Overview

• Shipments to UK wholesalers are paused until 1 September, when the list price rises by up to 170% — for example, 15mg from £122 to £330 and 5mg from £92 to £180.
• Major pharmacies including Boots, Lloyds and Superdrug report multiple strengths out of stock and are prioritising existing patients while restricting new or bulk orders.
• Wholesalers and pharmacy bodies say higher-dose orders are being capped and urge patients not to stockpile to maintain continuity of care.
• Demand has shifted to semaglutide alternatives such as Wegovy, with reported surges including a 2,600% spike at one provider and overall GLP‑1 demand up about 400%.
• Authorities and suppliers warn shortages and higher costs risk pushing people to unsafe sources, with Border Force seizing about 18,300 illegal weight‑loss and diabetes products over the past year.