Download for iPhone

Wegovy precautions

Wegovy isn't right for everyone. Here's who shouldn't take it, what needs extra caution, and what to flag before you start.

Free 3-day trial · no credit card · iOS & Android
✓ You're on the list. One email at launch.
THE SHORT VERSION

Wegovy is contraindicated for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, and needs extra caution around pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, and planned surgery.

Per Wegovy (semaglutide) full prescribing information, Novo Nordisk. Not medical advice — share your full medical history with your prescriber before starting.

SEC. 02

Do not use if

Condition
Why
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Boxed warning — thyroid C-cell tumor risk
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Boxed warning — thyroid C-cell tumor risk
Known serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any Wegovy ingredient
Risk of allergic reaction
SEC. 03

Use with extra caution

P—01

Pancreatitis history

Wegovy hasn't been studied in people with a prior episode of pancreatitis — flag this with your prescriber.

P—02

Gallbladder disease

Rapid weight loss itself can increase gallbladder problem risk, separate from the drug.

P—03

Diabetic retinopathy

If you have type 2 diabetes and existing retinopathy, rapid blood sugar improvement can temporarily worsen it — needs monitoring.

P—04

Kidney problems

GI side effects that cause dehydration can worsen kidney function — report persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

P—05

Depression or suicidal thoughts

Monitor for new or worsening mood changes and report them to your prescriber.

P—06

Planned surgery

Delayed stomach emptying raises aspiration risk under anesthesia — tell your surgical team you're on Wegovy.

SEC. 04

Pregnancy & fertility

Situation
Guidance
Currently pregnant
Not recommended — discuss alternatives with your prescriber
Planning a pregnancy
Most guidance suggests stopping at least 2 months beforehand
Breastfeeding
Limited data — discuss with your prescriber
SEC. 05

Drug interactions

Medication type
What to know
Other oral medications
Delayed stomach emptying can affect how they're absorbed
Insulin or sulfonylureas
Higher risk of low blood sugar — dose adjustment may be needed
Other GLP-1 or weight-loss medications
Not intended to be combined — tell your prescriber about anything else you take
SEC. 06

Q & A

Can I take Wegovy if I'm planning to get pregnant?Q—01 +
Wegovy isn't recommended during pregnancy. If you're planning a pregnancy, most guidance suggests stopping Wegovy at least 2 months beforehand, but this is a decision to make with your prescriber.
What if I have a family history of thyroid cancer?Q—02 +
Wegovy is contraindicated for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your prescriber about any family thyroid cancer history before starting.
Does Wegovy affect birth control pills?Q—03 +
Wegovy slows stomach emptying, which can affect how other oral medications, including birth control pills, are absorbed — especially right after a dose increase. Talk to your prescriber about whether a backup method or adjusted timing makes sense.
Do I need to stop Wegovy before surgery?Q—04 +
Possibly. Because Wegovy delays stomach emptying, some anesthesia guidelines recommend holding the dose before procedures requiring sedation, due to aspiration risk. Tell your surgical team you're taking Wegovy well ahead of any planned procedure.
Is Wegovy safe if I have a history of pancreatitis?Q—05 +
Wegovy hasn't been studied in people with a prior history of pancreatitis, so it's used with caution in that situation. Discuss your history with your prescriber before starting.

Your next shot,
on time.

One email at launch · free trial · no credit card

No spam — just one launch announcement
✓ You're on the list. Talk soon.