How long does Wegovy stay in your system?

If you’ve tried Wegovy for weight loss, you may be wondering about how long the medication stays in your system. We spoke with Dr. Yael Cooperman, M.D. about Wegovy, its active ingredient semaglutide, and how long the drug stays in your system. 

Wegovy stays in your system for about six weeks after your last dose, but it can depend on how high a dose you’re on and other factors, too. The active ingredient in Wegovy, semaglutide, has a relatively long half-life (which is the way scientists measure how long a drug stays in your system). Research has shown that for the highest dose of Wegovy, 2.4 mg, after a week, about half the medicine is still in the bloodstream. Healthcare providers prescribe weekly doses to maintain a relatively steady level in your system, though. 

The highest dose of Wegovy remains detectable in the bloodstream for about 5-7 weeks after your final dose—but that doesn’t mean the drug levels are high enough to suppress your appetite. Since the active ingredient, semaglutide, stays in your system for so long, the drug manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, recommends stopping the medication two months before trying to get pregnant, for example.

Of course, the length of time that Wegovy stays in your system depends on many factors, including the dose of Wegovy you’re on, how long you’ve used it, and even your BMI. It’s a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about how long Wegovy stays in your system to get guidance tailored to your personal situation.

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Current version

October 30, 2023

Written by

Yael Cooperman, MD

Fact checked by

Felix Gussone, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Felix Gussone, MD, Ro

Felix Gussone is a physician, health journalist and a Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.