THE SHORT VERSION
- Check whether your prescription is for the injection or tablet.
- Use the leaflet for your own product and ask for help with anything unclear.
- Agree reviews and a route for questions before treatment starts.
Make the starting instructions specific to you
Ask your prescriber to confirm the formulation, written instructions and first review date. Wegovy tablets and injections have different routines. If using an injection pen, arrange a demonstration and check storage and disposal. If using tablets, discuss the food, drink and other-medicine timing requirements in the leaflet with your pharmacist.
Bring a full medicines list, including supplements. Mention diabetes treatment, existing eye problems, troublesome digestion and planned surgery. If you are planning pregnancy, raise that before starting: semaglutide needs to be stopped at least two months before trying to conceive, with a clinician helping plan alternative care where needed.
Prepare for ordinary days, including busy ones
Think about a normal working day rather than an ideal week. Where will your medicine be stored? Who can answer a question if you finish work late? Will you be away when the next prescription is due? Sorting these details early is often more useful than buying extra equipment.
Keep a few easy meals available that fit your usual preferences and budget. A simple note of meals, fluids and symptoms may help you explain problems clearly at review. If documenting food or weight makes you anxious or preoccupied, tell your clinician; agree a different way to monitor progress. Support should fit the person receiving it.
Know when a question cannot wait
Ask for a written explanation of important side effects and where to get help. Mild symptoms and urgent problems need different responses; do not use other people's experiences online to decide that severe symptoms are safe to ignore. Contact your provider promptly if symptoms are stopping you from eating, drinking or managing normal activities.
Sudden vision loss or rapidly worsening eyesight while using semaglutide needs urgent eye casualty or A&E assessment. Severe, persistent abdominal pain also needs urgent medical help. For routine changes, including switching products or restarting after a gap, ask the prescriber for fresh instructions. Do not copy a friend's plan or change treatment to meet a weight-loss deadline.
Sources you can check
- Wegovy injection: UK patient information leaflet
- Wegovy tablets: UK patient information leaflet
- NHS: semaglutide
- MHRA: semaglutide and NAION
Editorial presentation updated 24 October 2026. This is general information, not individual medical advice or a claim of independent clinical review. Read the linked source and the leaflet supplied with your medicine for the full context. Suggest a correction.