Superdrug has become the first UK retailer to offer Wegovy oral weight loss pills, with prices starting at £79 per month for new patients. The service is available through Superdrug Online Doctor, with in-store consultations to follow.
Availability and Pricing
The oral weight loss service is now open exclusively via Superdrug Online Doctor. Patients must complete a full clinical assessment with a prescriber. Superdrug Health and Beautycard holders earn 5x points, worth up to £15 on purchases.
Dr Clair Grainger, GP at Superdrug Online Doctor, said: "Following regulatory approval, we've seen strong interest in our information register. With prescribing now underway, people can now complete their consultation and access treatment if clinically appropriate, whether that's online, in pharmacy, or in clinic."
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Wegovy tablets, patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or a BMI between 27 and 30 with at least one weight-related comorbidity. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the UK's first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss last month.
Dosage and Administration
The starting dose is 1.5mg once daily, increasing to 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg, with a minimum of one month at each level. Patients currently on 2.4mg semaglutide injections weekly can transition directly to 25mg tablets daily. The tablet must be taken on an empty stomach after fasting for at least 8 hours, with no food or drink for 30 minutes afterward.
How It Works
The MHRA explained: "Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which is released by the body after eating. Semaglutide acts on areas of the brain that regulate appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and decreasing food cravings."
Side Effects and Monitoring
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. The MHRA continues to monitor safety and effectiveness. Patients experiencing side effects should consult their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse and report via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
The oral weight loss service will also be accessible in over 160 pharmacies and more than 85 nurse services, combining digital convenience with face-to-face support.
