Wegovy, which has semaglutide, works by regulating appetite and food intake
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has launched its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy in India – to challenge rival Eli Lilly's Mounjaro. Wegovy, which has semaglutide, works by regulating appetite and food intake and is now the first medication in India that has been approved for both long-term weight management and heart risk reduction in those who are obese.
To be used as a once-a-week injection, Wegovy will be available in pharmacies across the country by the end of the month, Novo said.
The pharmaceutical giant said Wegovy is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg doses. The first three will be priced at 4,336 rupees ($50.71), with the monthly cost being 17,345 rupees ($201.38), in a similar range to Lilly's Mounjaro.
What is Wegovy and how does it work?
According to Novo, Wegovy mimics a natural hormone known as glucagon-like peptide 1, or GLP-1, playing a key role in regulating appetite. Experts say it binds to GLP-1 receptors in your brain and thereby reduces hunger, making you feel full, lowering food cravings, and controlling blood sugar levels.
The biological mechanism that Wegovy works on makes it easier for most people to stick to a lower-calorie diet without constantly feeling deprived – unlike traditional weight-loss methods that rely on sheer willpower alone.
Clinical trials conducted on Wegovy have shown that when it is combined with diet and exercise, it leads to at least a 20 per cent reduction in body weight in 1 out of 3 people within about 68 weeks. It has also reported at least a 20 per cent lower risk of major heart issues like heart attack, stroke, and death related to cardiovascular disease – especially in those already living with heart conditions and obesity.
According to a recent survey, around 25 per cent of women and more than 23 per cent of men aged 15 to 49 years between 2009 and 2019 are obese – up from 20.6 per cent of women and 19 per cent of men in 2015-2016.
Are there any side effects of Wegovy?
Like most drugs, Wegovy may also cause mild or serious side effects. Experts say a few common side effects of Wegovy depend totally on your age, your underlying health conditions, and other medications you take.
A few mild side effects, which experts say may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks, include:
- Bloating and stomachache
- Burping
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Heartburn and indigestion
-
Fatigue and tiredness
- Constipation
Also, a few serious side effects from Wegovy can also occur, but they are not very common. However, if you experience any serious side effects from Wegovy, call your doctor right away. Some of these may include:
-
Gallbladder issues, including stones
- Inflammation
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood sugar levels
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney problems
- Severe gastric issues, including recurrent diarrhoea
- Low blood pressure
- Increased risk of fractures due to low bone density
According to experts, nausea is the most common side effect reported in Wegovy’s studies. However, it may go away with time as you continue taking the drug. It mostly happens when the dosage of the injection is way too much – or more than what has been prescribed.
Nausea can sometimes lead to dehydration, especially if it is severe or occurs with vomiting or diarrhoea.
