The once-a-day Wegovy weight loss pill can now be bought privately from High Street and online pharmacies in the UK, offering a needle-free alternative to the popular weekly jab.
But unlike the injection, which has been available on the NHS for some patients, the pill is not yet available through the health service.
“Once-a-day Wegovy pill available privately in UK, not on NHS, with similar effects to injection.”
Both forms contain the same active ingredient – semaglutide – and trials show they are similarly effective. The medication works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that is released from the intestine after eating, acting on receptors in the brain to control appetite, making people feel fuller, less hungry and crave food less.
As with the injection, the pill is advised to be used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity. It is available to people with a body mass index of 30 and above – generally considered obese – or a BMI of 27-30 if they also have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
A consultation – either online or face-to-face – is required before a prescription can be issued. A number of pharmacies say they will have stocks soon and some have set up waiting or mailing lists for those interested.
The differences come down to convenience and lifestyle. The tablet must be taken on an empty stomach after not eating for at least eight hours, and at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else or taking other tablets. The injection, by contrast, is taken once a week at any time of day and must be stored in the fridge.
Very common side effects with both include nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea. The injection can also cause redness, itching or mild swelling at the injection site. Some people on tablets or injections may experience stomach pain, headaches and tiredness. More rarely, serious complications such as low blood sugar, pancreatitis or severe allergic reactions have been reported. The patient information leaflet contains full details.
The medication should not be taken by anyone under 18, or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients are advised to speak to their doctor about any other medical conditions or medications they take.
For those who dislike needles, the pill may be a better option – as long as the daily fasting and timing requirements fit their lifestyle.