Wegovy weight loss tablets are now on sale in the UK for the first time, with Superdrug becoming the first major high street healthcare provider to offer the oral weight loss service. The medication, a semaglutide tablet approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in June 2026, is available exclusively through Superdrug Online Doctor initially, with in-store services to follow.
Pricing and Availability
The oral weight loss service starts at £79 for new patients. Superdrug Health & Beautycard holders will earn 5x points on purchases, worth up to £15. The service is currently available online, and will later be accessible in over 160 pharmacies and more than 85 nurse-led clinics, combining digital convenience with face-to-face support.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Wegovy tablets, patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. Alternatively, those with a BMI between 27 and 30 may be eligible if they have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension. A thorough clinical assessment is required before prescription.
Dosage and Administration
The starting dose is 1.5 mg once daily, escalating to 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg, with a minimum of one month at each dose level. Patients currently using a 2.4 mg semaglutide injection once weekly can transition directly to 25 mg tablets once daily. The tablet must be taken on an empty stomach after at least 8 hours of fasting, with a sip of water, and no food or drink for at least 30 minutes afterward to ensure proper absorption.
How It Works
According to the MHRA, semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which is released after eating. It acts on brain areas that regulate appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger, and decreasing food cravings. This supports weight reduction alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Side Effects and Safety
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal disorders, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. The MHRA continues to monitor the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide and encourages anyone experiencing side effects to report them via the Yellow Card scheme online or through the MHRA Yellow Card app. Dr Clair Grainger, GP at Superdrug Online Doctor, stated: “Following regulatory approval, we’ve seen strong interest in our information register. With prescribing now underway, people can now complete their consultation and access treatment if clinically appropriate, whether that’s online, in pharmacy, or in clinic.”
