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Wegovy
Wegovy
Wegovy is an injectable pen that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It is available on prescription to help you lose weight:
- Once a week self-injection pen
- Helps support weight loss by reducing appetite and making you feel fuller
- Lose up to 15% of your starting weight
In stock
from £195.00
Product details
Wegovy is an injectable weight-loss medication for overweight adults or adults with obesity. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which mimics a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps to regulate your blood sugar levels, and also sends signals to receptors in your brain that manage your appetite, allowing you to feel fuller for longer.
Wegovy is prescribed to be taken just once a week alongside a diet and exercise plan to help you lose weight. Taken as prescribed, it can help you lose up to 15% of your starting weight.
Wegovy prices
| Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 0.25 mg - Starting dose - Weeks 1-4 | £195.00 |
| 0.5 mg - Step up dose - Weeks 5-8 | £195.00 |
| 1.0 mg - Step up dose - Weeks 9-12 | £195.00 |
| 1.7 mg - Step up dose - Weeks 13-16 | £245.00 |
| 2.4 mg - Maintenance dose - Weeks 17+ | £295.00 |
Delivery Options
With our weight loss service you'll get:
- secure delivery to your preferred address
- needles and sharps bin
- weight loss support guide
- weight loss tracker and food diary
- collection from any of our nationwide pharmacies*
- doctor messaging for advice and support
- fast and easy repeat prescriptions
- health and Beautycard points
*Please contact the pharmacy prior to collection if you have not received confirmation that your order is ready to collect.
How our weight loss service works
A doctor prescribes treatment if appropriate
One of our doctors reviews your answers and pictures, and approves treatment or recommends the most suitable option for your health and needs.
Pick up in store or delivered to your door
Start your weight loss journey with your treatments delivered in plain, unmarked packaging! You can also collect from your local Superdrug pharmacy.
About Wegovy
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription weight loss medication containing semaglutide. It’s specifically for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or 27 or more with weight-related health conditions, including prediabetes and high blood pressure.
Wegovy can help regulate your appetite and reduce food cravings, while also delaying the emptying of your stomach, so you feel full for longer periods after eating. You inject Wegovy once per week, and it follows a dosage schedule up to a maximum dose of 2.4mg.
Your doctor will also encourage you to eat a lower-calorie diet, follow healthy eating habits, and exercise more often while taking Wegovy. This helps you get the most from your treatment. You can buy Wegovy in the UK online from regulated prescribing services like Superdrug Online Doctor with a prescription.
How does Wegovy work?
The Wegovy injection works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps to regulate your blood sugar levels and sends signals to the receptors in your brain that manage appetite.
Wegovy helps you to lose weight because it:
- reduces your appetite, so you do not need to eat as many calories to feel full
- delays how quickly food empties out of your stomach, so you’ll feel fuller for longer
- helps to regulate your blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and blood sugar spikes (this can be especially helpful for people with prediabetes or insulin resistance)
Wegovy, like other weight loss injections, is always prescribed alongside a complementary healthy diet and exercise plan to help you with your weight loss journey.
How long does Wegovy take to work?
Wegovy will start working from the very first injection, and you may start to feel fuller within the first few days.
In the first month of taking Wegovy injections alongside a healthy diet plan and regular exercise, you can expect to lose around 2% of your starting weight. However, you’ll notice the effects more as you follow the dosage schedule and reach a higher dose.
“As it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to see significant weight loss, your doctor will wait until you’ve been taking the Wegovy injection for 6 months before checking you’ve reached a weight loss of at least 5% from your starting weight. If this is not the case, you and your doctor will discuss whether it’s the right decision to continue taking Wegovy.” - Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor.
How effective is Wegovy?
Wegovy is an effective treatment for weight loss, and studies show that the 2.4mg maintenance dose works for 83.5% of people who take it.
After taking 2.4mg of Wegovy over 68 weeks, the average weight lost was 14.9% from starting weight. This is compared to a 2.4% loss of weight in those taking a placebo.
The Wegovy injection was also found, on average, to reduce:
- waist circumference by 13.5cm
- systolic blood pressure by 6.2 millimetres of mercury (mmHg)
The numbers from these studies are from people taking Wegovy alongside a diet and exercise plan. To get the most from your treatment, it’s best to follow healthy lifestyle changes during and after your treatment with Wegovy, so you can maintain your weight loss.
How do I use a Wegovy pen?
Wegovy comes in the form of an injectable pen, which you’ll inject yourself with once a week. You don’t need to measure your dose, as each pen contains 4 doses that will last for 4 weeks. It’s recommended to take your Wegovy injection at the same time and day every week to get the best effect and reduce side effects.
Where to inject Wegovy
You can inject Wegovy into your lower abdomen, thigh, or upper arm (with the help of someone else), depending on which is easiest and most comfortable for you.
Wherever you choose to inject Wegovy, divide the section up into smaller sections and choose a different area to inject each week. This helps reduce Wegovy injection site irritation or soreness.
How to use Wegovy
To use your Wegovy pen, you’ll need a few minutes, a fresh needle, a sharps bin, and a comfortable place to inject it. You can follow our step-by-step guide but before your first dose, you should also read all the information in the patient information leaflet.
Preparing your Wegovy pen
- Wash your hands and the injection site with warm soapy water to prevent contaminating the needle.
- Check your pen label to make sure it contains your prescribed dose of Wegovy.
- Remove the pen cap and look through the small viewing window, where you can see the Wegovy liquid in the pen. Make sure that the liquid is clear and colourless. If it is not, do not use this pen and contact your doctor or prescribing service.
- When you’re ready to inject, push a new needle onto the pen and turn it on tightly before removing the caps.
You should always use a fresh needle with every dose to prevent contamination or infection. Never reuse a needle or use a needle that’s unsealed, bent, or broken.
Checking the flow of a new pen
If you’re not using a new pen, you can skip this step.
- If it’s your first time using this pen, you’ll need to check the flow. You can do this by turning the “dose selector” on the end of the pen until you reach the ‘flow check’ symbol (2 dots and a line).
- When you press the button, a small droplet of Wegovy should form on the tip of the needle. If it does, you’re ready to inject.
- If a drop does not appear, check the flow again. This should only be done twice.
- If there is still no drop, change the needle and check the flow once more. Do not use the pen if a drop of Wegovy still does not appear.
Taking your Wegovy dose
- Turn the dose selector until you reach your prescribed dose.
- Insert the needle into your skin and press the button, holding it down until the number on the dose counter reaches 0. Continue holding the button down after it reaches 0, and then count to 6. This makes sure all of the medication is properly injected.
- Remove the needle slowly from your skin, and then dispose of the needle and cap in the provided sharps bin.
- Put the cap back on your Wegovy injection pen and store it safely, away from sunlight, until you need to take your next dose.
What is the dosage of Wegovy?
There are 5 different doses of Wegovy:
- 0.25mg
- 0.5mg
- 1mg
- 1.7mg
- 2.4mg
Each dose comes in its own colour pen. Each pen contains 4 doses and lasts for 4 weeks before you need to switch pens.
Wegovy dosage starts low and increases gradually as you get used to the medication. This is done over a few months.
Wegovy dosage schedule
The Wegovy dosage schedule is as follows:
- Month 1: You will start with the recommended dose of 0.25mg.
- Month 2: Your dose will be increased to 0.5mg.
- Month 3: Your dose will be increased to 1mg.
- Month 4: Your dose will be increased to 1.7mg.
- Month 5 and beyond: Your dose will be increased to 2.4mg, the maintenance dose. You will continue taking this dose for the rest of your treatment.
You might stay on a lower dose for longer, such as if you get side effects that you’d rather have settled before you continue with a higher dose. You can also stay on a lower dose if you’re losing weight and you’re happy with the results.
You can change your mind at any time and increase your dose with your doctor’s approval, as long as it’s been at least 4 weeks on your current dose but you cannot take more than 2.4mg a week.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?
If it is 5 days or less since you should have used Wegovy, take it as soon as you remember. Inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day even if this means taking 2 doses within a few days of one another.
If it is more than 5 days since you should have used Wegovy, skip your missed dose. Inject your next one as usual on your next scheduled day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget Wegovy for more than 2 weeks, you might need to restart treatment from the 0.25mg dosage. Speak to your doctor if you’ve missed several Wegovy injections.
Where can I buy Wegovy?
You can buy Wegovy in the UK with a prescription from trusted and regulated online doctor services, like Superdrug Online Doctor. You can also get it on the NHS, although the criteria for getting it is different from private services. Wegovy must be prescribed by a doctor, so you won’t be able to get it over the counter.
Can I buy Wegovy online?
Yes, you can buy Wegovy online through our service. To get your prescription and treatment, follow these simple steps:
- Complete a short medical questionnaire, which checks for any health conditions and current medications that could interact with Wegovy.
- You’ll also be asked to send some photos which are completely confidential and used by our doctors to check that Wegovy is a safe option for you. We need to do this to prescribe weight loss medication online. Read our photo guidelines to find out more.
- Once complete, your questionnaire and photos are sent to a registered doctor who can determine whether Wegovy is suitable for you, or whether another medication may be better.
- After approval, you can collect your medication from a convenient Superdrug Pharmacy or have it delivered directly to you.
Doctors in the UK can prescribe Wegovy if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30, or over 27 and a weight-related medical condition or risk factor, such as high blood pressure. If you’re not sure you’re eligible for Wegovy, you can use our BMI calculator to check.
Can I buy Wegovy over the counter?
No, you cannot buy Wegovy over the counter. The active ingredient semaglutide needs to be prescribed to make sure it’s safe and suitable. Be cautious of any website offering genuine medication without a prescription, as this is illegal or the treatment could be fake.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?
Yes, you can get Wegovy on the NHS but only in certain circumstances. You can find out more on the NHS website. Some GPs and pharmacists can prescribe Wegovy, although this is not a UK-wide standard at the moment. Otherwise, you’ll need a referral to a special weight management service and this can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, as demand is high.
Can you buy generic Wegovy?
No, you cannot buy generic Wegovy in the UK, or anywhere else yet. Wegovy weight loss injections are currently under a patent with the manufacturer, so other manufacturers cannot make it a generic treatment yet. You’ll be able to buy generic semaglutide sometime in or after 2031 when the patent expires.
Side effects of Wegovy
Very common side effects of Wegovy include:
- headache
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting (being sick)
- constipation or diarrhoea
- stomach pains
- feeling tired or weak
These side effects usually go away over time as your body gets used to the medication. It’s possible for side effects to come back when you increase your dose.
Common side effects of Wegovy include:
- feeling dizzy
- upset stomach or indigestion
- burping
- gas (flatulence)
- bloating
- inflamed stomach (gastritis)
- reflux or heartburn
- gallstones
- hair loss
- injection site reactions
- change in the way food or drink tastes
- change in skin sensation
- low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with pre-existing diabetes
Low blood sugar in diabetic patients is more likely if you’re also taking sulfonylurea or insulin. Before starting Wegovy, speak to your doctor if you’re taking these medications to adjust your dose if necessary.
Uncommon side effects of Wegovy include:
- an increased level of bilirubin in your blood (signs include jaundice which is the yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes)
- hypoglycaemia in patients without diabetes
- a delay in the emptying of the stomach
- increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase) shown in blood tests
- fast heartbeat
Some serious side effects of Wegovy require you to speak to a doctor straight away. These include:
- complications of diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)
- inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis), with symptoms such as severe and long-lasting pain in your stomach and the pain may move to your back
- kidney or bladder stones, with symptoms such as back or lower stomach pain, difficulty peeing, or a change in the colour of your urine
- bowel obstruction, a severe form of constipation with additional symptoms like stomach ache, bloating, and vomiting
- a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. You or someone else should call 999 straight away if you get symptoms such as:
- breathing problems
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat with difficulty swallowing
- wheezing
- fast heartbeat
- pale and cold skin
- feeling dizzy or weak
How long do Wegovy side effects last?
Wegovy side effects can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. They tend to get better with time but some side effects can happen at any time, or may be likely after a dose increase. You must let your doctor know if you cannot tolerate Wegovy and its side effects.
What to do if you get Wegovy side effects
Speak to your doctor if you get any Wegovy side effects, especially if they:
- are getting worse
- do not improve after a few weeks of treatment
- are making it difficult to carry out daily activities like working, eating, and sleeping
Most Wegovy side effects can be managed at home by:
- getting rest
- eating little and often, and eating enough calories
- avoiding alcohol and caffeine
- eating healthy foods
- taking over-the-counter medicines, like painkillers or acid reflux tablets
- staying hydrated
For specific advice on your side effects, you can find more about Wegovy side effects in our guide, including tips on managing them, or ask your doctor.
Who can take Wegovy?
You can take Wegovy if you’re over 18, need help managing your weight, and do not have any conditions or take any medications that interact with semaglutide and could make it unsafe.
You’ll also need to meet the BMI requirements for taking Wegovy, which is either over 30, or 27 and over with a weight-related health condition, including prediabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
Wegovy warnings
Do not use Wegovy if you have an allergy to semaglutide or any other non-active ingredients contained in the medication.
Talk to your doctor before taking Wegovy if you:
- have kidney problems, as Wegovy can cause vomiting or diarrhoea which can increase the risk of dehydration
- are diabetic, as your doses of other medications may need to be adjusted and taking Wegovy can increase your risk of low blood sugar
- have any problems with your pancreas, or have ever had pancreatitis
- have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy
- are due to have surgery under anaesthetic (where you’ll be put to sleep)
- have had an allergy to similar medications before, such as another GLP-1 receptor agonist
Some medications can interact with Wegovy, causing side effects. Speak to your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- antidiabetic drugs, for example, sulfonylureas and insulin, which can increase the risk of low blood sugar
- other GLP-1 agonists such as Saxenda or Mounjaro, as this can increase the risk of all side effects and should never be taken alongside each other
Speak also to your doctor about any other medication you’re taking, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter treatments.
Wegovy and breastfeeding
You should not use Wegovy if you’re breastfeeding, as it’s not known yet how much of the active ingredient is passed through breast milk.
Wegovy and pregnancy
Wegovy has not been tested during pregnancy yet and it’s not known how semaglutide may affect an unborn baby, so you should not take it if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive. It’s recommended to use contraception if you’re having sex, and if you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test straight away and stop taking Wegovy.
If you want to conceive, stop using Wegovy at least 2 months before, so the active ingredient has plenty of time to fully leave your system.
Wegovy alternatives
Wegovy alternatives include other weight loss injections that contain a similar active ingredient, or weight loss tablets that work in different ways. Whether you cannot take Wegovy, or just want to explore your different options, here we look at the best weight loss treatments available at Superdrug Online Doctor.
Weight loss injections
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a similar weight loss injection that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Like Wegovy, it helps you lose weight by reducing your appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Instead of mimicking 1 hormone, tirzepatide mimics 2 hormones, which is thought to enhance appetite suppression.
Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, Mounjaro can lead to patients losing up to 22.5% of their starting weight (after 72 weeks of treatment on a maintenance dose of 15mg). Like Wegovy, Mounjaro is a weekly injection.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a generic weight loss injection of Saxenda, which is currently long-term out of stock. It contains the active ingredient liraglutide, which is in the same family of medications as Wegovy (semaglutide). It helps you lose weight by suppressing your appetite and reducing the amount of food you need to eat to feel full.
Over 56 weeks, the average weight loss on the maintenance dose (3mg) of liraglutide is 8%. While Wegovy is a weekly injection, you need to inject liraglutide every day.
Weight loss tablets
Orlistat (Xenical)
Orlistat and Xenical are weight loss tablets that reduce the amount of dietary fat absorbed by your body when you eat food. This excess fat is instead passed through the body as stool waste. You can take them up to 3 times a day, with meals containing fat. Orlistat is the unbranded (generic) version of Xenical.
alli
alli is a lower-dose version of orlistat that is available over the counter, which means you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to get it. It works in the same way as orlistat, by reducing the amount of fat absorbed from food you eat. A pharmacist or online doctor will still need to check your suitability before you can buy it.
Mysimba
Mysimba is a weight loss tablet that works like Wegovy on areas of your brain responsible for appetite helping you lose weight by suppressing your hunger levels. This may be a good alternative for people who want a medication that works like Wegovy but don’t want to take an injection.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro?
The difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro is the active ingredient. Wegovy contains semaglutide while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. They still belong to the same medication group and so have a similar effect on appetite and fullness levels.
Further differences between Wegovy and Mounjaro are highlighted in the table:
| Wegovy (mg) | Mounjaro | |
| Doses (in mg) | 5 doses:
|
6 doses:
|
| How long it takes to reach the maintenance dose | At least 16 weeks | At least 20 weeks |
| Effectiveness (% of starting body weight lost) | An average of 14.9% on the 2.4mg dose over 68 weeks | An average of 22.5% on the 15mg dose over 72 weeks |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly |
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
The difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is what the medication is approved for. Wegovy is a weight loss injection while Ozempic is a type 2 diabetes treatment. Although they both contain semaglutide, they come in different doses because they are used for different reasons.
As well as helping with appetite, semaglutide can regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic comes in a maximum dose of 2mg, and your doctor will only prescribe this dose if lower doses are not working well enough for blood sugar control.
Ozempic is rarely prescribed off-label for weight loss, as Wegovy and other alternatives are available. These work much better as their dosage schedule has been created specifically with weight loss in mind.
FAQs
Is Wegovy safe?
Yes, Wegovy is safe for most people, as long as you have a valid prescription from a registered doctor. However, there are certain conditions and health circumstances that may make your doctor less likely to prescribe the medication, for example, if you have or have had pancreatitis
Like all medications, Wegovy does come with the risk of rare and serious side effects. This will not happen to most people who take Wegovy but if you notice or are worried about any side effects, speak with your doctor.
Is Wegovy addictive?
No, there is no evidence to suggest Wegovy is addictive. When you stop treatment, you do not need to titrate your dose or come off it slowly. You will not get withdrawal symptoms from stopping Wegovy, however, your appetite will go back to normal within a few weeks.
Can I take Wegovy long-term?
Yes, Wegovy has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the long-term treatment of obesity and can be used for as long as it remains beneficial. Your doctor will check that you’ve lost at least 5% of your weight within 6 months of taking Wegovy. If you have, you can continue taking it long-term.
Why am I still hungry on Wegovy?
There could be several reasons why you feel hungry on Wegovy. For example, you may:
- not be at the highest dose yet
- have just started taking the medication
- not be eating enough – although you should reduce your calories for the day, this should be at a maximum of 600 calories less than the recommended daily intake
- not be drinking enough, sometimes thirst can be confused with hunger
- not be getting enough sleep – tiredness can directly affect how hungry we feel
- be due your next dose
- be having a paradoxical response or reaction (some people taking a medication experience the opposite effect of the active ingredient)
You can still be hungry on Wegovy, but it should be less intense, making it easier to eat less and snack less often.
Wegovy works for most people but if you feel hungry all the time and this does not improve, it may be that Wegovy is not the right treatment for you. Although Mounjaro and liraglutide are similar medications, you may have a completely different experience with these.
Can I drink alcohol while using Wegovy?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Wegovy although bear in mind that it increases your daily calories and if drinking often, it could negate your weight loss plan. There are no known interactions between Wegovy and alcohol. However, alcohol and Wegovy both lower blood sugar levels, so it is advisable that you monitor your reaction to the medication in case you become lightheaded or dizzy. It can also make other side effects more likely, such as nausea or vomiting, so it’s best to avoid alcohol after you first start taking Wegovy or after a dose increase.
How long will it take to lose weight on Wegovy?
It usually takes a few weeks or months to lose weight on Wegovy. In the first month, you can expect to lose around 2% of your starting weight. However, everyone has a different experience with weight loss medication, so you could lose weight quicker or slower than this.
Does Wegovy burn fat?
No, Wegovy does not burn fat and is not a fat burner medication. Wegovy reduces your appetite and increases how full you feel after eating. To burn fat, you need to eat less and exercise more while taking it.
How do I dispose of Wegovy?
You can dispose of Wegovy at a local pharmacy. They will have a used medication bin that will be disposed of properly to protect the environment. Do not throw used pens away in your household waste, and dispose of needles in a sharps bin.
How should I store Wegovy?
Before opening Wegovy, store the pens in a fridge between 2 and 8 °C but keep them away from the cooling element.
Once in use, keep the pen at a room temperature of less than 30 °C, or it can remain in the fridge in the same conditions as before opening. Wegovy pens last for 6 weeks out of the fridge, however, they only contain enough medication for 4 weeks worth of injections, so you should not need to dispose of any pens unless you miss several doses.
Do not freeze your Wegovy pens and keep the pen cap on to protect it from light.
How long can Wegovy be unrefrigerated for?
Wegovy can be unrefrigerated for up to 6 weeks before it needs to be disposed of.
What happens if I stop taking Wegovy?
If you stop taking Wegovy, the medication's effects will slowly wear off. You’ll eventually feel your normal hunger levels again. This can cause people to put some weight back on. It’s important to continue eating healthily and exercising regularly to prevent weight gain.
Sources
- Wegovy semaglutide injection 2.4mg (2024) Wegovy [Accessed 30 November 2024]
- NICE recommends new drug for people living with obesity (2022) NICE Accessed 30 November 2024]
- Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen (2024) emc [Accessed 30 November 2024]
- Treatment - Obesity (2023) NHS [Accessed 30 November 2024]
- FAQs (2022) Wegovy [Accessed 30 November 2024]
- Mounjaro KwikPen 10mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen (2024) emc [Accessed 30 November 2024]
Medically reviewed by
Dr. IkejiLast reviewed: 18 Dec 2024
Patient Reviews
Further Reading on Weight Loss
Clinical study references
*With a reduced calorie diet and increased physical exercise. People respond to medicines differently, so there is no set time for when you can expect to see results. Ask your healthcare professional about what might be a realistic expectation for you.
Source: (1) Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity, The New England Journal of Medicine homepage [accessed 30 December 2024]
(2) MHRA authorises diabetes drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management and weight loss, GOVUK [accessed 30 December 2024]