Wegovy weight loss injections

The prescription-only injectable medicines approved in the UK as a weight management aid are known by brand names like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). 

Weight loss injections can aid with weight loss because they contain medicines that regulate appetite and help people feel fuller for longer. They work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones that play a role in appetite regulation. Semaglutide (Wegovy) mimics a hormone called GLP-1, which slows the rate at which food moves through the gut. This can prolong feelings of fullness and reduce the urge to eat as much or as often, reducing calorie intake and encouraging weight loss. 

If opting for a private treatment, the cost of weight loss injections will be set by the clinical provider who prescribes them. This cost will vary depending on the brand of weight loss injection prescribed, and the strength of the medication. 

To get an idea of costs for Wegovy weight loss injections within the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor range and learn more about each treatment, please view the information tables further up this page. 

Some weight loss injections are available on the NHS as a weight management option for certain patients, and in these instances, the cost will be the standardised NHS prescription fee (currently £9.90 per item) unless you are exempt from paying for your NHS prescriptions.   

Whether you’re seeking treatment through the NHS or a private healthcare provider, each patient will be clinically assessed on an individual basis to determine their eligibility for weight loss injections as a treatment option. 

No, Wegovy is a prescription medication. This requires that you have a consultation with a clinician who will go through your medical history, weight, BMI and other factors to determine if you are eligible. 

There is no single ‘best’ injection, or treatment of any kind, for weight loss. The most suitable weight loss treatment for you depends on your individual health profile, your BMI, and your clinician’s assessment of your consultation form.   

To find the right type of weight loss support for you from Pharmacy2U, you first need to complete an online consultation at a time that suits you to let us know about you and your health profile. This will be reviewed by our expert clinicians who will consider any treatment preferences, including Wegovy, and recommend a suitable next step.  

When your pen arrives: Place your unopened pens in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) in line with the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) (for 7.2mg, the PIL is here). 

Do not use the medication if frozen or if you are unsure about its condition. If you have any concerns about it, please get in touch. 

Delivery: Wegovy can now be delivered in standard packaging without additional cooling materials in certain circumstances, provided it remains within the approved temperature limits (below 30°C for up to 48 hours during final delivery). This means that your Wegovy pens may not always include cooling materials. 

Wegovy 7.2 mg will continue to be sent in insulated packaging as different delivery requirements apply to this strength. During warmer weather, this packaging may also be used for other dosage strengths to help keep the medication within the approved temperature range during transit.

The Wegovy FlexTouch for 0.25mg to 2.4mg contains 4 fixed doses to be taken once weekly. The pre-filled pens are colour-coded for different strengths: green for 0.25 mg, pink for 0.5 mg, brown for 1.0 mg, blue for 1.7 mg, and black for 2.4 mg.  

Pens for the 7.2mg dose, which are coloured purple, each contain a single weekly dose. Each box of the 7.2mg dose contains four of these pens. 

This will be completely individual to you. The clinician will consider your treatment plan, your medical history, your individual details including current and target BMI, and your own feedback on your experience so far, before making their recommendations as to what dose will be the safest and most effective dose for you. The clinician will have the final say, but this is always in consultation and collaboration with the patient.

When you stop taking your weight loss medication, the effect of the medication will gradually fade. Appetite and hunger may increase, and the feeling of fullness after eating may reduce. Gastric emptying returns to its previous rate, which can mean feeling less full after meals. 

Stopping your weight loss injection may make it more likely that you regain some of the weight you've lost. This is common, and your healthcare team can discuss ways to help you maintain your weight after treatment. 

One study from 2022 found that after 68 weeks of weight loss treatment, the average patient saw a drop of 15% in their body weight, but within one year from the end of their treatment, patients saw an average of two thirds of their prior weight loss returned. 

If you miss a dose of Wegovy, take it within 4 days or 96 hours of the missed dose. If it’s been more than 4 days, it is best to wait until your next scheduled dose.  

Do not double dose or take Wegovy within 3 days of each other, as it does not increase effectiveness but can increase the likelihood of you getting side effects. 

Some of the most common side effects of Wegovy weight loss injections include:  

• Constipation  

• Bloating, burping and wind  

• Indigestion, heartburn and reflux  

• Diarrhoea and loose stools  

• Nausea (sickness)  

• Headache  

• Dry mouth or changes in taste  

• Feeling weak or tired  

• Gastritis 

• Gallstones 

• Hair loss 

• Dizziness 

• Injection site reactions 

• Change in taste 

• Low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes 

• Changes in diabetic eye disease in people with type 2 diabetes  

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with weight loss medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice.

The other, potentially more serious, Wegovy side effects include:  

• Serious allergic reaction or anaphylaxis - If you experience this, stop taking the medication and seek urgent medical advice by either calling 999 or going to A&E for immediate help 

• Pancreatitis - If you experience severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting, you need to seek urgent medical advice by either calling 999 or going to A&E for immediate help 

• Hip fractures 

• Kidney or bladder stones  

• Severe constipation with abdominal pain, bloating or vomiting, or inability to pass stools or wind can be signs of bowel obstruction 

• Sudden or gradually worsening eyesight can be due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) 

If you experience any of the serious side effects, stop using the medicine and seek urgent medical advice by either calling 999 or going to A&E for immediate help 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with weight loss medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. 

Dehydration is a serious possible side effect of weight loss medication such as Wegovy because common gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can cause significant fluid loss, which in some cases may lead to severe dehydration requiring hospitalisation. The MHRA advises patients to stay well hydrated and seek medical advice if these side effects are severe or persistent, as dehydration can result in serious complications. 

Women taking weight loss medication should use effective contraception and not rely on oral contraceptive pills alone, as their effectiveness may be reduced. A non-oral method (or condoms in addition to the pill) is recommended, particularly for the first 4 weeks after starting treatment and for 4 weeks after any dose increase, and Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy, when trying to conceive, or while breastfeeding.

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your clinician, pharmacist, or nurse. Reporting a suspected side effect does not replace seeking medical advice or emergency help.

Wegovy weight loss injections are prescription-only medicines that have been assessed by regulators for safety, quality, and effectiveness. They are not suitable for everyone and should only be used under clinical supervision. 

The safety of the medication depends on several factors, including having a consultation to ensure you're a suitable candidate, following the correct dosage schedule, and regular monitoring by a clinician. This gives you professional guidance and support should you need it, such as managing side effects or issues with your medication.  

However, the popularity of GLP-1 medications has increased, which has coincided with the increase of illegal and falsified versions of the medicine. These may be falsely advertised online and on social media. Taking unauthorised GLP-1 medication can cause serious or unexpected side effects and may interact dangerously with any other medication you’re taking.  

GLP-1 injections are only available on prescription and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Never buy them without a prescription or from unverified sources.  

You can take the maintenance dose agreed with your clinician for as long as it’s helping, as long as you’re not experiencing any side effects (or if any common side effects are being managed), and as long as it’s clinically safe. While using the medicine, it’s important that you keep in touch with your clinician or provider to stay on top of your progress or any issues you are having.    

If you experience an increase in weight, you should include this on your next consultation with a clinician for your repeat treatment so that they can review your dosage. If you wish to discuss stopping your maintenance dose, you should speak to your clinician, who will advise whether this is clinically appropriate for you. If so, they can work with you to develop a structured plan for stopping treatment and support you in maintaining your weight loss through longer-term lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity.  

If you wish to restart treatment, you need to submit a consultation form. A clinician will review your full treatment and medical history to determine whether restarting medication is safe and appropriate. All prescriptions must align with current UK prescribing guidelines, which require a clinical need based on your present eligibility (e.g., BMI and health risks). Your clinician will ensure any decision prioritises your safety and long-term weight management goals.

Clinical trials have reported weight-loss results in specific study populations. Individual results vary. Adults with a BMI of 30+ lost up to 20.7%* (STEP UP trial 3b of Wegovy 7.2mg) of their body weight over 16.5 months with Wegovy injections, coupled with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. 

There is no specific requirement to avoid alcohol while using Wegovy, but alcohol may worsen side effects such as nausea, vomiting or dehydration. Alcohol can also affect blood sugar levels, particularly in people with diabetes. If you are unsure, speak to a clinician. 

It is advised to eat balanced meals that cater to your lifestyle, protein source, complex carbohydrates with fruit and vegetables. It is advised to avoid high sugar and high fat foods in the early stages, as these can increase the Wegovy side effects of nausea and vomiting. Many people can find bland and light foods easier in the early stages as they get used to the treatment. 

Wegovy can take time to work, and everyone’s experience will vary slightly depending on their individual health profile and circumstances.   

However, there are things you can do to encourage a healthy rate of weight loss and support Wegovy’s effectiveness, such as...  

• Maintaining a calorie deficit can be beneficial, but you should consult your clinician for advice on your diet depending on your medical situation 

• Choose wholegrain carbs by opting for wholegrain pasta, rice, and bread whenever possible  

• Explore protein sources by including beans and pulses as alternatives to meat and fish, and, if your diet allows, aiming for two servings each week  

• Stay hydrated by aiming for 6–8 cups of fluid a day, with water as the best choice, though tea, coffee, and soup also count toward your intake  

• Limit your dairy intake, choosing low-fat, reduced sugar options when you can  

• Aim for two portions of vegetables with your main meal each day  

• Swap your butter for a low-fat spread

• When you’re cooking with oil, options like olive, sunflower, and rapeseed are healthier options thanks to their unsaturated fat content 

Injections and tablets are taken and absorbed differently. This means dosing, instructions and suitability may differ. A clinician can advise which formulation, if any, may be appropriate for you. This can influence how well the treatment works for each person and their effects and clinical outcomes may vary.  

You can travel with Wegovy. However, you will need to consider the following: 

• Do you have enough doses left for the duration of your trip? 

• It’s recommended you have proof that Wegovy has been prescribed to you, either as a letter or signed prescription 

• Medication needs to be packed in hand luggage (hold luggage can be exposed to temperature and pressure changes) and stored away from heat and light 

• To keep Wegovy at the correct temperature you will need to use a cool bag 

• Is there somewhere to store your medication where you’re staying? 

Find out more about travelling with medicines.

According to Novo Nordisk, after you have completed your injection, you should carefully replace the outer needle shield, unscrew the capped needle and put your used needle in a sharps disposal container. Do not put your used needle in your household waste or recycle your sharps disposal container. 

If your pen is empty, it can be thrown away - either in household waste or in your sharps container. 

If your container is full, it must be sealed and collected. It can also be returned to some local surgeries and pharmacies. 

Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, but they are licensed for different uses. Wegovy is licensed for weight management in eligible patients. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes. You should only use the medicine prescribed for you and should not use Ozempic for weight loss unless it has been prescribed to you by an appropriate clinician for a lawful and clinically appropriate reason.

It may be possible to switch between some weight-management treatments, but this must be reviewed by a clinician. Do not stop, combine or switch treatments unless advised by a clinician. 

You can find our guide to switching weight loss treatments here.