The oral form of the weight loss medication Wegovy (semaglutide) is now available for purchase from high street and online pharmacies across the United Kingdom, including Superdrug and Boots. The once-daily pill became accessible to eligible patients on Monday, July 6, following approval by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for managing obesity.
Availability and Eligibility
The tablet version joins the existing injectable form of Wegovy, which is already available on the NHS in Wales but only through specialised weight loss services and not via general practitioners. The oral pill offers an alternative for those who prefer not to use injections. Boots Online Doctor will launch the first GLP-1 pill on Sunday, July 12.
To be eligible for the Wegovy tablet, patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. Alternatively, those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, may also qualify. Patients must be aged 18 or over and undergo a clinical assessment.
How the Pill Works
The Wegovy pill contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone regulates appetite, increases feelings of fullness, and reduces hunger. It also slows gastric emptying, helping people feel fuller for longer after meals. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) explained: "Semaglutide acts on areas of the brain that regulate appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and decreasing food cravings. As a result, it can help people eat less and support weight reduction alongside appropriate diet and lifestyle measures."
Dosing and Side Effects
The starting dose is 1.5 mg once daily, increasing to 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg, with a minimum of one month at each dose level. Patients currently using the 2.4 mg weekly injection can transition directly to 25 mg tablets once daily. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. The MHRA advises anyone experiencing side effects to consult their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse and report them via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
