Overview
- Private prescriptions for the Wegovy tablet began on Monday with pharmacies and online providers offering starter doses for about £79–£99 a month and higher doses up to around £229 a month.
- Pharmacies report heavy demand with large pre‑orders and enquiry spikes, including one online supplier that said it approved roughly 10,000 pre‑orders and an NPA survey showing most pharmacies expect many new patients.
- NICE has not approved the tablet for NHS prescribing and says Novo Nordisk has not made a formal submission, with industry estimates that a cost and approval process could take about 18 months and push routine NHS access into 2027–2028.
- Pharmacy leaders warn the tablet form raises counterfeit and black‑market risks because pills are easier for criminals to fake, and 97% of surveyed pharmacies expressed concern about fake products being sold.
- Clinicians stress the drug is not a quick fix, list common side effects such as nausea and constipation, and say prescriptions should come with dietary and exercise support to reduce risks like muscle and bone loss and to ensure safe use.