Can You Take Semaglutide (Wegovy) Long Term?

If you're using Semaglutide (Wegovy) for weight loss, you may wonder about its long-term safety and effectiveness. Regular medical check-ups can help ensure its continued suitability for you. This article focuses on the long-term use of semaglutide (Wegovy), addressing key questions and concerns. Read on to find out if you can take Semaglutide (Wegovy) long-term.

Recommended Duration for Taking Semaglutide

You can take semaglutide for as long as it remains effective and until you’ve reached your ideal weight. You should be taking it alongside a diet and exercise plan.

How Long Can You Take Semaglutide For?

Your doctor will monitor your progress and make sure you’ve lost 5% or more of your starting weight after 6 months of treatment. If you haven’t, they may recommend trying an alternative weight loss medication.

If you get any long-lasting or bothersome side effects, you may also be asked to stop taking Wegovy.

Risks and Benefits of Long-term Use

You should have regular check-ups with a doctor or healthcare professional while taking Wegovy. They’ll check your weight and side effects to make sure Wegovy is not causing any unwanted effects.

The risks of taking Wegovy long-term include:

• an increased chance of common side effects like nausea and vomiting
• injection site reactions

There are more benefits of taking semaglutide long-term than risks, especially in those who are overweight or obese. These include:

• weight loss, which can reduce the risk of diseases caused by obesity, like heart disease
• a reduction in blood pressure
• lowered blood sugar levels, which can reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes
• improved confidence and self-esteem
• reduced hunger levels, which makes it easier to eat less and change your diet long-term

Long-term Use of Semaglutide for Different Groups

Those with diabetes or other health problems may need to be monitored more frequently while using semaglutide injections. This is especially the case if you have ever had low blood sugar levels.

You should stop using Wegovy if you find out that you are pregnant. If you want to try for a baby, speak to your doctor about stopping Wegovy. If you get side effects like vomiting and have kidney problems, your doctor may suggest stopping Wegovy if you keep getting dehydrated.

Dosage and Factors Affecting Semaglutide's Long-term Use

Being diagnosed with a new health condition or taking a new medication could change how Wegovy works long-term. Speak to the healthcare professional who prescribed Wegovy if your health or prescriptions have changed since you were prescribed it.

Missing your weekly semaglutide injection could affect how well it works. Try to stick to the same time each week to get the best results from Wegovy. For long-term side effects, speak to your doctor. You may need to stay on a lower dose until they stop. If you get nausea or vomiting, try taking Wegovy after a meal.

Conclusion

Semaglutide (Wegovy) is generally considered safe for long-term use. The benefits of sustained treatment often outweigh the risks, particularly when overseen by a qualified healthcare professional. Your clinician will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure that long-term use is appropriate for your specific medical condition.

It is crucial to remain vigilant for any side effects and report them to your healthcare provider. This allows for timely adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring that you continue to benefit from the medication. If you are seeking a long-term solution for obesity, consult a medical professional who can tailor a comprehensive weight loss strategy for you, complete with regular follow-up appointments.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 12/10/2023 Reviewed on: 01/11/2023