Is Wegovy Available in the UK?

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a weight loss injection containing semaglutide. It has been available in the US since 2021, and was launched in the UK on the 4th of September 2023, by the manufacturer Novo Nordisk.

The initial release is a limited release, and is not expected to fully service the demand for the treatment. It is expected that Novo Nordisk will be able to gradually increase its manufacturing capabilities, to improve supply to the UK market in 2024.

What is Wegovy Used For?

Wegovy is best used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and exercise to help people lose weight. Wegovy can be used by people with obesity (BMI of 30 or more), and people with a BMI of 27 or more who also have a weight-related health condition.

How Does Wegovy Work?

Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone in your body that controls your appetite. When your appetite is reduced, you are likely to reduce the amount that you eat, helping you to lose weight. Wegovy is most effective when combined with a calorie-controlled diet and exercise regime. 

When Will Wegovy be Available in the UK?

Wegovy was approved in the UK by the MHRA (Medicines and Health Products Regulation Agency) in September 2021. Wegovy was launched into the UK market in September 2023. The product launch was previously delayed several times due to supply issues. Once the supply of Wegovy is ensured, supply should increase as time goes on.

When Will Wegovy be Available on the NHS?

While Wegovy was available to the UK market in September 2023, it may take a while for it to become available on the NHS. 

Another weight loss injection – Saxenda – was launched in January 2017, but was not available on the NHS until October 2021. In light of this, it could take several months or years before Wegovy is available on the NHS. It is likely that you will only become eligible for Wegovy on the NHS once you have tried other weight loss options.

Wegovy vs Other Weight Loss Injections

Is Wegovy the Same as Saxenda?

Wegovy is not the same as Saxenda. Both Wegovy and Saxenda are weight loss injections; however, they do contain different active ingredients. Wegovy contains semaglutide, while Saxenda contains liraglutide. Despite this, Wegovy and Saxenda are similar drugs and both help you to lose weight by regulating your appetite. There are few studies available that compare the effects of Saxenda and Wegovy, but one study found that Wegovy offered greater long-term weight loss than Saxenda. 

Is Wegovy the Same as Ozempic?

Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient – semaglutide. However, Ozempic is designed specifically to help people with diabetes control their blood sugar. Wegovy is available in slightly higher doses than Ozempic, and the dosing schedule is different. Ozempic is not currently licensed for weight loss in the UK. Wegovy has been approved by the MHRA, but the product has not yet been launched by the manufacturer.

Where Can I Buy Wegovy?

You will be able to buy Wegovy from Simple Online Pharmacy, pending stock availability. While stock may initially be limited, we hope to be able to serve more patients each month. You can sign up to our mailing list to make sure you’re notified of when stock is available.

Can I Get Wegovy Online?

Yes, from September 2023, Simple Online Pharmacy will offer Wegovy as part of its weight loss service soon as it is made available for sale in the UK. Please visit our Wegovy page to sign up for an email notification to let you know when the product becomes available. 

How Much Does Wegovy Cost?

It is expected that Wegovy will cost between £250-300 / month when on your maintenance dose. Your starting doses will be cheaper than this, as they are a lower strength. Prices will become available when the product launches. The prices on our Wegovy page reflect current information, but are subject to change.

Summary

• Wegovy is not currently available in the UK. The product launch is expected at some point in 2023.
• The launch of Wegovy has been delayed by the manufacturer due to supply issues.
• Simple Online Pharmacy will make Wegovy available at the earliest opportunity. Visit our Wegovy page to set up an email notification for the launch.