Wegovy (semaglutide) is considered safe and was approved for use in weight loss by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK. It’s also an NHS-approved treatment for weight loss and is considered safe and effective when used under medical supervision.
We understand that the idea of taking injections can be daunting, so our pharmacists are here to give you everything you need to know about how safe Wegovy is so you can start or continue your weight loss journey with confidence.
Three key takeaways
Wegovy is proven safe and effective: Clinical trials show that Wegovy is safe for use and it’s approved in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Side effects are usually manageable: Common side effects like nausea or headaches are often temporary, and serious side effects are rare.
Not suitable for everyone: Wegovy isn’t recommended for certain health conditions, so it’s important to check suitability with a healthcare professional before starting.
Wegovy safety:
Wegovy is considered safe and effective for many adults who meet the eligibility criteria, as long as it’s prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. Your safety will depend on your overall health, medical history, and any other medications you’re taking.
In the UK, Wegovy has been assessed and approved by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for use within specialist NHS weight management services. It is recommended for adults with a BMI of 35 or above, or a BMI of 30 or above with at least one weight-related health condition. However, access through the NHS is limited and typically requires referral to a specialist clinic.
Wegovy is also available privately, where eligibility is usually a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher if you have a weight-related health condition.
How safe is Wegovy long term?
When prescribed and monitored properly, Wegovy is considered safe for long-term use. According to NICE and MHRA guidance, Wegovy can be used for up to 2 years as part of a weight management plan. This is based on clinical trials that showed it to be both safe and effective during that time.
At Chemist4U, we do prescribe Wegovy for longer-term use where appropriate, as part of a structured weight management programme. Our clinicians regularly check in with you to make sure you’re tolerating the medication well and that it’s working as expected. This ongoing monitoring is important to ensure you’re using Wegovy safely and in line with MHRA guidance.
“When properly prescribed and monitored, Wegovy is shown to be both safe and effective for extended use. The evidence from clinical trials gives us confidence that patients can use it as part of their weight management journey for as long as they need to with our clinical oversight.
What's important to us, is that we don't just prescribe it and leave you to it. We check-in and monitor your progress with every consultation, to see how you're getting on with the treatment. We'll ask about any side effects, review your other medications if they've changed, and make sure the treatment is still right for you.
These touch points aren't just box-ticking exercises. They're crucial for ensuring you're using Wegovy safely. We're here to support you throughout your journey, answering questions and adjusting your treatment plan as needed.”
Wegovy is not suitable for everyone. You should not take it if you:
are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding
have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
have severe stomach or gut problems, such as gastroparesis or a history of pancreatitis
are under 18 years old
In addition, some people with heart conditions, kidney disease, or other long-term health issues may need extra checks before starting Wegovy. Always tell your prescriber about your full medical history and any medications you are taking so they can confirm if it is safe for you.
Is Wegovy safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
No, Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. There isn’t enough evidence to confirm it’s safe, and official MHRA and NICE guidance warn there may be risks to both you and your baby.
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, you should not use Wegovy. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about safer alternatives for weight management during this time.
Your prescriber may also advise stopping Wegovy well before you try to conceive, as it can take several weeks for the medication to fully leave your body.
Is Wegovy safe for heart patients?
Yes. Wegovy (semaglutide) can be safe and beneficial for many people with heart conditions. It’s approved for use in adults who are overweight or living with obesity and have existing heart disease, as research shows it can lower the risk of serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes.
Clinical studies, including the SELECT trial, found that Wegovy may also improve some heart failure symptoms. However, it’s not suitable for all heart patients, so your doctor or pharmacist will review your medical history and any other medications you’re taking to make sure Wegovy is safe for you.
Is Wegovy safe for people with other conditions?
Wegovy can be used by many people with long-term health conditions, but safety depends on individual circumstances. That’s why you’ll always need to complete a consultation for a prescriber to make sure it’s safe and suitable for you.
High blood pressure
Wegovy may be used safely if your blood pressure is well controlled. Your prescriber will usually monitor your blood pressure during treatment, as weight loss can improve readings, but side effects may also affect them.
Hypothyroidism
Wegovy is generally safe for people with hypothyroidism. However, it should not be used if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), as these conditions increase your risk of complications.
Type 1 diabetes
Wegovy is not licensed for use in type 1 diabetes and should not be prescribed for this condition.
For type 2 diabetes, it may be used under specialist supervision, as it can support weight loss and improve blood sugar control.
Seniors and older adults
Wegovy can be prescribed to people over 65, but extra monitoring may be needed. Older adults are more at risk of muscle loss and frailty when losing weight quickly, so your prescriber will check that weight loss remains safe and balanced.
How long is it safe to take Wegovy?
NICE currently recommends Wegovy forup to 2 years as part of a specialist weight management programme. This is also the maximum treatment length approved by the NHS.
This does not mean it’s unsafe to prescribe it for a longer period, but your prescriber will carry out regular check-ups to make sure the medication remains safe and effective for you if it is.
How to use Wegovy safely
Wegovy is safe when taken as prescribed. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and never change your dose on your own.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking to avoid interactions.
Report any serious side effects, such as severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), to a doctor immediately. Call 999 if your symptoms are severe.
How to come off Wegovy safely
You should not stop taking Wegovy suddenly without medical advice. Your prescriber will normally suggest reducing the dose gradually rather than stopping all at once. This helps to lower the risk of side effects and makes it easier to manage your weight after treatment ends.
During this time, your prescriber may arrange regular check-ups to track your progress and may also recommend extra support with diet and exercise to reduce the chance of regaining weight.
Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy - is it safe?
Switching from Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to Wegovy (semaglutide) is usually safe, as long as it’s been approved by your prescriber and you make the switch safely. In most cases, this will mean waiting for enough Mounjaro to leave your system so you can safely start Wegovy. Our pharmacists provide full details on how to switch safely.
Never try to switch between these medications on your own, and always follow your prescriber’s plan for dosing and monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Wegovy?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using Wegovy, but it may worsen side effects like nausea or indigestion. If you have diabetes, alcohol can also affect your blood sugar, so moderation is advised.
Can Wegovy cause serious side effects?
Most side effects are mild, but serious reactions can occur. Seek urgent help if you develop severe stomach pain, pancreatitis symptoms, breathing problems, or signs of an allergic reaction. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your prescriber.
Is it safe to take Wegovy with other medications?
Wegovy can interact with some medications, especially those for diabetes. Your prescriber will review your current medications before prescribing Wegovy. Never start, stop, or change other medications without medical advice while on Wegovy.
Can you take Wegovy if you’ve had weight loss surgery?
You can take Wegovy after weight loss surgery, but only under specialist care. Your prescriber will check your general health and recovery before prescribing, as side effects like nausea or vomiting may be harder to manage after surgery.
Is it safe to miss a dose of Wegovy?
It’s safe to miss a dose of Wegovy. What you do depends on how long ago your last dose was:
If it's been less than five days, you can just continue your treatment plan as normal.
If it’s been longer than five days, just skip the dose and continue from your usual day.
If it’s been over 4 weeks, it's likely you’ll need to restart your treatment from the lowest dose.
Is Wegovy safe for teenagers and under-18s?
No. Wegovy is not licensed for people under 18 years old. Safety and effectiveness in children and adolescents has not been confirmed.
Can Wegovy affect your mental health?
Some people taking GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy report mood changes, but there is no confirmed link. If you experience low mood, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, seek medical help immediately.
Is it safe to restart Wegovy after stopping?
Yes, but you will usually need to restart at a lower dose to reduce side effects.
Does Wegovy increase the risk of thyroid cancer?
There is no clear evidence that Wegovy increases thyroid cancer risk in humans. However, until more research is done, it’s not recommend if you or your family have had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome.
Can Wegovy be used if you have PCOS?
Yes. You can take Wegovy if you have PCOS. While Wegovy is not licensed specifically for PCOS, weight loss can help improve its symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe it if you also meet the criteria for weight loss treatment.
Does Wegovy cause hair loss?
Hair loss is considered an uncommon side effect of Wegovy. However, some people may notice temporary shedding linked to rapid weight loss rather than the medication itself.
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