Revolutionary Wegovy weight loss pill is now on sale in UK but not everyone should take it
While the popularity of ‘weight loss jabs’ continues to soar in the UK, there is now an alternative for those who aren’t too keen on injecting themselves.
It’s estimated that 1.6 million British adults have been using the pens, with Wegovy being one of the common choices.
And now the once-a-day Wegovy weight loss pill is available to buy privately from the high street and online pharmacies.
However, while it is described as being revolutionary, not everyone should be taking it and just like the injections, it’s important to have a chat with a healthcare professional first.
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The tablet might be a better option for those who don’t like needles but contains the same ingredient as the injections – semaglutide. Importantly, it’s still advised to use the pills alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity.
Who shouldn’t take the Wegovy Pill
MedExpress explains that those currently taking Mounjaro aren’t recommended to switching to this pill as it may slow down their rate of weight loss. Or, in some cases, it could lead to weight regain.
It also isn’t advised to take the daily pill if you have ‘unpredictable’ mornings (for example, if you do shift work), because the fasting and timing requirements ‘may be difficult to maintain consistently’.
And it adds that it probably isn’t the right option if: “Your main goal is maximising the percentage of body weight you lose.”
Moreover, Abdal Alvi, Chief Clinical Officer at Simple Online Pharmacy explains: “Wegovy isn’t suitable for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, who have a [personal or family] history of some thyroid cancers, who have pancreatitis or who might be on certain medications.”
Wegovy is also not advised for those allergic to semaglutide, with a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis, on certain medications, with certain health conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Who is eligible?
According to a press release from the Wegovy manufactures, Novo Nordisk, the pills can now be prescribed for 'eligible UK adults living with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition' and they will be prescribed alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
This includes those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or who are overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30 in addition to at least one weight-related comorbidity.
The starting dose will be 1.5 mg daily, increasing monthly up to 25 mg.
Initial doses (1.5mg, 4mg) are now in the UK, with higher doses (9mg, 25mg) becoming available in the coming weeks.
The tablet is taken orally once a day on an empty stomach and should be swallowed with just a sip of water to help your body absorb it properly.
They can then be stored at room temperature, unlike the jabs that need to be kept in the fridge.
The pills are not currently being supplied through the NHS.
Side effects
Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, said: “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."
They warn that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is: “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," 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.”
Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, said: “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."
They warn that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is: “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," 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.”
A spokesperson for the manufacturers of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, told LADbible: "Wegovy® ▼pill (semaglutide tablets) can be prescribed by regulated private providers to eligible UK adults living with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
"We recommend patients take these medications for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Treatment decisions should be made together with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the appropriateness of using a GLP-1 based on assessment of a patient’s individual medical profile."
Topics: Health
Jess Battison