Who should not take Wegovy?

In this article:

• Who should not take Wegovy for weight loss?
• Wegovy contraindications
• Wegovy warnings in specific populations
• Wegovy interactions
• Who is Wegovy intended for?
• Wegovy alternatives for weight loss

In this article

• Who should not take Wegovy for weight loss?
• Wegovy contraindications
• Wegovy warnings in specific populations
• Wegovy interactions
• Who is Wegovy intended for?
• Wegovy alternatives for weight loss

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-a-week injection meant to be used with a lower-calorie diet and exercise to help adults and children 12 years and older lose weight. Wegovy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term weight management and reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with heart disease and obesity. If you are thinking about Wegovy, it’s crucial to know whether it’s the right fit for you. Keep reading to learn more about Wegovy and who should avoid this well-known weight-loss medication. 

Who should not take Wegovy for weight loss?

Wegovy can be unsafe for individuals with specific health conditions and certain populations. It’s important to be open and honest with your prescribing healthcare provider while discussing Wegovy so they can determine whether it will be safe for you. Be sure to tell them about any health conditions you experience and medications and supplements you may be taking.

Wegovy contraindications

Contraindications are conditions that can make a particular treatment harmful. Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with Wegovy. According to the drug label, Wegovy is contraindicated for the following people, meaning they should not take it:

• Anyone with a known sensitivity to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy: If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to Wegovy, Ozempic, or any other semaglutide medication, avoid using it again. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include:

• • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Fainting or dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Severe rash or itching

• Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC): Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This class of drugs increases the risk of a rare type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). If you or a close family member have had it, your risk of developing it as well may be higher. Given this increased risk, people should not take Wegovy if they have a personal or family history of thyroid problems.
• Anyone with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2): This is a rare condition that can lead to the development of tumors in your endocrine glands. If you have a history of MEN 2, Wegovy is not recommended for you.

Wegovy warnings in specific populations

Although Wegovy isn’t contraindicated for the following populations, it may be unsafe for them:

• Children under 12 years old: Wegovy is not approved for children younger than 12, as it’s unsafe for their developing bodies.
• Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant: Wegovy has a long half-life, meaning it stays in the body for a long time, and may cause fetal harm. If you’re pregnant, stop taking Wegovy right away. If you’re considering having a baby, stop taking it at least two months before trying. A pregnancy exposure registry is available if you use Wegovy unintentionally during pregnancy. This registry gathers information about the health of both you and your baby. If you’re interested in participating, please speak with your healthcare provider. For additional information, you can also contact Novo Nordisk at 877-390-2760.

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you suspect any of the following warnings and precautions while taking Wegovy:

• Digestive problems: If you have conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, Wegovy could worsen your symptoms.
• History of depression or suicidal thoughts: Since Wegovy can affect mood, be cautious if you’ve had depression or thoughts of self-harm.
• Diabetic retinopathy: If you have this diabetes-related eye condition, Wegovy could make it worse, so talk to your healthcare provider before using it.
• Pancreatitis: If you’ve had inflammation of the pancreas before, Wegovy might not be safe. Discuss other options with your healthcare provider. Symptoms may include fever and severe pain in the abdomen below the breastbone, radiating to the back.
• Gallstones: These can happen in people with significant weight loss. Gallstones often present as pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating a fatty meal.
• Dehydration and kidney problems: If your kidneys don’t function well, your body may not process Wegovy safely.  
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): This is more likely if you’re also on medications that lower blood sugar, especially in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience any unusual or disturbing symptoms. If you’re concerned about potential Wegovy side effects, they may be able to recommend Wegovy alternatives that are safer for you.

Wegovy interactions

Certain medications can affect how Wegovy works in the body. If you’re already using or thinking about starting Wegovy, it’s essential to know about potential interactions, including: 

• Insulin and other diabetes medicines: Wegovy can affect your blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). If you take these medications, your healthcare provider might need to adjust your other diabetes medications.
• Blood thinners (like warfarin): Wegovy might change how these work in your body.
• Medicines that slow digestion: Wegovy can delay digestion and stomach emptying, which may interfere with other medications that need to move through the stomach quickly. Combining them could lead to complications.
• Other weight loss medicines: Combining Wegovy with other weight loss drugs may increase the risk of side effects.
• Some herbal supplements: Even natural products can interact with medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any supplements you’re taking.

Who is Wegovy intended for?

Now that we’ve covered who should avoid Wegovy, let’s talk about who it’s meant for. The FDA has approved Wegovy for weight loss in:

1. Adults with obesity, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
2. Adults who are overweight (BMI of 27–29.9) and have at least one weight-related health issue, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
3. Adolescents 12 years and older with obesity: Obesity is defined differently for kids than for adults. It’s based on their weight compared to kids’ age and height. For a child to be considered to have obesity, they need to have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for their age and gender. 

But here’s the thing—just because you fit into one of these categories doesn’t automatically mean Wegovy is right for you. It works best when you also change your diet and exercise habits. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history before deciding whether Wegovy is a good fit. They’ll consider things like:

• Your overall health
• Other medicines you’re taking
• Your weight loss goals
• Any past attempts at weight loss
• Your ability to tolerate a weekly injection.

Wegovy alternatives for weight loss

If Wegovy isn’t the right fit for you, there are other options you can consider with your healthcare provider based on your current health, insurance coverage, other medications you may be taking, and other considerations.

There are various Wegovy alternatives, but a couple of examples include:

• Other GLP-1 agonists: If you have both obesity and Type 2 diabetes, you might qualify for GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide). These medications help with weight loss and lower blood sugar levels. Insurance often covers them for diabetes, which could make them more affordable. Other GLP-1 agonists for weight loss include Saxenda (liraglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide).

RELATED: How to get Wegovy covered by insurance

• Xenical (orlistat): Xenical is a prescription medication that helps with weight loss by blocking fat absorption from food. Its active ingredient, orlistat, is also available over the counter (OTC) under the brand name Alli. You should take Xenical with meals that contain fat, but it can cause unpleasant side effects like oily stools and gas. Research shows that people lost about 8.5% of their body weight after a year on Xenical, but this is less than what you might lose with Wegovy. Since Xenical blocks fat absorption, you might need a multivitamin to ensure you get enough nutrients. It can also interact with other medications, so talk to your healthcare provider about when to take them.

Here are some additional alternatives your healthcare provider might suggest in addition to medications:

• Lifestyle changes: This is always the first step. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can make a big difference. Your healthcare provider might refer you to a dietitian or a weight loss program to help you get started. A dietitian may help with meal replacement plans, which can help you control your calorie intake while ensuring you get the necessary nutrients. They’re usually used for a short time to jumpstart weight loss.
• Behavior therapy: Sometimes, our eating habits are tied to our emotions or stress levels. Working with a therapist can help you develop healthier habits and cope with challenges without turning to food.
• Weight loss surgery: For some people with severe obesity, surgery might be an option. This is considered when other methods haven’t worked and obesity is causing serious health problems.

Remember that what works for one person may not be the best option for another. Your health is personal, and your healthcare provider can help you find the approach that fits your needs. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new weight loss plan, especially if it involves medication. They’ll guide you through the pros and cons to make the safest choice. And if Wegovy isn’t the right solution, don’t lose hope. There are many other paths to achieving your health goals.