Nevolat Weight Loss Injections

Nevolat contains the active ingredient liraglutide. It is a weight loss treatment which comes in the form of a prefilled injectable pen. It is manufactured by Zentiva.

Nevolat can be prescribed if you have:

• a BMI of 30 kg/m² or more (obesity)
• a BMI of 27 kg/m² and less than 30 kg/m² (overweight) and weight-related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, or breathing problems during sleep like obstructive sleep apnoea

Our doctors always check your BMI and medical history when considering treatment and may prescribe off-label when making a decision about treatment.

➤ If you are not sure what your BMI is, check out our BMI calculator to find out if you might be eligible for Nevolat.

Nevolat contains the active ingredient liraglutide and is self-injected daily. Once in your system, it works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is typically released from your intestines after you have eaten a meal and tells your brain that you are full.

This effect can help you control your appetite so you find it easier to eat less and lose weight faster.

How long does Nevolat last?

A single dose of Nevolat stays in your body for around 2 days but half of it is gone within 12 hours. It is important to take Nevolat as instructed by your doctor to get the most effective and safe treatment.

How long does Nevolat take to work?

Clinical trials with Nevolat (liraglutide) have shown patients to have lost at least 5% of their body weight within just 12 weeks of taking liraglutide after a gradual increase of dosage up to the maximum 3mg maintenance dose.

For Nevolat to be most effective, it’s important that you follow a balanced diet and exercise plan during your treatment.

How effective is Nevolat?

Studies have shown Nevolat to be a highly effective treatment alongside diet and exercise changes. Patients have seen an 8.0% reduction in their body weight in just 56 weeks of taking liraglutide.

Your doctor should outline a treatment plan with Nevolat which is tailored to your healthcare needs based on your medical background and BMI.

Although it may seem daunting at first, the injection pen for Nevolat is easy to use and comes pre-filled with the doses you need.

Preparing your pen

1: Prepare your pen with a new needle – be sure to check the name and coloured label of your pen to check that it contains Nevolat and pull off the cap if it is correct.

2: Check that the solution in your pen is clear, you will be able to check this by looking through the pen window. If the solution is cloudy do not use.

3: Take a new needle and tear off the paper tab.

4: Make sure to attach your needle correctly by pushing the needle straight into the pen and turning it tight.

5: The needle is covered by 2 caps – you must remove both for the solution to run through. Pull off the outer needle cap and keep it for later. You will need it after the injection to safely remove the needle from the pen.

6: Pull off the inner needle cap and throw it away. A drop of solution may appear on the needle tip, this is normal.

Do not attach a new needle to your pen until you are ready to take your injection. Always use a new needle for each injection and check your needle is not bent or damaged.

Checking the flow

Before your first injection with each new pen, you must ‘check the flow’. Doing this will ensure that your needle and solution are ready before you insert it into your skin.

7: To check the flow all you need to do is turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows a symbol that looks like this: .----

8: Hold the pen with the needle pointed up. Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0. The 0 must line up with the dose pointer. A drop of solution should appear at the needle tip, a small drop may remain at the needle tip but it will not be injected.

9: If no drop appears, repeat this process up to 6 times, if this does not work, change the needle and repeat this process. If this still doesn’t work, you may need a new pen. Checking the flow is important to ensure you are using a pen that is not blocked or damaged so you can get the right amount of medication.

Injecting your dose

10: Once you have checked the flow, select your dose by turning the dose selector on the end of the pen. Be careful to ensure you select the correct dose. More information on how this looks can be found in your how-to-use instruction guide or in the patient information leaflet.

11: Inject your dose by inserting the needle in your skin as your doctor or nurse has shown you. Press and hold down the dose button until the dose counter shows 0, you should hear or feel a click.

12: Keep the needle in your skin after the dose counter has reached 0 and count slowly to 6 to ensure full delivery of your dose.

13: Remove the needle from your skin and release the dose button. There is more information on dose counter clicks in the patient information leaflet.

14: After your injection, lead the needle tip into the needle cap on a flat surface without touching the needle or outer cap. Once covered, carefully push the outer cap on, unscrew the needle, and dispose of it carefully.

Nevolat is available to request both in person from the NHS or from regulated, safe and reputable online services like ZAVA Online Doctor.

Can I buy Nevolat online?

Yes, Nevolat is available to request online from ZAVA Online Doctor in just 3 simple steps:

1. Start a consultation online to request Nevolat, here you will fill in a health questionnaire.
2. A doctor will review your health questionnaire to assess your suitability.
3. If approved, your order will be sent with our discreet and fast delivery service.

Can I buy Nevolat over the counter?

No, you can only get Nevolat by prescription so a doctor can assess if it is safe and suitable for you. However, there are alternative over-the-counter weight loss treatments available that work in a different way, like alli.

Can I buy Nevolat on the NHS?

Yes, Nevolat may be available on the NHS if you meet the prescribing eligibility criteria. This will likely require a face-to-face consultation with your prescribing GP and a referral to a weight loss management service, as GPs are currently unable to prescribe liraglutide for weight loss.

➤ Our guide on weight loss injections on the NHS explains more about how to get a referral, how long it might take, and the eligibility criteria for getting an NHS prescription for liraglutide.

Like all medications, Nevolat can cause side effects, however, not everybody will experience them

Common side effects (may affect 1 in 10 people) include:

• dizziness
• feeling week
• changed sense of taste
• rash
• injection site reactions
• indigestion, gastritis
• stomach discomfort
• upper stomach pain
• heartburn
• feeling bloated
• wind
• belching
• dry mouth
• low blood sugar, signs of this include pale skin, cold sweat, weakness, nervousness, anxiety, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and shaking
• increase in pancreatic enzymes, lipase and amylase

Uncommon side effects include:

• loss of fluids (dehydration) due to sickness, vomiting or diarrhoea
• delay in emptying of the stomach
• inflamed gall bladder
• allergic reactions (skin rash)
• feeling unwell, generally
• faster pulse

Rare side effects include:

• reduced kidney function
• acute kidney failure

Some other side effects have been reported, but it’s not yet known how often these may occur. These include:

• bowel obstruction (severe constipation)

You should report any side effects that are not on this list at MHRA Yellow Card and to your prescribing doctor.

How long do Nevolat side effects last?

Common Nevolat side effects typically go away after the first few days or weeks as your body adjusts to the treatment. This can happen when you first start taking it or when your dosage is increased. However, if you begin to experience persistent side effects which are bothering you and are not going away, speak with your doctor and they may suggest you alter your dosage or that you try an alternative weight loss treatment.

What to do if you get Nevolat side effects

If you experience side effects with Nevolat, there are a range of ways you can deal with them depending on their severity.

To ease all possible common side effects, stay hydrated with clear fluids.

If you experience gastrointestinal side effects like:

• indigestion
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach pain
• heartburn
• bloating

We recommend eating plain foods like toast, rice, and crackers and eating slowly. If you are suffering from indigestion, speak to your local pharmacist and they may be able to prescribe antacids or other solutions. You can also get anti-sickness tablets from your GP if they think it’s suitable.

Make sure you’re taking Nevolat as your doctor prescribes and that you’re eating meals alongside the medication for it to work safely and effectively. Not eating enough and limiting your calorie intake too much could make these side effects worse.

To ease constipation, we recommend:

• keeping hydrated
• exercising regularly
• trying to establish a regular bowel routine, for example, in the mornings after breakfast

If you are struggling with side effects when taking Nevolat for prolonged periods as you adjust to the treatment and new lifestyle changes including alterations to your diet and exercise routine, speak with your doctor.

Nevolat is an effective weight loss treatment, however this does not mean that it is right for everyone. You must also inform your doctor of any personal or familial medical history so that they can assess whether or not Nevolat is suitable for you.

Nevolat may not be recommended if you:

• have severe heart failure
• are 75 years or older (due to little research on patients taking it)
• have kidney problems (disease or dialysis)
• have liver problems
• have severe gut or stomach problems (gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease)
• are due to have surgery with anaesthesia
• have pancreas disease
• have inflamed gallbladder or gallstones
• have certain thyroid diseases
• have a racing heartbeat
• are under the age of 18

Nevolat is not a replacement treatment for diabetes, inform your doctor if you have diabetes.

Nevolat and other medications

You should tell your doctor if you have recently taken or might be taking:

• warfarin (to reduce blood clots) or other blood-thinning medications
• sulfonylurea (glimepiride or glibenclamide for diabetes, or hypoglycaemia)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

You must not use Nevolat if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are planning to have a baby. There is no information on the safety of using Nevolat while pregnant.

Driving and machine use

Nevolat is unlikely to affect your ability to drive. However, some patients may feel dizziness within the first 3 months of treatment. Within this period, you should take caution with driving or avoid it altogether if you get side effects that could cause problems with your driving and awareness. For more information on this contact your doctor.

The patient information leaflet included with the medication also includes information on who should and should not take Nevolat.

There are a range of alternatives to Nevolat which are licensed and approved for use in the UK. These include other weight loss injections and weight loss tablets.

Weight loss treatments available at ZAVA include:

Weight loss injections

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Mounjaro is a self-injectable weight loss treatment which contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Tirzepatide works by mimicking 2 naturally occurring hormones in your body called GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These work by controlling your appetite, helping you feel fuller for longer, in turn enabling you to lose weight due to lessening your cravings after a meal.

Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy is a self-injectable weight loss medication which contains semaglutide. Semaglutide mimics GLP-1 (like Nevolat) which works with your intestines after you have eaten a meal to send messages to your brain to signal you are full. In turn, this can help you lose weight as you feel fuller for longer.

Like Nevolat, Mounjaro and Wegovy must be taken alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise for it to be most effective.

Weight loss tablets

Mysimba

Mysimba is a tablet which is taken once daily and gradually increased to twice daily. It works by sending messages to the brain that control your energy levels and food intake. It can reduce your appetite as it helps you feel fuller for longer and reduces cravings.

Orlistat, Xenical and alli

Orlistat, Xenical and alli all work in the same way as they all contain the same active ingredient orlistat. Orlistat works by attaching to enzymes in your digestive system called lipase, blocking it from breaking down fat in your food and absorbing it into your body. As a result, the fat turns to waste (stool). These tablets must be taken with meals that contain fat to work.

alli contains a lower dosage of orlistat than Orlistat and Xenical and it is available over-the-counter.

Mysimba, Orlistat, Xenical and alli must be taken alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise for it to be most effective.

Nevolat vs Saxenda

Nevolat and Saxenda contain the exact same ingredient (liraglutide), which means they work in the same way and are taken the exact same way, too. The only differences are the price, name, packaging and non-active ingredients.

Saxenda is now long-term out of stock. If Saxenda worked for you, Nevolat may be a suitable new alternative. To find out, request a consultation and one of our doctors can assess if it is safe and suitable for you.

Nevolat vs Wegovy

Wegovy and Nevolat work in the exact same way, they both reduce your appetite and increase feelings of fullness. However, Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is taken weekly, whereas Nevolat contains liraglutide and is taken daily.

Clinical trials have found that patients have lost up to 15% of their body weight in 68 weeks with Wegovy on the highest maintenance dosage. Clinical trials on Nevolat have found that patients lost 8.0% of their weight in 56 weeks on the highest maintenance dosage.

Nevolat vs Mounjaro

Wegovy and Nevolat work in almost the exact same way, they both work to reduce your appetite and increase feelings of fullness. However, Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide which mimics a second hormone to increase its effects and is taken weekly, whereas Nevolat contains liraglutide and is taken daily.

Clinical trials have shown Mounjaro to be an effective weight loss treatment with patients losing up to 22.5% of their starting weight after 72 weeks on the highest maintenance dosage. Clinical trials on Nevolat have found that patients have lost 8.0% of their weight in 56 weeks on the highest maintenance dosage.

Weight loss looks different for everyone. It is important to discuss with your doctor your personal health needs and they should be able to assess a safe, suitable and effective treatment plan for you.