ozempic for type 2 diabetes management and Wegovy for weight loss. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor to get them.
Once you have a prescription, you can get semaglutide injections from most pharmacies. Your doctor or healthcare provider can guide you on where to fill your prescription. Some services, like Medicspot, offer an online service to deliver it to your home.
The cost of semaglutide injections can vary, but it’s usually a few hundred pounds per month.
Ozempic, which is used for type 2 diabetes, is available on the NHS. However, Wegovy, which is specifically for weight loss, is not widely available on the NHS. There might be exceptions for certain patients under specialist care, but generally, it’s not covered for weight loss. Your doctor can provide more details and discuss whether there are any other options that might be suitable for you.
The main difference is in how they are administered and absorbed by your body. Semaglutide injections are taken once a week and are injected under the skin. They provide a steady release of the medication over the week. Semaglutide tablets, on the other hand, are taken orally once a day. The tablets need to be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, and you have to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else to ensure proper absorption.
Clinical studies suggest that people taking semaglutide injections may experience greater weight loss compared to those taking semaglutide tablets. On average, people taking the injections can lose around 10-15% of their body weight over about a year, while those taking the tablets might see a weight loss of around 5-10%. Individual results can vary, and combining the medication with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can enhance the results.
Yes, you can switch from semaglutide tablets to injections, but it should be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider. They’ll monitor your response to the new form of the medication and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure it’s effective and safe for you.
No, it’s not recommended to take both forms together. Since they contain the same active ingredient, taking both could increase the risk of side effects without providing additional benefits. It’s best to stick with one form of the medication and work closely with your doctor to find the most effective treatment for you.
It depends on your personal preferences and medical needs. Some people prefer the injections because they only have to remember to take the medication once a week, while others prefer the convenience of taking a daily tablet. In terms of effectiveness, both forms of semaglutide can help manage blood sugar levels and promote weight loss, but clinical studies have shown that the injections may lead to slightly greater weight loss compared to the tablets. Your doctor can help you decide which option is best for you based on your lifestyle and health goals.
Yes, you should keep semaglutide injections in the fridge before they are first used. Store them at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Once you start using a pen, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, but make sure it stays below 30°C. Always avoid freezing it, as freezing can damage the medication and reduce its effectiveness. If you have any doubts about storage, check the instructions that come with the medication or contact us.
Semaglutide injections come in a pre-filled pen that makes it quite easy to use. Here’s a general overview of how to inject it:
Your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions and a demonstration on how to use the pen correctly.
The most common injection sites are your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. You should rotate the injection site each week to avoid irritating the skin. For example, one week you might use your abdomen, the next week your thigh, and so on.
While the process is straightforward, it is possible to inject semaglutide incorrectly. Common mistakes include not injecting into the fatty tissue, not holding the pen in place long enough to deliver the full dose, or using an incorrect dose. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and ask for a demonstration if you’re unsure. If you ever feel uncertain or think you may have made an error, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
No, semaglutide injections are designed to be taken once a week. Taking it more frequently than prescribed can increase the risk of side effects and does not provide additional benefits. It’s important to follow the dosing schedule recommended by your healthcare provider.
The most common side effects of semaglutide injections include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. Other side effects can include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve as your body gets used to the medication. More serious but less common side effects can include bowel obstruction, gastroparesis, pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. It’s always important to monitor how you feel when starting a new medication and talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects, especially if they’re severe or don’t go away.
Fatigue can be a side effect of semaglutide injections, though it’s not very common. If you do experience tiredness, it’s worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure it’s not related to another underlying condition or to see if your medication needs adjusting.
There’s no concrete evidence that semaglutide injections cause cancer. Some studies have looked into a potential link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and certain types of cancer, but the data isn’t conclusive. Semaglutide is closely monitored for safety, and any potential risks are carefully weighed against the benefits.
Yes, nausea is one of the most common side effects of semaglutide injections. It tends to be more prominent when you first start taking the medication and usually decreases over time as your body adjusts. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding rich, fatty foods can help manage nausea.
The injections themselves are generally well-tolerated and shouldn’t be too painful. You might feel a small pinch or sting when the needle goes in, but it’s usually brief. Some people might experience mild soreness or bruising at the injection site. Using a new needle for each injection and rotating the injection sites can help minimise discomfort.
This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.
There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.
