The first once-daily Wegovy weight loss pill has officially become available to buy privately in the UK, offering an alternative to the popular weekly injections. As of early July, the prescription-only tablet can be purchased through selected high street and online pharmacies. However, with demand expected to be high and the medication unlikely to become available on the NHS until at least 2028, experts are warning that counterfeit versions could soon begin circulating online.
What Is the Wegovy Pill?
The new tablet contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in Wegovy weight loss injections. Like the injectable version, it is designed to be used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity to help people lose weight. The medication is available to adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who also have certain weight-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Pharmacist Warning on Counterfeits
With interest in weight loss medications continuing to soar, Alistair Murray, a prescribing pharmacist at Phlo Clinic, is urging people to be cautious about where they purchase the new Wegovy weight loss pills. He said one of the easiest ways to stay safe is by ensuring the provider is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which patients can check online before buying any medication.
Red Flags to Watch For
Patients should also be wary of websites that allow people to buy the medication without first completing a proper clinical consultation. Legitimate providers will assess whether the treatment is suitable before issuing a prescription, rather than simply taking payment. Another warning sign the expert notes is the price of the tablets. Genuine Wegovy tablets are unlikely to be sold at heavily discounted prices, so deals that seem too good to be true should raise suspicion.
The expert also advised avoiding using social media to purchase the weight loss tablets from influencers or private sellers who may be advertising the medication. Alistair stresses that Wegovy should only be purchased through a registered pharmacy or healthcare clinic.
What to Do If You Suspect a Counterfeit
For anyone who believes they may have purchased a counterfeit pill, he recommends stopping the medication immediately and keeping both the packaging and any remaining tablets. This can help healthcare professionals identify what has actually been taken. Anyone experiencing symptoms after taking a suspected fake tablet should contact their GP or NHS 111 for medical advice as soon as possible.
People are also encouraged to report suspected counterfeit medicines through the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card Scheme, helping authorities monitor and remove fake medicines.
Health Risks of Counterfeit Pills
The expert also warned that counterfeit weight loss pills can contain unknown ingredients, incorrect doses of medication or, in some cases, no active ingredients at all. This not only means the treatment may be ineffective, but it could also pose serious health risks, particularly for people already taking other medications that could interact with the counterfeit pills. Anyone unsure about medicine purchased online is advised to seek guidance from a registered healthcare professional before continuing treatment.
