Wegovy pill

The Wegovy pill is a prescription-only weight loss tablet that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It belongs to a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists and works by copying the action of the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger and digestion after eating.

The Wegovy pill supports weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing fullness between meals, making it easier to eat less. It’s prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet, regular exercise, and long-term healthy lifestyle changes.

The Wegovy pill supports weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing how quickly food leaves your stomach. The active ingredient semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a hormone your body releases after eating.

This works by:

• reducing hunger, so you can follow a reduced-calorie diet
• slowing digestion, helping you feel satisfied sooner and keeping you fuller between meals
• regulating blood sugar, which can reduce blood sugar spikes and reduce cravings
• reducing ‘food noise’ – the urge to think about food a lot

Semaglutide also has other benefits, including improving heart health. It can be prescribed for people with heart problems without obesity, but we only prescribe it for weight loss.

How long does the Wegovy pill take to work?

The medication starts working after your first dose, but weight loss may take several weeks or months. You may notice appetite changes in the first few weeks, but the best results are seen once you reach the maintenance dose around week 13.

How effective is the Wegovy pill?

The Wegovy pill has been proven to help people lose an average of 17% of their starting body weight by week 64 on the 25mg maintenance dose. People taking a placebo pill following the same diet and exercise changes lost 3% in 64 weeks.

Other data from the trial found that:

• 79.2% of people lose at least 5% of their starting weight
• 63% of people lose 10% or more of their starting weight
• 50% of people lose 15% or more of their starting weight
• 29.7% of people lose 20% or more of their starting weight

The most common Wegovy pill side effects affect the digestive system because of how it works. These are usually more noticeable when starting treatment or increasing your dose, and often improve as your body adjusts.

Common side effects (affecting 1 in 10 people) include:

• dizziness
• burping
• gas (flatulence)
• bloating
• inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
• reflux or heartburn (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD))
• gallstones
• hair loss
• taste changes
• abnormal skin sensations, like burning, stinging, or pins and needles (dysaesthesia)
• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in people with type 2 diabetes

Uncommon side effects (affecting 1 in 100 people) include:

• low blood pressure
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded when standing after sitting or lying down because of a sudden drop in blood pressure
• fast heartbeat
• increased pancreatic enzyme levels in blood test results
• delayed stomach emptying
• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in people who do not have type 2 diabetes
• increased levels of bilirubin in your blood, signs include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Contact your doctor, call 999 or go straight to A&E if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects:

• allergic reactions – this is a medical emergency, call 999 straight away if you get difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and/or throat, dizziness, or fainting
• changes in vision – usually in people with diabetes with known eye problems, speak to your doctor if you notice any changes
• pancreatitis – speak to a doctor straight away if you get nausea, vomiting, or severe, ongoing pain in the stomach and/or back
• gallstones or gallbladder problems – speak to a doctor straight away if you get pain in the upper right side of your stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or pale stools
• kidney problems caused by dehydration – make sure you’re drinking enough water, and if you have severe vomiting or diarrhoea that lasts more than 24 hours, speak to a doctor
• severe stomach pain
• sudden swelling or hip fractures

You can find a full list of side effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your Wegovy pills.

How long do Wegovy pill side effects last?

Side effects are often most noticeable in the first few weeks and after dose increases. For many people, they improve as treatment continues.

What to do if you get Wegovy pill side effects

You can often manage common Wegovy pill side effects at home. Try these tips if you get the following side effects:

• diarrhoea – drink plenty of water or clear fluids to stay hydrated, eat bland foods, and avoid spicy or fatty meals
• feeling sick – eat smaller meals, avoid rich foods, sip water regularly, and try plain foods like toast or crackers
• constipation – drink plenty of water, slowly increase fibre, and stay active if you can
• headache – stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and use pain relief like paracetamol if needed
• tiredness – eat regular meals, include enough protein in your diet, and aim for a good night’s sleep

To minimise the risk of side effects, make sure you are taking Wegovy pill correctly, this means:

• taking 1 tablet on an empty stomach, 8 hours after fasting
• swallowing the tablet whole with up to 120ml of water
• waiting 30 minutes before eating drinking or taking other medications after taking the Wegovy pill

Speak to your doctor if side effects are difficult to manage, last longer than expected, or start affecting your day-to-day life.

Wegovy pills are not right for everyone. Some medical conditions and medications can affect whether they are safe or suitable.

Wegovy pills may not be suitable if you:

• are under 18
• are over 85
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have had or have acute pancreatitis or pancreatitis
• are planning to try for a baby in the next 2 months – you must stop semaglutide 2 months before trying to get pregnant
• are allergic to semaglutide
• have a severe digestive condition
• have severe kidney or liver problems

Speak to your doctor before taking Wegovy pills if you have:

• type 2 diabetes, as some of your diabetes medication may need adjusting to reduce the chance of low blood sugar
• diabetic eye disease (retinopathy)
• sudden changes to your eyesight
• gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
• had pancreatitis in the past
• are going to have surgery that requires a general anaesthetic or deep sedation
• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
• severe heart failure
• diabetic eye problems

Medications that can interact with the Wegovy pill

Some medications may be unsuitable with Wegovy pills. Make sure to tell your doctor if you take any other medications, including over-the-counter or herbal remedies, especially:

• warfarin or other similar medications used to reduce blood clotting
• levothyroxine for thyroid disease
• insulin or sulfonylureas for diabetes

Speak to your doctor if you are currently taking:

• oral contraceptives - side effects like being sick or diarrhoea can reduce the effectiveness
• medication first thing in the morning or when you wake up – you must take Wegovy 30 minutes before any other oral medication
• other GLP-1 treatments – never take more than 1 GLP-1 medication at once

You must use contraception while taking Wegovy pills, as it's not known whether semaglutide is safe during pregnancy. If you’re taking the oral contraceptive pill and get side effects, make sure to use condoms or speak to your doctor about a different type of contraceptive.

You can request Wegovy pills online in the UK from registered online doctor services. You may also be able to get them at private in-person clinics.

The Wegovy pill is not currently available over the counter or on the NHS.

Can I buy the Wegovy pill online?

Yes. With Asda Online Doctors' weight loss service, you can get the Wegovy pill in 3 simple steps:

1. Complete a short online consultation, and send some confidential photos to verify your weight – this is so we can safely prescribe weight loss treatment without needing a face-to-face appointment.
2. Have your answers reviewed by one of our registered doctors, who will make sure the Wegovy pill is suitable.
3. Once approved, your medication will be sent to your home or collected at an Asda Pharmacy if that is easier for you.

We also provide free weight loss resources with your treatment, and if you have a medical question about the Wegovy pill, you can message a doctor for free through your online account.

Can I buy the Wegovy pill over the counter?

No. Wegovy tablets are prescription only, and no GLP-1 medication is available over the counter.

Can I get the Wegovy pill on the NHS?

Not currently. There are no confirmed NHS prescribing guidelines for Wegovy pills yet, or any official statements about whether it will be approved on the NHS. Other weight loss treatments are available on the NHS, so it's likely to be approved for use, but we do not know when.

Wegovy pills follow the same prescribing guidelines as other GLP-1 medications. To be eligible for the Wegovy pill, you either need:

• a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more
• a BMI of 27 or more if you have a health-related condition, like high blood pressure

If you are already taking weight loss medication you will likely be eligible to switch to the Wegovy pill. The Wegovy pill can also be prescribed off-label if your doctor finds this suitable.

You also need to be over 18 and not have any conditions or take medications that would make it unsuitable.

➤ Check your BMI to see if you might be eligible for the Wegovy pill.

There are now plenty of effective weight loss treatments available, making it harder to know which is the best for you.

The main benefit of the Wegovy pill is that it's the first GLP-1 tablet to be available in the UK, making it a good alternative to GLP-1 injections.

The Wegovy pill may be a good option if you:

• want a daily treatment
• are uncomfortable or have a fear of needles
• want a semaglutide or GLP-1 treatment
• have been taking injections and are having injection site reactions, but still want to keep taking weight loss treatment

You can switch between Wegovy injection and tablets with the help of a doctor. Current guidance recommends waiting at least 7 days after your last injection before starting tablets.

Your tablet dose depends on your current injection dose and medical history. If you’re taking 2.4mg or 7.2mg injections, you should be able to switch to the highest pill dose of 25mg after your 7-day break.

Are Wegovy pills available in the UK right now?

Yes. Wegovy pills are available in the UK right now, and you can get them from private weight loss and doctor services, including Asda Online Doctor. You can check your eligibility for Wegovy pills through our service.

Can I take Rybelsus for weight loss instead?

No, Rybelsus is a semaglutide tablet that has been available in the UK for some time, but not for weight loss. Rybelsus is for type 2 diabetes, and the doses available are not high enough to cause effective weight loss. Some private services may have offered an off-label prescription for Rybelsus, but this is unlikely now that Wegovy pills are available in the UK.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you can speak to your diabetes specialist about Rybelsus if you want to lose weight and need medication to help manage your blood sugar.

Do I need a prescription for the Wegovy pill?

Yes, the Wegovy pill is only available on prescription. Be careful about any websites or services offering it without, as this is illegal, the medication may be fake, and not checking with a doctor first could be dangerous.

Who makes the Wegovy pill?

The manufacturer of the Wegovy pill (and the injection) is Novo Nordisk.