Weight Loss Medications: Prescription vs Over-The-Counter

UK Licensing of weight loss medications

A number of weight loss medications have been approved and licensed for prescription use only in the last 12 months, including Wegovy and Mounjaro. These medications have previously been used for othee purposes such as semaglutide (Wegovy), Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)  which has been used to treat type-2 diabetes and naltrexone and bupropion (Mysimba) which are an addiction medication and an antidepressant, respectively.

Prescription and Over The Counter Weight loss medications must be approved for their specific use by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA checks for the safety, quality and efficacy of medications for their labelled use, and any medications, including weight loss medication, licensed by the agency are subject to rigorous testing and study to ensure they are safe for public use.

You might be able to get lower-dose tablet-type weight loss medications such as Orlistat over the counter but injection-type weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro can only be obtained with a prescription. Prescription and Over The Counter Weight loss medications

Care should be taken when using any medications whether it is prescription only or OTC to abide by the recommended doses and usage, and cease taking the medication should there be any concerning side effects. You will need to speak to a healthcare professional before beginning any type of weight loss medication.

How do weight loss medications work

Prescription medications for weight loss target specific biological processes in the body. For example:

• Suppressing appetite

• Increasing satiety (feeling full)

• Reducing fat absorption

• Regulating blood sugar

Weight loss medication side effects

Many of the weight loss medications licensed for prescription in the UK have a risk of some side effects such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea. Many of these side effects should ease off within a few weeks of use and will be monitored by your medical professional. 

Cost of weight loss medications

It's important to consult with a doctor to discuss your weight loss goals and see if prescription medication is right for you.

Weight loss management from Pharmacy2U

If you are interested in learning more about what weight loss medications might be available to support you with your weight management, you can start a consultation with Pharmacy2U. Our licensed doctors will look at your individual case and may recommend to you a licensed prescription weight loss medication that suits your needs if you meet specific requirements and certain criteria.

Please be aware that a consultation is not a guarantee that you will be prescribed weight loss medication.