Wegovy weight-loss pill now sold privately in UK pharmacies

A once-daily semaglutide tablet sold under the Wegovy brand is now available for private purchase from UK high-street and online pharmacies. The tablet contains the same active ingredient as the existing Wegovy injection and is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27-30 with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

How the tablet is taken Users must take the tablet on an empty stomach after fasting for at least eight hours, swallow it whole with up to 120 ml of plain water, and wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medication. The starting dose is 1.5 mg once daily for one month, after which the dose may be increased monthly up to a maximum of 25 mg, subject to medical review.

Effectiveness and side effects A 64-week trial showed participants taking the tablet alongside diet and exercise lost an average of 13.61 percent of body weight, compared with 2.18 percent for those on placebo. Common side effects for both tablet and injection include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhoea; rarer effects can include low blood sugar, pancreatitis, or allergic reactions.

Availability and cost The tablet is sold only through private pharmacies and requires an online or in-person consultation. Current prices range from £99 per month for the 1.5 mg dose to £199 per month for the 25 mg dose. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency cleared the tablet earlier this month.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is expected to begin a cost-effectiveness review that typically lasts nine to 12 months before any NHS funding decision. Adam Burt, head of obesity at manufacturer Novo Nordisk, told the BBC that ensuring cost-effectiveness for the NHS and taxpayers remains a priority.