Starting Wegovy: the first conversation
Wegovy acts on GLP-1 receptors involved in appetite. For adult weight management, the labelled criteria include BMI 30 or above, or BMI 27 or above with a weight-related health condition; your clinician also considers medical history and other medicines.
Tell us about pregnancy plans, breastfeeding, stomach problems and any planned procedure. Bring your medicine list using our consultation preparation guide. Separate criteria apply to adolescents.
The weekly FlexTouch routine
New Zealand Wegovy FlexTouch pens contain four weekly doses. Treatment starts low and usually increases gradually; our Wegovy dosage guide explains the schedule and missed-dose rules.
Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to demonstrate your pen before first use. The injection sites and rotation guide links to the full manufacturer instructions. Use the instructions for your own pen.
Meals, storage and social occasions
A smaller appetite still needs nourishing meals and regular fluids. Our eating on Wegovy guide helps you prepare questions about food and nutrition.
Keep your pen within its temperature limits with the storage and travel guide. If drinking is part of your social routine, read about Wegovy and alcohol before discussing personal risks with your clinician.
Side effects and when to get help
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation can occur. Our Wegovy side effects guide separates common symptoms from warning signs and helps you prepare for a review.
Severe, persistent stomach pain or vomiting with dehydration needs urgent medical advice. Call 111 for breathing difficulty, collapse or face or throat swelling. Keep the Wegovy consumer leaflet with your medicine.
Access, costs and ongoing care
Wegovy requires a prescription and is not publicly funded in New Zealand. Our funding guide explains the distinction between approval, funding and your costs.
Stela’s initial doctor consultation costs $300, with $150 doctor follow-ups and medicine costs separate. Review your progress and tolerability regularly; if you are considering finishing treatment, use the stopping Wegovy guide to prepare a continuation-of-care discussion.
Start here
- Understand the dose schedule and the decisions your prescriber makes.
- Learn about injection sites and find the FlexTouch instructions.
- Recognise side effects and know when to ask for help.
Explore this topic
- What to eat on Wegovy when your appetite changesExplore practical meal ideas for eating on Wegovy, with flexible shopping suggestions and a food-routine worksheet for your dietitian appointment.
- Stopping Wegovy: planning your next stage of carePrepare for a review before stopping Wegovy. Organise questions about side effects, costs, pregnancy plans and the support you want after a change.
- Wegovy side effects: symptoms and when to get helpUnderstand Wegovy side effects, symptoms that need urgent medical help and useful details to record before speaking with your prescriber.
- Storing Wegovy and preparing for travelPlan storage and travel with your Wegovy FlexTouch pen, including temperature limits, a packing checklist and when to ask your pharmacist for help.
- Wegovy dosage: your weekly dose scheduleUnderstand the Wegovy starting dose, four-week increases and missed-dose rules for New Zealand FlexTouch pens. Plan your next review with Stela.
- Wegovy injection sites: where to inject and rotateCompare Wegovy injection sites, plan site rotation and prepare your New Zealand FlexTouch pen. Find the official instructions and Stela support.
- Wegovy and alcohol: what to consider before drinkingCan you drink alcohol on Wegovy? Understand symptoms, low-blood-sugar concerns and practical questions for a personal treatment review with Stela.
Your questions
Do I need a prescription for Wegovy?
Yes. Wegovy requires a prescription. Your clinician assesses your health history, other medicines and treatment goals before deciding whether it is suitable.
Does one Wegovy FlexTouch pen contain one dose?
A New Zealand Wegovy FlexTouch pen contains four weekly doses of its labelled strength. Follow your prescription and the instructions supplied with your own pen.
Make room for your questions
If you are considering Wegovy, start with a Stela assessment. We’ll discuss whether medication and our wider weight-management support fit your needs.
Start your assessment