A once-daily weight loss pill containing semaglutide is now available to buy privately from High Street and online pharmacies in the UK, according to a BBC report. The oral Wegovy tablet, which contains the same active ingredient as the Wegovy weight loss injection, is advised to be used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity. It is not yet available on the NHS.
Availability and Eligibility
The pill is available to people with a BMI of 30 and above (generally considered obese) or a BMI of 27-30 (overweight) if they also have certain weight-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. These criteria are essentially the same as those for the injection. A consultation – either online or face-to-face – is required to ensure the pill is appropriate. Several online and high street pharmacies report they will have stocks soon, with some suggesting signing up to waiting or mailing lists to stay updated.
Pill vs Injection: Key Differences
Both the pill and injection contain semaglutide and work by mimicking the hormone GPL-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1) , which is released from the intestine after eating. It acts on receptors in the brain that control appetite, making people feel fuller, less hungry, and crave food less. Trials show they are similarly effective, according to the BBC.
| Aspect | Pill (once-daily) | Injection (once-weekly) |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing frequency | Once a day | Once a week |
| Administration | Swallow whole with up to 120ml water | Inject into skin |
| Food/fluid restrictions | Must be taken on empty stomach after at least 8 hours fast; no food/drink/other meds for 30 mins after | No food restrictions; can be taken any time of day |
| Storage | No refrigeration required | Must be stored in fridge |
| Needle avoidance | Suitable for those who don't like needles | Requires injection |
Dosing and Administration
There are strict guidelines to ensure proper absorption. The pill must be taken:
- On an empty stomach after not eating for at least eight hours.
- At least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else or taking other tablets.
- With a sip of up to 120ml of plain water (not fizzy water, coffee, or tea) and swallowed whole.
Ideally, it is taken at the same time every day. If a dose is missed, the advice is to skip that day's dose and resume the scheduled dose the next day.
Dosage progression:
- Starting dose: 1.5mg once daily for one month.
- After consultation, the dose generally increases each month until the recommended maximum dose of 25mg once daily.
- It can take several months to get full benefits, and there is a risk that weight may return after stopping, according to the BBC.
Side Effects
Very common side effects with both pill and injection include stomach problems such as feeling sick, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhoea. With the injection, mild skin redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site may occur. Some people on either form may experience stomach pain, headaches, and tiredness. More rarely, serious complications such as low blood sugar, pancreatitis, or severe allergic reactions can occur. The medication should not be taken by individuals under 18, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and a doctor should be consulted about other medical conditions or medications.
Implications for the Pharmaceutical Sector
The introduction of an oral formulation of semaglutide expands patient choice and could influence manufacturing demand for tablet versus injectable forms. While the BBC report does not provide production or supply chain details, the availability of Wegovy as a pill in UK pharmacies marks a significant step in weight management options. The once-daily regimen and fasting requirement differentiate it from the weekly injection, potentially affecting patient adherence and market dynamics.
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