Understanding Wegovy in Nigeria | Educational Information

Understanding the Medication

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a brand-name prescription medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk, containing the active ingredient semaglutide at a 2.4mg dose.

The Active Ingredient

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a naturally occurring hormone in your body. Wegovy contains 2.4mg of semaglutide - a higher dose than Ozempic (which contains up to 2mg).

Semaglutide 2.4mg weekly injection
Higher dose than Ozempic (diabetes medication)
Specifically approved for weight management

How GLP-1 Works

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone naturally produced in your gut. Semaglutide mimics this hormone to help regulate appetite and blood sugar.

Slows gastric emptying (feel fuller longer)
Reduces appetite through brain signaling
Helps regulate blood sugar levels

Clinical Trial Results

The STEP clinical trials studied Wegovy in over 4,500 participants and showed significant weight loss results over 68 weeks.

Average 15-17% body weight reduction
69% achieved 10%+ weight loss
Results require lifestyle changes too

Wegovy vs Ozempic: What's the Difference?

W Wegovy

- Semaglutide 2.4mg maximum dose
- FDA-approved for chronic weight management
- For adults with BMI 30+ or 27+ with weight-related conditions
- Brand name only (Novo Nordisk)

O Ozempic

- Semaglutide up to 2mg maximum dose
- FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes
- Not officially approved for weight loss
- Brand name only (Novo Nordisk)

Both medications contain semaglutide but are approved for different uses and at different doses.

Important Information

Regulatory Status in Nigeria

Understanding the legal and regulatory landscape for Wegovy in Nigeria.

Not Registered with NAFDAC

As of January 2026, Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg for weight management) is not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria. This means it cannot be legally sold, distributed, or marketed in Nigeria.

What This Means

- Cannot be legally purchased in Nigerian pharmacies
- Cannot be legally imported for commercial sale
- Any Wegovy sold in Nigeria may be counterfeit
- No quality assurance from NAFDAC

Why It Matters

- Patient safety is not guaranteed without NAFDAC approval
- Counterfeit medications pose serious health risks
- Storage conditions may be compromised (cold-chain)
- No legal recourse if problems occur

About NAFDAC

NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) is the Nigerian regulatory body responsible for ensuring that medications sold in Nigeria are safe, effective, and of good quality. Only medications that have undergone NAFDAC's approval process can be legally sold in Nigeria.

Visit NAFDAC Official Website

Legal Options

Available Alternatives

While brand-name Wegovy is not available in Nigeria, there are legal alternatives that contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide).

What is Compounded Semaglutide?

Compounded semaglutide is the same active ingredient as Wegovy, prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies create medications using pharmaceutical-grade semaglutide, often at a lower cost than brand-name versions.