Wegovy weight-loss pills to be available for patients in UK to buy
Summary
The UK medicines regulator has approved Wegovy pills, a new weight-loss drug for adults with obesity or overweight with related health issues. The pills contain semaglutide and will be the first of their kind available in the UK, though they won’t be available on the NHS until further approval occurs.Key Facts
- Wegovy is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist weight-loss pill approved by the UK’s MHRA.
- The UK is the third country to allow Wegovy pills, after the US and UAE.
- Wegovy is for adults with a BMI of 30+ or a BMI of 27-30 with at least one weight-related health problem.
- Clinical trials showed 14-17% average weight loss after 64 weeks on the highest dose.
- Until NICE approval, the pills won’t be on the NHS; patients must get private prescriptions.
- Dosage starts at 1.5mg and can increase to 25mg daily, with specific instructions on when and how to take the pill.
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Patients should report side effects to healthcare providers and the UK’s yellow card scheme.
- Experts and pharmacy representatives welcome the approval as it may help more people access treatment and manage obesity.
- There are concerns about counterfeit pills entering the market once the tablet form is available.
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