Wegovy (semaglutide) prescription for weight loss
Take control of your whole health with the help of a licensed doctor. Because you’re more than just your weight.
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GLP-1 medication if prescribed
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Help interacting with your insurance
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Personalized treatment and labs
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As seen in
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Please note: Due to high demand, there are nationwide shortages of GLP-1 medications including Ozempic, Saxenda, and the starting doses of Wegovy. You may need to contact your local pharmacy to ask about availability.
How it works
We’re with you every step of the way
Personalized approach
Chat with your medical provider about your health goals and how we may be able to help you achieve them.
Medical weight management
Get labs done so your provider can customize a care plan for you and any chronic conditions you may have.
Focused on results
Your provider will adjust your care plan as needed to try to improve your weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, A1C, and other health markers.
Get treatment that’s right for you—we’ll help work with your insurance
Your doctor will work with you and your insurance provider to try to make your plan as affordable and sustainable as possible. That plan might look like*:
Get treatment that’s right for you—we’ll help work with your insurance
Your doctor will work with you and your insurance provider to try to make your plan as affordable and sustainable as possible. That plan might look like*:
Rick’s BMI and diabetes diagnosis mean he is more likely to get insurance approval for a GLP-1 medication.
Rick’s BMI and diabetes diagnosis mean he is more likely to get insurance approval for a GLP-1 medication.
Amber’s health insurance likely wouldn’t pay for a GLP-1 medication until she proved she had tried to manage her weight without it. After 3 months, if there were no clinical improvements, we would go back to the insurance company and ask for approval for the prescription.
Because Amber does not have type 2 diabetes, she would not be eligible for Ozempic, but could be for another GLP-1 medication.
Amber’s health insurance likely wouldn’t pay for a GLP-1 medication until she proved she had tried to manage her weight without it. After 3 months, if there were no clinical improvements, we would go back to the insurance company and ask for approval for the prescription.
Because Amber does not have type 2 diabetes, she would not be eligible for Ozempic, but could be for another GLP-1 medication.
For just $49 for your first month, you’ll also get:
Unlimited access to medical providers
Flexible appointments and anytime messaging
Easy prescription management for chronic conditions
24/7 Urgent Care for sudden medical needs
*Available for adults 18+ in all 48 continental US states. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
K Health memberships are not insurance and exclude ancillary services (e.g., labs, equipment, cost of medication, etc). Medical care is provided by K Health’s affiliated professional corporations. See Terms of Service.
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Wegovy Prescription Online
How does Wegovy® work?
Wegovy is a prescription drug used for chronic weight management in overweight or obese adults who also have health problems related to their weight. It comes as a liquid solution inside of a single-dose pen. You inject it under your skin once per week.
This drug works by mimicking GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that stimulates the pancreas to release insulin and suppresses glucagon secretion, slowing gastric emptying. GLP-1 can also help regulate appetite by controlling blood sugar levels.
People taking Wegovy may eat fewer calories and lose weight over time. As a result, weight-related conditions may also improve when taking Wegovy. It’s most effective when used with a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
Is Wegovy FDA approved?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight adults with weight-related health problems in June 2021.
Prior to FDA approval, researchers studied Wegovy’s safety and effectiveness in four 68-week trials. Nearly 3,000 patients received Wegovy in these four studies, and the FDA determined it safe and helpful enough to approve it.
Is Wegovy effective for weight loss?
Based on four 68-week trials, the FDA determined Wegovy is a safe and effective way for overweight or obese people to lose weight and manage chronic health problems related to weight. Overall, more than 2,600 patients received Wegovy and more than 1,500 patients received placebo.
By the end of the first three trials, almost 80% of participants had lost at least 5% of their body weight from using Wegovy, and almost half the participants lost more than 15% of their body weight. Of the patients receiving a placebo, approximately one-third lost at least 5% of body weight and less than 10% of participants lost more than 15% of their body weight.
The medication is most effective when coupled with a calorie deficit (eating fewer calories than you burn) and routine exercise.
Your doctor can help you determine whether Wegovy is a good option for you.
What to avoid with Wegovy
Don’t take Wegovy if you’re allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredients in the drug. Your doctor may also recommend against Wegovy if you have certain health conditions or take any medications that can negatively interact with it.
To ensure Wegovy is effective, follow your prescriber and pharmacist’s instructions when you use it. Don’t use Wegovy if the injector pen is discolored or contains particles. Also avoid injecting Wegovy into skin with scars, stretch marks, bruises, tenderness, or redness.
Wegovy may result in dizziness, so it’s best to avoid substances that can also make you dizzy, such as alcohol or marijuana. If you feel dizzy or tired after taking Wegovy, avoid operating machinery or driving.
It’s possible Wegovy may pose harm to a fetus. Don’t attempt to get pregnant when taking Wegovy or for two months afterward, and tell your doctor immediately if you think you may be pregnant.
Side effects of Wegovy
As with other drugs, Wegovy may result in unwanted side effects. The most common side effects that occur with Wegovy include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Belly pain
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Your prescriber can help if Wegovy is causing bothersome side effects. Rarely, more serious side effects can occur when taking this drug. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction after taking Wegovy, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Dosages
Wegovy comes as a liquid solution in a pre-filled pen that you inject under the skin. It’s available in the following dosage strengths:
- 0.25 milligrams per 0.5 milliliters of liquid solution (0.25 mg/0.5 mL)
- 0.5 mg/0.5 mL
- 1 mg/0.5 mL
- 1.7 mg/0.75 mL
- 2.4 mg/0.75 mL
Typically, doctors prescribe Wegovy at a starting dose of 0.25/0.5 mL. Patients inject the dose once a week for four weeks.
Every four weeks, the dosage strength increases. By week 17, you may take a maintenance dose of Wegovy, which is 2.4 mg of Wegovy once every week.
Depending on your results and side effects, your doctor can help you determine how long to take Wegovy.
Interactions
Before you take Wegovy, tell your healthcare provider if you take any other medications or supplements. Certain drugs can negatively interact with Wegovy, reducing its effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects.
Drugs that interact with Wegovy include:
- Glimepiride (Amaryl)
- Glipizide (Glucotrol)
- Glyburide (Diabeta)
- Insulin glargine (Lantus, Toujeo)
- Insulin detemir (Levemir)
- Insulin degludec (Tresiba)
Notify your prescriber, too, if you take any oral medications (tablets, capsules, or liquids). Wegovy may affect the absorption of these medications.
Cost of Wegovy
The cost of Wegovy varies widely. The list price—or the cost of a drug without any discounts—for a 28-day supply of Wegovy is $1,349.02. If you don’t have health insurance, you may have to pay the full list price. But if you have health insurance, you could pay as little as $0 for a 28-day supply combined with their Wegovy Savings Offer.
How much you specifically will have to pay for Wegovy depends on several factors, such as your insurance, pharmacy, dosage strength, and how many pens you buy at a time. Like other drugs, Wegovy is generally more affordable with health insurance, but cost varies by plan. If you’d like to determine the exact price of Wegovy, a K Health provider can help. Your doctor will work with you and your insurance provider to try and make your plan as affordable and sustainable as possible.
Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name ones; however, at this time, Wegovy isn’t available in generic form.
Buying Wegovy online can help reduce the cost. An online doctor can prescribe the drug, and you can fill it at an online pharmacy. The pharmacy can then deliver Wegovy to your home.
How much weight can you lose with Wegovy?
Approximately half the adults in the clinical trials lost 15% of more of their body weight, equal to roughly 35 pounds. And approximately one-third of participants lost 20% or more of their body weight, or about 46 pounds. Participants took Wegovy along with following a reduced-calorie meal plan and increasing their physical activity.
Wegovy Alternatives
Wegovy isn’t right for everyone, and you should consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medications, including diet pills and weight loss medication.
Below are some Wegovy alternatives to discuss with your doctor:
- Saxenda: Like Wegovy, Saxenda is a weekly self-administered injection for weight loss that can be covered by insurance.
- PhenQ: Available over the counter without a prescription, PhenQ is a twice-daily tablet that burns fat, prevents your body from storing excess fat, and suppresses your appetite.
- Zotrim: Also available over the counter without a prescription, Zotrim is an herbal appetite suppressant taken before each meal, up to 9 tablets a day.
How to take Wegovy
Wegovy is a self-administered injection medication. It should be injected under your skin (subcutaneously) in your upper arms, stomach (keep 2 inches away from belly button), or upper legs (front of thighs). You should take the medication on the same day each week, but it can be taken at any time, regardless of whether you’ve eaten or not.
Below is a summary of the injection steps, but you should consult the full Prescribing Information for complete instructions before use:
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- Wash your hands and inspect the pen. Make sure there aren’t any breaks or cracks, and look through the pen window and verify that the medicine is clear and colorless.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab or soap and water. You may inject into your upper arms, stomach (keep 2 inches away from belly button), or upper legs (front of thighs).
- Remove the pen cap and inject Wegovy by pushing the pen firmly against your skin. Keep applying pressure until the yellow bar has stopped moving (typically a few seconds).
- Throw away the pen in a sharps disposal container or heavy-duty plastic container with a lid.
A healthy weight leads to a healthier life
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*Based on clinical studies published in Translational Behavioral Medicine, The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care, and the New England Journal of Medicine. Results may vary.
A safe and effective way to lose weight
See If It’s a Good FitFrequently asked questions
What’s included in the K Health Medical Weight Management Program?
The K Health Medical Weight Management Program includes nearly everything K Health offers:
- Unlimited text-based visits with licensed medical providers
- 24/7 Urgent Care without an appointment
- Flexible appointments for chronic condition management
- Easy prescription management and renewals
- Treatment for anxiety and depression, including medication shipped to your door (medication cost not included)
- As always, no insurance needed, all on your own schedule
*24/7 Urgent Care is available in 48 states of the US. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
K Health memberships are not insurance and do not include any ancillary services, (e.g.) laboratory tests, durable medical equipment, appointments with other providers or specialists that we may refer you to, emergency or in-person urgent care facility visits; cost of medication and other referrals. Medical care is provided by K Health’s affiliated professional corporations. See Terms of Service.
How do GLP-1 receptor agonists work?
Each of the FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist medications work in a slightly different way to support weight loss. Some may reduce your appetite while others may make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods that you eat.
It is important to note that these medications are not a replacement for exercise and a healthy diet. If you’re prescribed a weight-loss medication, clinicians will likely will recommend certain behavioral modifications, including a healthy eating and exercise program, to help you reap the most benefits from the medication, and manage or prevent any related chronic conditions.
Learn more about the side effects of Ozempic, Wegovy or Saxenda.
How do I know if weight loss medication is right for me?
Many adults with health conditions associated with their weight are eligible for weight loss medication. These conditions include type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, among others.
To be eligible for prescription weight loss medication from clinicians practicing on the K Health platform, clinicians conduct a strict screening process, which includes ensuring a certain Body-Mass Index (BMI), the absence of certain medical conditions, and a history of unsuccessful weight loss with lifestyle modifications alone. If you don’t have a health condition associated with your weight, you must have a BMI of at least 30. If you do have a health condition associated with your weight, your BMI must be 27 or higher.
If someone isn’t a good fit for weight loss medication, they can still use K Health to manage other areas of their health, including lifestyle changes and chronic disease, mental health, and urgent care needs.
What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications?
The most common side effects of GLP-1 weight loss medications are upset stomach, nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, headache and fatigue. Typically, these symptoms are most severe in the first few weeks of taking medication and become milder or go away completely over time. Your clinician will set an appropriate dosing schedule to manage any side effects you may experience and can adjust your care plan as needed.
More serious side effects include thyroid tumors, including cancer, pancreatitis, gallbladder and kidney problems, and changes in mood. These reactions are rare, but if you experience any side effects that concern you, reach out to your clinician.
Learn more about the side effects of Ozempic, Wegovy or Saxenda.
What if my insurance won’t pay for my medication?
Your clinician and care team will work with you and your insurance provider to find the right care plan for you. Depending on your weight and other health conditions, you may be approved for a GLP-1 medication immediately, or your insurance may want to see you try other methods of weight loss first.
If that’s the case, your clinician can provide an alternate treatment as a first step and revisit your insurance authorization in a few months. In many cases, prior authorizations are approved the second time around.
Your clinician will never encourage you to take a medication that will not be affordable for you long-term by using a limited-time discount or similar method. We will work with you to ensure your care plan is affordable and sustainable.
Aren’t these medications just for diabetes? And isn’t there a shortage?
The GLP-1 medications semaglutide and liraglutide are FDA-approved for both type 2 diabetes and weight management under different brand names.
If appropriate, your clinician may prescribe you Wegovy (semaglutide) or Saxenda (liraglutide), which are both indicated for weight management, or another type of medication FDA-approved for weight management.
Your clinician may also prescribe metformin, a medication that helps to control blood sugar. While often used to treat type 2 diabetes, it can also be used to manage weight.
Because of high demand, there are currently supply shortages of Ozempic, Saxenda, and the lower doses of Wegovy. If you’re prescribed one of these medications, we recommend checking with your local pharmacy about their ability to fill your prescription. Your clinician can send your prescription to a different pharmacy if needed, or possibly provide an alternate treatment plan as a first step and revisit your GLP-1 prescription later.
What does the whole program cost?
Your K Health membership costs $49 for the first month* and is then billed in advance 3 months at a time (so you pay $147 every 3 months). Or, you can save $139 with a yearly plan and pay $449 for an annual membership. Either way, that membership includes:
- Unlimited text-based visits with licensed medical providers
- 24/7 Urgent Care without an appointment
- Flexible appointments for chronic condition management
- Easy prescription management and renewals
- Treatment for anxiety and depression, including medication shipped to your door (medication cost not included)
This membership does not include the cost of your medication or labs. If you are prescribed GLP-1 medication and your insurance agrees to cover it, it can cost as little as $20/month. The cost of labs can vary based on your insurance.
*24/7 Urgent Care is available in 48 states of the US. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
K Health memberships are not insurance and do not include any ancillary services, (e.g.) laboratory tests, durable medical equipment, appointments with other providers or specialists that we may refer you to, emergency or in-person urgent care facility visits; cost of medication and other referrals. Medical care is provided by K Health’s affiliated professional corporations. See Terms of Service.
Will my medical provider treat me for other health conditions I have?
Yes! Your medical provider will help you manage your whole health, including chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and more.
You’ll also be able to get 24/7 Urgent Care at no additional cost.
What if I already have a primary care doctor?
That’s totally fine. You’re welcome to use K Health for your Primary Care needs, but if you’d prefer to keep working with your current provider, you can still participate in our weight management program.
What is step therapy?
Step therapy is a type of prior authorization practiced by insurance providers. In step therapy, you begin treatment for a medical condition with the medication that’s considered “most preferred” (and is often less expensive) and progress to other therapies only if necessary.
What that means for you is that in many cases, your insurance will not cover the costs of GLP-1 medication unless you show that other methods of weight management haven’t worked for you. Your dedicated care team at K Health will help you navigate this process.
How is K Health’s Medical Weight Management Program different from other weight loss programs?
With K Health’s Medical Weight Management Program, you’ll work with a primary care physician to take care of your health holistically. They’ll help you manage most chronic health conditions and treat your weight as just one portion of your overall health.
What’s the difference in price between K Health and other weight loss programs?
While other online prescription weight management programs can cost over $100/month, K Health is the only place where you can get access to a primary care physician who will help you manage your whole health, including your weight, for just $49/month*.
*K Health memberships are not insurance and do not include any ancillary services, (e.g.) laboratory tests, durable medical equipment, appointments with other providers or specialists that we may refer you to, emergency or in-person urgent care facility visits; cost of medication and other referrals. Medical care is provided by K Health’s affiliated professional corporations. See Terms of Service.
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