Oral Wegovy, a once-a-day tablet version of the semaglutide weight loss injection, is now available in the UK through private prescriptions. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the pill last month, sparking massive interest. Pharmacy Simple Online Healthcare reported over 60,000 customers registering interest in less than 24 hours, while Superdrug Online Doctor saw a 130% increase in registrations. Chemist4U confirmed a waiting list of more than 10,000 customers.
How the Pill Compares to Injections
The oral GLP-1 treatment is the first tablet licensed for weight management in the UK. It is nearly as effective as injections, with users losing just under 14% of their body weight over 64 weeks on average. Pharmacist Thorrun Govind noted that for many, the needle-free option reduces anxiety: "For some people, the idea of self-injecting can be a real barrier. A tablet may feel less daunting." Research commissioned by Simple Online Healthcare found 61% of non-users would prefer a daily pill over a weekly injection, and 83.6% of SheMed pharmacy customers expressed interest in the oral alternative.
Availability and Cost
The pills are only available via private prescription, with prices starting at £99 per month for the lowest dose of 1.5mg — roughly £3 per day. NHS coverage depends on approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Online pharmacies now stock the medication, but experts caution against misuse. Dr. Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, warned that the widespread use of weight loss drugs has "reset the visual benchmark" for what is considered skinny, fueling insecurity even among naturally slim individuals. She has observed an increase in young women unhappy with their appearance despite being fit and healthy, which can lead to eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
Dosage and Side Effects
The starting dose is 1.5mg once daily, escalating to 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg, with at least one month at each level. Patients switching from the 2.4mg weekly injection may start directly at 25mg daily. The tablet must be taken whole on an empty stomach after an eight-hour fast, with no food or drink for at least 30 minutes after. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting, similar to the injectable version.
Black Market Concerns
Pharmacist Thorrun Govind expressed concern that the pill form may be easier to counterfeit than injections. According to MHRA figures obtained by the BBC, 57 million doses of unauthorised medication have been confiscated over the last five years. "It's harder for them to make an injection look the same, but it's going to be much easier to make pills which look like the real drug," Govind said. She urged patients to obtain medication only through legitimate pharmacies.
