How to Take Wegovy® Tablets: Instructions, Dosage and Missed Doses
A simple guide to when to take Wegovy tablets, how to take them correctly and what to do if you miss a dose.
If you have been prescribed Wegovy tablets (semaglutide), it is important to take your tablet correctly so that your body can absorb the medicine properly.
Wegovy tablets have specific instructions about when to take them, how much water to use and how long to wait before eating, drinking or taking other medicines.
Wegovy tablet instructions - summary
Take one Wegovy tablet once a day, first thing in the morning, after fasting for at least 8 hours.
Take your Wegovy tablet on an empty stomach.
Swallow the tablet whole with up to 120 ml of plain water.
Do not crush, chew or split the tablet.
Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medicines.
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your usual dose the following morning.
Never take two Wegovy tablets to make up for a missed dose.
These instructions are for Wegovy tablets. Wegovy is also available as a once-weekly injection, which has different instructions for use.
When should you take Wegovy tablets?
Wegovy tablets should be taken once a day, first thing in the morning.
You should take your tablet after fasting for at least 8 hours.
Taking the tablet correctly is important because food, drinks and other medicines can affect how much semaglutide your body absorbs. Food, drinks and other medicines taken around the same time can affect how much medicine is absorbed.
How much water should you take with Wegovy?
Swallow your Wegovy tablet with plain water only, using no more than 120 ml of water.
Do not take your Wegovy tablet with:
Coffee
Tea
Juice
Fizzy drinks
Milk
Other beverages
The tablet should be taken with plain water according to the instructions provided with your medicine.
Should you swallow Wegovy tablets whole?
Yes.
Swallow the Wegovy tablet whole.
Do not crush / chew / split or dissolve the tablet.
Altering the tablet may affect how the medicine is absorbed.
How long should you wait before eating after taking a Wegovy tablet?
After taking your Wegovy tablet, you should wait at least 30 minutes before eating.
During this 30-minute period, you should also avoid drinking anything and taking other oral medicines, vitamins or supplements.
After 30 minutes have passed, you can eat, drink and take your other oral medicines as directed.
Why do you have to wait 30 minutes after taking a Wegovy tablet?
The 30-minute waiting period is important because it allows time for the medicine to be absorbed.
Taking food, drinks or other oral medicines too soon after your Wegovy tablet can reduce the amount of semaglutide absorbed by your body.
What is the Wegovy tablet dosage?
Wegovy tablets are taken once daily, but your prescribed dose may change during treatment.
Treatment normally starts with a lower dose and is increased gradually to help your body adjust to the medicine. Your prescriber will tell you which Wegovy dose to take and when your dose should be increased.
Do not change your Wegovy tablet dose yourself or take more than one tablet a day.
If you are unsure which dose you should be taking, speak to your prescriber or healthcare professional.
What should you do if you miss a Wegovy tablet?
If you forget to take your Wegovy tablet in the morning, skip the missed dose.
Take your usual dose the following morning.
Do not take two tablets to make up for a missed dose.
If you regularly forget your medication or are unsure what to do after missing a dose, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Can you take other medicines with Wegovy?
You should take Wegovy exactly as prescribed and follow the instructions about when to take your other medicines.
After taking your Wegovy tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before taking other oral medicines, vitamins or supplements.
Tell your healthcare professional about any medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking before starting Wegovy.
Wegovy tablets and pregnancy
Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy.
If you may become pregnant, you should use effective contraception while taking Wegovy.
If you are planning to become pregnant, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional. Wegovy should be stopped at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
If you become pregnant while taking Wegovy, contact your healthcare professional promptly.
If you are breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare professional before taking Wegovy.
Important information about taking Wegovy tablets
Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine (POM). It should only be taken following an appropriate assessment and prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.
Always follow the instructions provided with your medicine and the advice given by your prescriber.
Considering prescription weight-management treatment?
If you are considering medical treatment for weight management, White Giraffe provides consultations with a qualified GP to assess whether prescription treatment may be appropriate for you. Treatment is only prescribed where clinically appropriate following a clinical assessment.
