Weight-loss drug Wegovy to be available in pill form in UK for first time
Summary
The UK has approved a pill form of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, making it the first tablet of this kind allowed by UK regulators. The pill, which reduces appetite and slows digestion, will be available by prescription but is not yet part of the NHS program.Key Facts
- Wegovy pills have been approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
- The pill contains semaglutide, a substance that mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 to reduce hunger.
- This tablet form is taken once daily and does not require refrigeration, unlike the weekly injection version.
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has not yet started evaluating the pill for NHS use.
- Wegovy pills are already on the market in the US, where prices start around $149 (£110) per month for the lowest dose.
- Patients using the injection can switch directly to the pill with an adjusted dose schedule.
- Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.
- Experts emphasize that weight loss drugs should be combined with healthy eating and exercise and are not meant for quick cosmetic weight loss.
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