Pharmacies across the UK are bracing for a significant increase in patients seeking weight loss treatment as the Wegovy pill becomes available from Monday. The oral form of semaglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) last month, becoming the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss in the UK.
New Dosing Schedule and Pharmacy Availability
The starting dose is 1.5mg, escalating to 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg, with patients required to remain on each dose for at least one month before increasing. From Monday, the lowest doses—1.5mg and 4mg—will be offered through weight management programmes in select pharmacies to eligible patients.
A survey of 310 pharmacies conducted by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) revealed that 76% expect to start a significant number of new eligible patients on the pill in the coming months. Nearly half (49%) reported a surge in inquiries following MHRA approval in June.
Expert Warnings and Black Market Concerns
Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, described the development as "a significant day" and noted that pharmacies are preparing for heightened demand. "This is particularly significant for patients who cannot or do not want to take an injectable medicine," he said. "The NHS rollout remains extremely slow and community pharmacy is ready to support a wider rollout, which will help eligible patients access treatment safely and help mitigate the impact of obesity on the NHS."
The survey also highlighted concerns about counterfeit medications, with 97% of pharmacies worried that the pill form could lead to an increase in fake or unlicensed weight loss pills sold on the black market. Picard warned: "As this survey shows, pharmacies are concerned about a dangerous and growing black market for weight loss medicines, with tablet form of medication likely to be easier for criminals to counterfeit. Patients should be wary of sites offering medicines at a cost that is too good to be true or providers who are not offering consultations before prescribing."
Patient Guidance and Safety Advice
The NPA urged patients to only access the drug through regulated pharmacies after a thorough consultation. Picard added: "If anyone is concerned by a medicine they have bought online, they should speak to their local pharmacist for advice. Weight loss medication is not a silver bullet and won’t be suitable for all patients but it can help those who are eligible achieve a healthy weight, along with sustained changes to diet and lifestyle."
