More than 7,000 people rushed to order Wegovy pills on the very first day they went on sale through Asda pharmacies, according to the chain's healthcare director. The once-a-day tablet, made by Danish company Novo Nordisk, is the first oral GLP-1 medication approved for weight loss in the UK. It contains the same active ingredient – semaglutide – as the popular Wegovy injection, but in pill form, offering an alternative for those who dislike needles or prefer a daily routine.
The Wegovy pill is now available privately from High Street and online pharmacies, including Asda, Superdrug and Boots (which will launch it on July 12). It is not yet available on the NHS. To be eligible, you must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above (classified as obese) or a BMI between 27 and 30 (overweight) plus at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. You must also be aged 18 or over and undergo a consultation – either online or face‑to‑face – to ensure the medication is suitable.
“Explains the new Wegovy pill, its rules, eligibility, cost, and risks.”
Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP‑1, which is released from the intestine after eating. It acts on appetite-control centres in the brain, making you feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and decreasing food cravings. It also slows stomach emptying. The pill comes in several doses: starting at 1.5mg once daily, then increasing to 4mg, 9mg and 25mg, with at least a month at each level. Because the pill must be absorbed correctly, strict guidelines apply: take it on an empty stomach (after at least eight hours without food), at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else (including coffee and fizzy drinks), with no more than 120ml of plain water, and swallow it whole. If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next scheduled dose.
Both the pill and the injection are similarly effective, but side effects are common. Very common issues include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Some users also experience stomach pain, headaches or tiredness. More serious but rare complications can include low blood sugar, pancreatitis and severe allergic reactions. People switching from the 2.4mg weekly injection can move straight to the 25mg daily tablet.
For UK readers, this pill provides another option for medically supervised weight loss, but experts have warned that its popularity could lead to a rise in dangerous fakes. Pharmacies urge people to buy only from credible sources and avoid online black markets. The cost is not cheap: Asda Online Doctor sells a 1.5mg pack for £98.97 and a 4mg pack for £118.97. Boots and other pharmacies will set their own prices.
Q: How is the Wegovy pill different from the injection? The pill is taken once a day, while the injection is once a week. The pill requires fasting for at least eight hours before taking it, whereas the injection can be taken any time but must be stored in the fridge. Both contain semaglutide and are similarly effective.
Q: Can I get Wegovy pills on the NHS? Not yet. The pill is currently only available privately from pharmacies. The injection version is available on the NHS in Wales only through specialised weight loss services, but not from GPs.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for buying Wegovy pills? You must have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27–30 with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. You also need a clinical assessment from a pharmacist or online doctor.
What happens next? The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has already approved the pill for managing obesity, but NHS availability may take longer. As demand surges, pharmacies expect more launches and waiting lists. The UK medicines regulator (MHRA) has warned people to beware of fake products. For now, anyone interested should consult a reputable pharmacy and be prepared for a daily routine that involves careful timing and fasting.