Wegovy weight loss pill now available privately in UK

A once-daily tablet form of the weight-loss drug Wegovy is now available to buy privately from UK pharmacies. The pill contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as the existing weekly injection. It must be taken on an empty stomach after at least eight hours without food, with no more than 120 ml of plain water, and at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else.

How the tablet compares with the injection Trials showed both forms produced similar weight-loss results when used with diet and exercise. People taking the tablet lost an average 13.61% of body weight over 64 weeks, compared with 2.18% for those on placebo.

The tablet may suit people who prefer not to use needles. The injection requires weekly dosing and refrigeration, while the tablet must be taken daily after fasting.

Eligibility, cost and side effects The tablet is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27-30 with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Prices reported by pharmacies range from £99 for the lowest monthly dose to £199 for the highest dose.

Introductory offers are available at some outlets. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea. The medication is not recommended for people under 18, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

NHS availability and counterfeit concerns The tablet received clearance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency earlier this month. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is now reviewing cost-effectiveness data, a process expected to take nine to 12 months.

" — Adam Burt, head of obesity for pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk The company said it is monitoring online spaces and has obtained a recent High Court judgment to help remove sites selling counterfeit versions. Police have conducted raids and sting operations targeting fake weight-loss drugs.