You may be able to jumpstart your weight-loss journey with the help of a prescription from your doctor and a medication called Wegovy.
Let’s learn more about Wegovy and see if it is a fit for your obesity treatment plan. In this lesson, we’ll cover:
● What is Wegovy?
● How does Wegovy help you lose weight?
● What are the average results from Wegovy?
● Who can take Wegovy?
● What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?
● How much does Wegovy cost?
● How do I access the Wegovy savings card?
● How do I get a prescription for Wegovy with Sequence?
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is an injectable prescription weight-loss medication that was approved by the FDA for obesity treatment in June 2021. It is a form of semaglutide injection.
You can only get Wegovy with a prescription from your doctor or other healthcare provider.
How does Wegovy help you lose weight? The science behind Wegovy.
Broadly, Wegovy helps you lose weight by helping you feel fuller for longer and suppressing your appetite. It makes reducing your calorie intake easier.
Specifically, it works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets the areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.
This helps you lose weight by reducing the amount of food you eat, curbing your appetite, promoting satiety (feeling full), and decreasing your blood sugar levels.
What are the average results from Wegovy?
In a placebo-controlled trial of adults without diabetes, “Individuals who received Wegovy lost an average of 12.4% of their initial body weight compared to individuals who received placebo.”
At Sequence, members who use GLP-1s like Wegovy lose an average of 15% of their total bodyweight, when also implementing nutrition and exercise changes.
Who can take Wegovy?
Wegovy is used for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or who are overweight (excess weight) (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems.
Because Wegovy contains semaglutide, it should not be used with other semaglutide-containing medications, like Ozempic.
Because the interactions between Wegovy and other weight-loss supplements and prescriptions is still being researched, tell your clinicians if you take another weight-loss product.
See additional restrictions and medication information on Wegovy’s website.
What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?
The most common side effects of Wegovy are gastrointestinal:
● Nausea
● Diarrhea or constipation
● Heartburn
● Vomiting
● Upset stomach
● Belching
These typically fade as your body adjusts to the medication. To minimize Wegovy side effects, your Sequence clinician will generally start you off with a small dose and slowly increase it over the following months.
To avoid experiencing nausea, we suggest the following:
● Eat slowly and eat moderate portions with limited snacking, spacing out meal frequency.
● Drink clear or ice-cold beverages and foods that contain more water like soups.
● Avoid lying down after you eat and take a walk outside for some fresh air.
● Eat foods that are light and bland, like crackers or toast.
● Avoid fried, greasy, or very sugary foods.
If your nausea or other side effects are bothering you, let your clinician know.
There may be additional side effects, including some serious side effects.
You may be more likely to experience serious side effects if you have a history of other illnesses, including kidney problems or diabetes. That’s why it’s important to fill out your medical history questionnaire thoroughly and discuss your history and side effects with your Care Team.
How much does Wegovy cost?
The cost of Wegovy on your own insurance depends on the details of your plan.
People who have health insurance and who live in the US may qualify for the Wegovy savings card, which covers up to six 28-day fills (four injectable pens) of the medication. With the card, you may pay as little as $0 per month for your Wegovy prescription.
If you have Medicaid, you can check your state's coverage policies for Wegovy here.
You can learn more about Wegovy health insurance coverage on GoodRx.
How do I access the Wegovy savings card?
You can apply for the Wegovy savings card on their website. See additional details below.
Program website
www.wegovy.com/saving-and-support/save-and-support.html
Phone number
1-888-870-2281
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk
How much can I save?
For those with commercial insurance coverage, your copay may be reduced to as little as $0 per month for up to 12 fills, with maximum savings of $225 per 28-day supply. Patients with commercial insurance who do not have coverage for Wegovy or patients paying cash with non-government insurance, can save $500 per 28-day supply.
How do I get the discount?
Download and print a card.
Are there any restrictions?
This discount is only available to commercially insured people with coverage for Wegovy and a valid prescription. You must live in the U.S. People covered by public programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, or VA benefits aren’t eligible.
To qualify for this card, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
● Have a valid prescription for Wegovy
● Live in the U.S.
● Cannot be enrolled in any federal or state healthcare programs (e.g. Medicaid, Medicare, Medigap, VA, DOD, or TRICARE)
● Cannot seek reimbursement through any such federal or state healthcare programs
● Cannot be a full cash-paying patient
How to get a prescription for Wegovy with Sequence
If you’re looking to get a Wegovy prescription through Sequence, here are the steps to take:
- Submit our short, 5-minute assessment to see if you qualify.
- Fill out your medical history questionnaire and book your virtual consultation
- Get a custom plan from one of our board-certified medical providers
Your plan will include the best treatment for your body and lifestyle. Our providers often prescribe GLP-1s like Wegovy because of their weight-loss success seen in clinical trials and studies.
With Sequence, you’ll have access to a variety of resources that can help you lose weight and keep it off, including 1-on-1 nutrition coaching.
If you qualify for a membership, you also get access to an expert Care Team, who will provide ongoing support. They’ll check in to see if Wegovy is working for you, and if not, help tailor your plan to what works.
See if you qualify for the Sequence Program.
