vitalwiki

WEGOVY

RxNorm 2553501· SEMAGLUTIDE· ORAL, SUBCUTANEOUS

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist [EPC] · Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP

Boxed Warning

WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS • In rodents, semaglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether WEGOVY causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . • WEGOVY is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of WEGOVY and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with WEGOVY [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether WEGOVY causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. ( 5.1 , 13.1 ) • WEGOVY is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors. ( 4 , 5.1 )

Indications and usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE WEGOVY injection is indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity: • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established CV disease and either obesity or overweight. • to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in: o adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity. o adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. • for the treatment of noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (consistent with stages F2 to F3 fibrosis) in adults. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on improvement of MASH and fibrosis [see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )] . Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon the verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. WEGOVY tablets are indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity: • to reduce the risk of major adverse CV events (CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established CV disease and either obesity or overweight. • to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity, or in adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. Limitations of Use Concomitant use of WEGOVY (semaglutide) tablets or WEGOVY (semaglutide) injection with other semaglutide-containing products or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended. WEGOVY is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. WEGOVY injection is indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity: • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established CV disease and either obesity or overweight. ( 1 ) • to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in: o adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity. ( 1 ) o adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. ( 1 ) • for the treatment of noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (consistent with stages F2 to F3 fibrosis) in adults. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on improvement of MASH and fibrosis [see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )] . Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon the verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. ( 1 ) WEGOVY tablets are indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity: • to reduce the risk of major adverse CV events (CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established CV disease and either obesity or overweight. ( 1 ) • to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity, or in adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: • Concomitant use of WEGOVY (semaglutide) tablets or WEGOVY (semaglutide) injection with other semaglutide-containing products or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended. ( 1 )

Dosage and administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION In patients with diabetes, monitor blood glucose prior to starting and during WEGOVY treatment. ( 2.1 ) WEGOVY Injection • Administer WEGOVY injection once weekly as an adjunct to diet and increased physical activity, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without meals. ( 2.1 ) • Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. ( 2.1 ) • Initiate at 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks. Then follow the dosage escalation schedule in Table 1, titrating every 4 weeks to achieve the maintenance dosage. ( 2.2 ) • The usual recommended maintenance dosage of WEGOVY injection is 2.4 mg once weekly. Refer to the full PI for maintenance dosages based on the indication. ( 2.2 ) WEGOVY Tablets • Take WEGOVY tablets orally once-daily on an empty stomach in the morning with water (up to 4 ounces). Do not take with other liquids besides water. ( 2.1 ) • Swallow tablets whole. Do not split, crush, chew or dissolve. ( 2.1 ) • After taking WEGOVY tablet wait at least 30 minutes before eating food, drinking beverages or taking other oral medications. ( 2.1 ) • Initiate WEGOVY tablet with a dosage of 1.5 mg once daily for 30 days. Then follow the dosage escalation schedule, titrating every 30 days to achieve the maintenance dosage. ( 2.2 ) • The recommended maintenance dosage of WEGOVY tablets is 25 mg orally once daily for cardiovascular risk reduction and weight reduction in adults. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Important Monitoring and Administration Instructions In patients with diabetes mellitus, monitor blood glucose prior to starting WEGOVY and during WEGOVY treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 )] . Administer WEGOVY in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. WEGOVY Injection • Prior to initiation of WEGOVY injection, train patients on proper injection technique. Refer to the accompanying Instructions for Use for complete administration instructions with illustrations. • Visually inspect the WEGOVY injection prior to each administration. Only use if the solution is clear, colorless, and contains no particles. • Administer WEGOVY injection once weekly, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without meals. • Inject WEGOVY subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The time of day and the injection site can be changed without the need for a dosage modification. WEGOVY Tablets • Take one WEGOVY tablet orally once daily on an empty stomach in the morning with water (up to 4 ounces). Do not take WEGOVY tablets with other liquids besides water [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . • Swallow tablets whole. Do not split, crush, chew or dissolve in any solution. • Do not take more than one tablet per day. • After taking a WEGOVY tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before eating food, drinking beverages or taking other oral medications [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage for WEGOVY Injection Recommended Starting Dosage and Dosage Escalation of WEGOVY Injection for All Approved Indications • The recommended starting dosage of WEGOVY injection is 0.25 mg administered subcutaneously once weekly. • Follow the dosage escalation in Table 1 to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . • If patients do not tolerate a dose during dosage escalation, consider delaying dosage escalation for 4 weeks. Table 1. Recommended Starting Dosage and Dosage Escalation of WEGOVY Injection for All Approved Indications in Adults and Pediatric Patients Aged 12 Years and Older Weeks Once-weekly Subcutaneous Injection Dosage Starting Dosage 1 through 4 0.25 mg Dosage Escalation 5 through 8 0.5 mg 9 through 12 1 mg 13 through 16 1.7 mg Maintenance Dosage 17 and onward See the indication below for the recommended maintenance dosage(s) Recommended Maintenance Dosage of WEGOVY Injection for All Approved Indications Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Adults • The maintenance dosage of WE…

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Acute Pancreatitis : Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including WEGOVY. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. ( 5.2 ) • Acute Gallbladder Disease : Has occurred in clinical trials. If cholelithiasis is suspected, gallbladder studies and clinical follow-up are indicated. ( 5.3 ) • Hypoglycemia : Concomitant use with insulin or an insulin secretagogue may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Reducing the dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be necessary. Inform all patients of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. ( 5.4 ) • Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion : Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion. ( 5.5 ) • Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions : Use has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. WEGOVY is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. ( 5.6 ) • Hypersensitivity Reactions : Anaphylactic reactions and angioedema have been reported postmarketing. Discontinue WEGOVY if suspected and promptly seek medical advice. ( 5.7 ) • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes : Has been reported in trials with semaglutide. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored. ( 5.8 ) • Heart Rate Increase : Monitor heart rate at regular intervals. ( 5.9 ) • Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation : Has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures. ( 5.10 ) 5.1 Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors In mice and rats, semaglutide caused a dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent increase in the incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) after lifetime exposure at clinically relevant plasma exposures [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . It is unknown whether WEGOVY causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including MTC, in humans, as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. Cases of MTC in patients treated with liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, have been reported in the postmarketing period; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and GLP-1 receptor agonist use in humans. WEGOVY is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of WEGOVY and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with WEGOVY. Such monitoring may increase the risk of unnecessary procedures, due to the low-test specificity for serum calcitonin and a high background incidence of thyroid disease. Significantly elevated serum calcitonin value may indicate MTC and patients with MTC usually have calcitonin values greater than 50 ng/L. If serum calcitonin is measured and found to be elevated, the patient should be further evaluated. Patients with thyroid nodules noted on physical examination or neck imaging should also be further evaluated. 5.2 Acute Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including WEGOVY [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . After initiation of WEGOVY, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis, which may include persistent or severe abdominal pain (sometimes radiating to the back), and which may or may not be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. If pancreatitis is suspected, disconti…

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS WEGOVY is contraindicated in the following conditions: • a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . • a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in WEGOVY injection or WEGOVY tablet. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with WEGOVY [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] . • Personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. ( 4 ) • Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients in WEGOVY tablets or WEGOVY injection. ( 4 )

Drug interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS WEGOVY delays gastric emptying. May impact absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. Consider increased clinical or laboratory monitoring when used concomitantly with other oral medications that have a narrow therapeutic index or that require clinical monitoring. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Concomitant Use with Insulin or an Insulin Secretagogue (e.g., Sulfonylurea) WEGOVY lowers blood glucose and can cause hypoglycemia. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when WEGOVY is used concomitantly with insulin or insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas). The addition of WEGOVY in patients treated with insulin has not been evaluated. When initiating WEGOVY, consider reducing the dose of concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 7.2 Oral Medications WEGOVY causes a delay of gastric emptying and thereby has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. In clinical pharmacology trials with semaglutide 1 mg once weekly injection, semaglutide did not affect the absorption of orally administered medications [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . In a drug interaction study with the semaglutide tablet, levothyroxine exposure was increased 33% (90% CI: 1.25-1.42). Monitor the effects of oral medications concomitantly administered with WEGOVY. Consider increased clinical or laboratory monitoring for medications that have a narrow therapeutic index or that require clinical monitoring.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to WEGOVY during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to WEGOVY and healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-877-390-2760 or www.wegovypregnancyregistry.com. Risk Summary Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be potential risks to the fetus from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy. Available pharmacovigilance data and data from clinical trials with WEGOVY use in pregnant patients are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Weight loss offers no benefit to a pregnant patient and may cause fetal harm. When a pregnancy is recognized, advise the pregnant patient of the risk to a fetus. Discontinue WEGOVY in pregnant patients who are using it for weight reduction (see Clinical Considerations ). There may be risks to the mother and fetus related to underlying MASH with advanced liver fibrosis (see Clinical Considerations ). Whether WEGOVY treatment during pregnancy reduces these risks is unknown. WEGOVY for the treatment of MASH with advanced liver fibrosis should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In pregnant rats administered semaglutide during organogenesis, embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities and alterations to growth occurred at clinically relevant maternal exposures at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of WEGOVY subcutaneous injection 7.2 mg/week, based on AUC. In pregnant rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys administered semaglutide during organogenesis, early pregnancy losses and structural abnormalities were observed in rabbits and monkeys at clinically relevant exposures. These findings coincided with a marked maternal body weight loss in both animal species (see Data ). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/fetal Risk: Appropriate weight gain based on pre-pregnancy weight is currently recommended for all pregnant patients, including those who already have overweight or obesity, because of the obligatory weight gain that occurs in maternal tissues during pregnancy. There may be risks to the mother and fetus related to MASH with advanced liver fibrosis, such as increased risks of gestational diabetes, hypertensive complications, preterm birth, and postpartum hemorrhage. The effect of WEGOVY on these risks is unknown. Data Animal Data: In a combined fertility and embryofetal development study in male and female rats, subcutaneous semaglutide doses of 0.01, 0.03, and 0.09 mg/kg/day (up to 0.1-fold the MRHD, based on AUC) were administered to male rats for 4 weeks prior to and throughout mating and to female rats for 2 weeks prior to mating, and throughout organogenesis to Gestation Day 17. In parental rats, pharmacologically mediated reductions in body weight gain and food consumption were observed at all dose levels. In the offspring, reduced growth and fetuses with visceral (heart blood vessels) and skeletal (cranial bones, vertebra, ribs) abnormalities were observed at clinically relevant exposures at the MRHD. In an embryofetal development study in pregnant rabbits, subcutaneous semaglutide doses of 0.001, 0.0025, or 0.0075 mg/kg/day (up to 0.3-fold the MRHD) were administered throughout organogenesis from Gestation Day 6 to 19. Pharmacologically mediated reductions in maternal body weight gain and food consumption were observed at all dose levels. Early pregnancy losses and increased incidences of minor visceral (kidney, liver) and skeletal (sternebra) fetal abnormalities were observed at greate…

Adverse events

Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.

  • nausea12,084
  • vomiting7,988
  • off label use7,322
  • diarrhoea6,943
  • decreased appetite4,963
  • constipation4,952
  • weight decreased4,353
  • fatigue3,745
  • headache3,568
  • product use in unapproved indication3,187
  • abdominal pain upper3,169
  • blood glucose increased3,156
  • impaired gastric emptying3,052
  • dizziness3,036
  • wrong technique in product usage process2,899
  • inappropriate schedule of product administration2,746

Adverse reactions (label)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: • Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Acute Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Acute Gallbladder Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Heart Rate Increase [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] • Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) in adults or pediatric patients aged 12 years and older are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dysesthesia, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation, hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, flatulence, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hair loss. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novo Nordisk Inc., at 1-833-934-6891 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Clinical Trials in Adults with Obesity or Overweight for Weight Reduction WEGOVY 2.4 mg Subcutaneous Injection Weekly Dosage WEGOVY was evaluated for safety in 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that included 2,116 adult patients with obesity or overweight treated with 2.4 mg WEGOVY injection for up to 68 weeks and a 7-week off-drug follow-up period [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . Baseline characteristics included a mean age of 48 years, 71% female, 72% White, 14% Asian, 9% Black or African American, and 5% reported as other or unknown; and 85% were not Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, 13% were Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, and 2% reported as unknown. The baseline characteristics were 42% with hypertension, 19% with type 2 diabetes, 43% with dyslipidemia, 28% with a BMI greater than 40 kg/m 2 and 4% with CV disease. In these clinical trials, 6.8% of patients treated with 2.4 mg WEGOVY injection and 3.2% of patients treated with placebo permanently discontinued treatment as a result of adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were nausea (1.8% versus 0.2%), vomiting (1.2% versus 0%), and diarrhea (0.7% versus 0.1%) for WEGOVY and placebo, respectively. Table 3 shows adverse reactions reported in greater than or equal to 2% of WEGOVY 2.4 mg injection-treated adult patients and more frequently than in the placebo group from these trials. Table 3. Adverse Reactions (≥2% and Greater Than Placebo) in WEGOVY 2.4 mg Injection-treated Adults with Obesity or Overweight for Weight Reduction Placebo N=1,261 % WEGOVY Injection (2.4 mg Once Weekly) N=2,116 % Nausea 16 44 Diarrhea 16 30 Vomiting 6 24 Constipation 11 24 Abdominal Pain a 10 20 Headache 10 14 Fatigue b 5 11 Dyspepsia 3 9 Dizziness 4 8 Abdominal Distension 5 7 Eructation <1 7 Hypoglycemia in T2DM c 2 6 Flatulence 4 6 Gastroenteritis 4 6 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 3 5 Gastritis d 1 4 Gastroenteritis Viral 3 4 Hair Loss 1 3 Dysesthesia e 1 2 a Includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, abdominal pain lower, gastrointestinal pain, abdominal tenderness, abdominal discomfort and epigastric discomfort. b Includes fatigue and asthenia. c Defined as blood glucose <54 mg/dL with or without symptoms of hypoglycemia or severe hypogly…