Wegovy (semaglutide) in India: uses, dosage, side effects and price in India

Dr Nisha Dahiya
Medically reviewed by Dr Nisha Dahiya · Written by PharmEasy Medical Team · Published on 21 August 2026 | Updated on 21 August 2026

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly Schedule H prescription medicine. It is approved in India for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition. It contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but is specifically approved for weight management and is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.1,2,3

Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in India in June 2025.13 It is administered once a week using a pre-filled FlexTouch pen, with the dose increased gradually over several months to improve tolerability. Since obesity is a chronic disease, Wegovy is intended for long-term treatment under medical supervision rather than short-term cosmetic weight loss. If you would like to learn more about this class of medicines, see our GLP-1 medicines hub and the semaglutide molecule page.

Prescription required. Wegovy is a Schedule H medicine. A valid doctor's prescription is needed for every order. Our pharmacist will verify every order.

Quick facts

Generic (molecule) name
Semaglutide
Brand
Wegovy (Novo Nordisk)
Drug class
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Approved use in India
Chronic weight management
Form
Once-weekly FlexTouch pen (subcutaneous injection)
Strengths
0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7 and 2.4 mg
Prescription
Required (Schedule H, prescription-only)
Launched in India
June 2025
Price (2026)
From about ₹5,660 month for the starter dose

How Wegovy works

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural hormone released by the gut after you eat. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of this hormone.4,5 It supports weight management in the following ways:

1

It acts on appetite centres in the brain, helping you feel less hungry and fuller after eating.4

2

It slows stomach emptying, which helps you feel satisfied for longer after meals.

3

It helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and reducing glucagon secretion when blood sugar levels are elevated.

Together, these effects can make it easier to reduce calorie intake. When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, Wegovy can support gradual and sustained weight loss over time.6

Obesity is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a chronic disease.7 Wegovy is therefore intended for long-term treatment under medical supervision, rather than as a short-term solution for weight loss. However, treatment response varies from person to person, and your doctor can help you understand what results you may reasonably expect.

What Wegovy is approved for in India

Wegovy is approved in India for chronic weight management in adults when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is intended for the medical management of obesity and overweight in eligible adults, not for cosmetic weight loss. Your doctor may consider Wegovy if:8

Your BMI is 30 kg/m² or higher (obesity)

Your BMI is 27 kg/m² or higher (overweight), and you have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnoea

These BMI thresholds are used as a guide. Whether Wegovy is suitable for you depends on your overall health, including your medical history, current medications, and individual risk factors. Your doctor will determine if it is an appropriate treatment option.

In December 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its first global guideline recommending the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for eligible adults with obesity. This reflects growing recognition of obesity as a chronic disease that may require long-term medical management.9

If you are unsure whether Wegovy is right for you, consult a doctor. They can assess your eligibility and prescribe the medicine if appropriate. As a Schedule H prescription medicine, Wegovy can only be bought with a valid prescription.

Wegovy strengths and prices in India

Wegovy is available in five FlexTouch pen strengths. It consists of five steps of the recommended dose-escalation schedule (see below). The prices shown are the Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) as of August 2026. Sometimes, actual selling prices may vary, so please check the latest price on PharmEasy before placing your order.

Strength (FlexTouch pen) Pen size MRP (₹), August 2026 View on PharmEasy
0.25 mg (starting dose)1.5 mlstarter month ≈ ₹5,660Wegovy 0.25 mg FlexTouch pen
0.5 mg1.5 ml₹8,100Wegovy 0.5 mg FlexTouch pen
1 mg3 ml₹9,100Wegovy 1 mg FlexTouch pen
1.7 mg3 ml₹12,750Wegovy 1.7 mg FlexTouch pen
2.4 mg (maintenance dose)3 ml₹16,400Wegovy 2.4 mg FlexTouch pen
For a detailed price breakdown, the timeline of these price revisions, and the estimated monthly cost at each dose level, see our Wegovy price in India.

Wegovy's price has been reduced twice in India (a price cut in November 2025 followed by another in April 2026). This brings the MRP of the starter dose to approximately ₹5,660.

Novo Nordisk's semaglutide is also available under another weight-management brand, Poviztra, marketed by Emcure.14

Prices change with strength and pack. See the full ladder, or work out what your prescribed dose would cost each month. Cost calculator

Wegovy dosage and titration

Wegovy is administered once a week on the same day each week (with or without food). To help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, the dose begins with a low dose that is gradually increased over several months. This process is known as dose escalation (titration). It is done to help your body adjust to the medicine before you reach the maintenance dose recommended by your doctor.

Step Dose (once weekly) Typical time at this step
1 (starting)0.25 mgabout 4 weeks
20.5 mgabout 4 weeks
31 mgabout 4 weeks
41.7 mgabout 4 weeks
5 (maintenance)2.4 mgongoing

Points to note:

The 0.25 mg dose is the starting dose and is intended to help your body adjust to Wegovy. It is not the maintenance dose for chronic weight management.
Your doctor may increase the dose more gradually or keep you on a lower dose for longer if you experience troublesome side effects. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule unless your doctor advises you to do so.
If you miss a dose, follow the instructions in the prescribing information or contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. The correct action depends on when the missed dose is noticed.
For step-by-step injection technique and pen handling, consult a doctor or your pharmacist.

Side effects of Wegovy

Like all medicines, Wegovy may cause side effects, although not everyone might experience them. Most side effects affect the stomach and digestive system and are more common when treatment begins or when the dose is increased. They often improve as your body adjusts to the medicine. These include:

Common side effects

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, burping, stomach pain, bloating, headache, and tiredness. Staying well hydrated and eating smaller, bland meals may help reduce these symptoms while your body adjusts.10

Less common side effects

Less common side effects include gallbladder problems (including gallstones), dizziness, low blood sugar (particularly when Wegovy is used with insulin or a sulfonylurea), injection-site reactions, hair thinning, and changes in taste.10

Serious but uncommon side effects

Serious but uncommon side effects include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), severe allergic reactions, gallbladder inflammation, and kidney problems, which may occur as a result of dehydration caused by persistent vomiting or diarrhoea.10

When to stop and call your doctor.

Seek medical help right away if you have severe or persistent stomach pain (a sign of possible pancreatitis), signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing), or symptoms of very low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion).

You can also report suspected side effects to the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI).

To get to know some practical tips on managing early nausea and other gut symptoms, check our GLP-1 side-effects management guide.

Who should not take Wegovy?

Wegovy may not be suitable for everyone. So, before starting treatment, tell your doctor about your complete medical history and any medicines you are taking. Wegovy should not be used if you have:

×A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)10 or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
×A known allergy to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in Wegovy.
×Pregnancy, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor before using Wegovy (as you may need monitoring) if you have or have had:

Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease
Severe gastrointestinal disease
Diabetic retinopathy
Kidney disease or dehydration

Important: The safety and effectiveness of Wegovy for chronic weight management in children and adolescents have not been established yet. Therefore, avoid self-medicating.

How to get Wegovy in India legally

Wegovy is a Schedule H prescription medicine and cannot be purchased over the counter. To ensure you receive a genuine product and use it safely, follow these steps:

1
Consult a doctor.

Your doctor will assess whether Wegovy is appropriate for your condition and discuss the potential benefits and risks of treatment. Under DCGI guidance issued in 2026, GLP-1 medicines should be prescribed by specialists such as endocrinologists, internal-medicine physicians and cardiologists.11

2
Get a valid prescription.

If Wegovy is suitable for you, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate starting dose and explain the recommended dose-escalation schedule.11

3
Buy from a licensed pharmacy.

When you upload your prescription on PharmEasy, it will be verified before the medicine is dispensed and shipped. We dispense only 100% genuine, cold-chain-shipped medicines from licensed pharmacies. Since counterfeit GLP-1 pens have been reported in India (2026), you should buy only with a prescription from a licensed pharmacy and avoid purchasing them from unverified websites, social media, or unauthorised sellers.

If you are not sure if this medicine is right for you, consult a doctor. They can advise whether a GLP-1 medicine is appropriate for you and issue a prescription if needed. If you already have prescription, you can view Wegovy on PharmEasy.

Consult a doctor
Not sure whether you would meet the criteria a doctor looks at? The self-check walks through them in about a minute. Am I eligible?

Storing Wegovy in Indian conditions

Wegovy is a biological medicine that must be kept cold, which matters especially in India's heat.

Getting it home: Maintain the cold chain from the pharmacy until you store it in your fridge. While transporting, use an insulated bag with an ice pack and refrigerate as soon as you get home. PharmEasy ships GLP-1 pens cold-chain.

Before first use: Store the pens in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C but do not freeze.12 Also, keep pens in the original carton to protect them from light.

After first use/in use: Some pens may be kept at room temperature for a limited number of days once opened (check instructions in the box), but there may be a maximum temperature and time limit.

Important: Never use a pen that has been frozen, left in a hot car or in direct sun, looks cloudy or discoloured, or is past its expiry date.

Wegovy vs alternatives

Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide and are once-weekly injections from Novo Nordisk. The key difference is their approved use in India. Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management, whereas Ozempic is approved for the management of type 2 diabetes. Although they contain the same active ingredient, they are approved for different indications and should only be used as prescribed by your doctor. Learn more on the Ozempic in India page.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which is different from semaglutide. Tirzepatide activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, whereas semaglutide acts only on the GLP-1 receptor. In India, Mounjaro is approved for both type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your medical history, goals, and overall health. See our Mounjaro vs Wegovy comparison for more details.

Wegovy vs Generic Semaglutide

Since the expiry of the semaglutide patent in March 2026, several semaglutide brands have become available in India. However, many are approved only for type 2 diabetes rather than chronic weight management. It is important to understand that medicines containing the same active ingredients are not necessarily approved for the same indication and should not be considered interchangeable. Learn more on the semaglutide molecule page.

Is Wegovy available as a tablet?

Wegovy is available only as a once-weekly injection administered using a pre-filled FlexTouch pen. There is currently no tablet form of Wegovy approved in India.

An oral (tablet) form of semaglutide, Rybelsus, is available in India for type 2 diabetes but not for chronic weight management. Novo Nordisk is also globally rebranding oral semaglutide toward the name 'Ozempic tablets' from 2026 (which you may see online). These tablets are also meant for diabetes management and not as a weight-management pill.

If you are looking for an alternative to injections, speak to your doctor about the treatment options that are appropriate for your condition.

Compare Wegovy directly against the other GLP-1 medicines available in India. Mounjaro vs Wegovy Compare all brands

Frequently asked questions

What is Wegovy and how is it different from Ozempic?

Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide and are once-weekly injectable medicines from Novo Nordisk. The difference is their approved use in India. Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management, while Ozempic is approved for the management of type 2 diabetes along with diet and lifestyle measures.

Who is Wegovy approved for in India?

Wegovy is approved for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnoea. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity based on your doctor's advice and your overall health.

How much does Wegovy cost after the 2026 price cut?

After the price reductions that happened in November 2025 and April 2026, the 0.25 mg starter dose has an MRP of approximately ₹5,660. See our Wegovy Price in India guide for a detailed price breakdown.

How does the dose increase over time?

Treatment usually begins with 0.25 mg once weekly, followed by gradual dose increases to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg, typically at four-week intervals. This gradual dose-escalation schedule helps reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Your doctor can guide you and may adjust the schedule depending on how well you tolerate the medicine.

Is Wegovy available as a tablet?

Wegovy is available only as a once-weekly injection administered using a pre-filled FlexTouch pen. An oral form of semaglutide, Rybelsus, is also available in India, but it is approved only for type 2 diabetes, not for chronic weight management.

What are the common side effects of Wegovy?

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, stomach pain, and bloating. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and often improve as your body adjusts to the medicine. If you develop severe or persistent abdominal pain, which may be a sign of pancreatitis, or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, consult a doctor immediately.

Do I need a prescription to buy Wegovy?

Wegovy is a Schedule H prescription medicine and cannot be purchased over the counter. A valid doctor's prescription is required before it can be purchased.

Is Wegovy the same as generic semaglutide?

Wegovy contains semaglutide, but other semaglutide brands available in India may be approved for type 2 diabetes rather than chronic weight management. Medicines containing the same active ingredient are not necessarily approved for the same indication, so they should not be considered interchangeable. Only your doctor can advise which option is appropriate for you.

References

1.Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
2.Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Semaglutide Injection (Wegovy) approval details. Government of India. Available from: https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/cdscoDrugs
3.Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescribing Information (Summary of Product Characteristics/Product Monograph). Available from: https://www.novonordisk.ca/content/dam/nncorp/ca/en/products/wegovy-en-product-monograph-non-annotated-22-march-2024.pdf
4.Drucker DJ. Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Application of Glucagon-like Peptide-1. Cell Metab. 2018;27(4):740-756. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29617641/
5.Müller TD, Finan B, Bloom SR, D'Alessio D, Drucker DJ, Flatt PR, et al. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Mol Metab. 2019;30:72-130. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31767182/
6.Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, Hesse D, Greenway FL, Jensen C, et al. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414-1425. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7988425/
7.World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 Dec 8 [cited 2026 Jul 27]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
8.Madhu SV, Kapoor N, Das S, Raizada N, Kalra S. ESI Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Obesity in India An Update (2025). Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2025 Jul-Aug;29(4):355-365. doi:10.4103/ijem.ijem_680_25. PMID: 40917319; PMCID: PMC12410957. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12410957/
9.World Health Organization. WHO issues global guideline on the use of GLP-1 medicines in treating obesity [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 Dec 1 [cited 2026 Jul 27]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/01-12-2025-who-issues-global-guideline-on-the-use-of-glp-1-medicines-in-treating-obesity
10.Gurdeep Singh, Matthew Krauthamer, Meghan Bjalme-Evans. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. PMCID: PMC8717485. PMID: 34706925. 2021 Oct 27;70(1):5 13. doi: 10.1136/jim-2021-001952. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8717485/
11.Press Information Bureau, Government of India. GLP-1 drugs use, risks, and regulation [Internet]. New Delhi: Press Information Bureau; 2026 Apr 1 [cited 2026 Jul 27]. Available from: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2247459®=3&lang=1
12.Aleidi FA, Alomair S, Alharbi H, AlSalamah N, AlEnazi L. Stability of refrigerated medications at room temperature: implications for transport, delivery, and patient safety. Cureus. 2025 Sep 25;17(9):e93213. doi:10.7759/cureus.93213. PMID: 41020019; PMCID: PMC12465357. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12465357/
13.Novo Nordisk A/S. Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection prescribing information [Internet]. Bagsværd (Denmark): Novo Nordisk A/S; 2025 [cited 2026 Jul 27]. Available from: https://www.novo-pi.com/wegovy.pdf
14.Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Novo Nordisk India partners with Emcure Pharma to commercialise Poviztra® in India as a second brand of Wegovy® [Internet]. Pune (India): Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; 2025 Nov 10 [cited 2026 Jul 27]. Available from: https://www.emcure.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Novo-Nordisk-India-partners-with-Emcure-Pharma.pdf
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