Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only weight management medicine licensed in the UK for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Ashcroft Pharmacy may offer Wegovy through private prescription services, with costs typically ranging from £150 to £250 per month depending on dose, service model, and clinical support included. Understanding the pricing structure, eligibility criteria, and access pathways is essential for patients considering this treatment option. This article provides comprehensive information on Wegovy costs at Ashcroft Pharmacy, NHS versus private prescription differences, clinical eligibility requirements, and the process for accessing treatment safely and appropriately.

Wegovy Pricing at Ashcroft Pharmacy

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. As a community pharmacy provider, Ashcroft Pharmacy may offer Wegovy through private prescription services, though pricing can vary depending on supply arrangements and service models.

Private prescription costs for Wegovy typically reflect both the medication cost and any associated consultation or service fees. At the time of writing, private Wegovy prescriptions in the UK generally range from £150 to £250 per month for the maintenance dose, though prices fluctuate based on wholesaler costs, pharmacy dispensing fees, and whether the service includes clinical monitoring. Costs often vary by dose strength, with lower doses during the titration period typically costing less. Patients should obtain a written quote specifying medicine versus service fees.

Wegovy requires dose escalation over 16–20 weeks, starting with lower doses (0.25 mg weekly) before reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. If the 2.4 mg dose is not tolerated, 1.7 mg may be continued as the maintenance dose, which may affect ongoing costs.

It is important to contact Ashcroft Pharmacy directly for current pricing, as medication costs are subject to change based on manufacturer pricing, supply chain factors, and ongoing supply variability. Some pharmacies offer package deals or subscription models that may reduce per-month costs for patients committing to longer treatment periods. Additionally, patients should enquire whether the quoted price includes initial consultation, follow-up appointments, and ongoing clinical support, as these services are essential for safe and effective weight management with Wegovy.

Transparency in pricing is crucial—reputable pharmacies will provide clear breakdowns of medication costs versus service fees. Patients are advised to obtain written quotations and confirm what clinical support is included before committing to treatment.

NHS vs Private Prescription Costs for Wegovy

The cost difference between NHS and private Wegovy prescriptions is substantial and reflects the different funding models and eligibility criteria. NHS prescriptions for Wegovy, where available, are subject to standard prescription charges in England (currently £9.90 per item, or free for exempt patients), representing significant savings compared to private costs. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, NHS access to Wegovy remains extremely limited due to NICE guidance restrictions and NHS England commissioning decisions.

NICE guidance (TA875, published March 2023) recommends Wegovy only within specialist weight management services for adults with at least one weight-related comorbidity and a BMI of ≥35 kg/m² (or ≥32.5 kg/m² for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family backgrounds). NICE recommends a maximum treatment duration of 2 years within NHS services. Even where NICE criteria are met, NHS England has implemented a phased rollout with significant capacity constraints, meaning many eligible patients face lengthy waiting times or cannot access NHS-funded treatment.

Private prescription routes may offer an alternative access pathway for patients seeking Wegovy, though availability can vary with local supply constraints. Private costs encompass the full medication price plus clinical services, typically totalling £150–£250 monthly. While substantially more expensive than NHS prescriptions, private provision may offer faster access and could include more comprehensive support services such as dietetic advice, regular monitoring, and flexible appointment scheduling.

Patients should be aware that switching between NHS and private prescriptions may be complex. Some NHS services have policies restricting acceptance of patients already receiving private treatment, and continuity of care should be carefully considered. Financial sustainability is crucial—Wegovy is typically recommended for at least 12 months, meaning private patients should budget for £1,800–£3,000 annually, plus any additional consultation fees.

Eligibility Criteria for Wegovy Treatment

Wegovy is not suitable for everyone seeking weight loss, and clinical eligibility criteria exist to ensure safe, appropriate prescribing. The MHRA-approved indications specify that Wegovy should be prescribed only as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management in adults with an initial BMI of ≥30 kg/m² (obesity), or ≥27 kg/m² (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease.

Medical considerations must be carefully assessed before prescribing. Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy and is not recommended during breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and discontinue Wegovy at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Caution is required in patients with gastrointestinal disease, history of pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, and gallbladder disease. While no dose adjustment is required for renal impairment, caution is advised due to the risk of dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects, which could worsen kidney function.

Wegovy should not be used concurrently with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. When used with insulin or sulfonylureas, there is an increased risk of hypoglycaemia, and dose reductions of these medications may be needed.

Clinicians prescribing Wegovy should conduct a baseline assessment including weight, BMI, blood pressure, and clinically indicated blood tests. Patients must demonstrate commitment to lifestyle modification, as Wegovy is ineffective without dietary changes and increased physical activity. Treatment should be discontinued if patients do not achieve at least 5% weight loss after 16 weeks on the maintenance dose (either 2.4 mg or 1.7 mg), as continued use is unlikely to provide meaningful benefit.

Psychological readiness and realistic expectations are important—Wegovy is a tool to support weight management, not a standalone solution. Patients with active eating disorders, unrealistic weight loss expectations, or inability to engage with lifestyle changes may not be suitable candidates.

How to Access Wegovy Through Ashcroft Pharmacy

Accessing Wegovy through Ashcroft Pharmacy typically involves several steps to ensure safe, clinically appropriate prescribing. Patients should first contact the pharmacy directly to enquire about their Wegovy service, current availability, pricing structure, and appointment procedures. Many community pharmacies offering weight management services provide initial consultations either face-to-face or via remote video consultation.

The initial consultation will involve a comprehensive clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber (pharmacist prescriber or GP working with the pharmacy). This assessment includes medical history review, current medications, measurement of height, weight, and blood pressure, and discussion of weight loss goals and previous attempts. Patients should be prepared to discuss any relevant medical conditions, particularly thyroid disorders, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or diabetes. The prescriber will determine eligibility based on BMI criteria, presence of comorbidities, and absence of contraindications.

If deemed suitable, the prescriber will issue a private prescription and explain the dose escalation schedule. Wegovy treatment begins with 0.25 mg weekly for four weeks, gradually increasing every four weeks (0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg) until reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly at week 17. If 2.4 mg is not tolerated, 1.7 mg may be continued as the maintenance dose. Patients will receive training on subcutaneous injection technique and pen device use. The pharmacy should provide written information on common side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation), management strategies, and when to seek medical advice.

Ongoing monitoring is essential for patient safety. Reputable services include regular follow-up appointments (typically monthly initially, then every 3 months) to assess weight loss progress, tolerability, side effects, and continued appropriateness of treatment. Patients should maintain contact with their NHS GP and inform them of private Wegovy treatment, as this ensures coordinated care and appropriate management of any complications.

Patients experiencing severe or persistent side effects—including severe or persistent abdominal pain (possible gallbladder disease or pancreatitis), persistent vomiting, reduced urine output or signs of dehydration, or symptoms of severe allergic reaction—should stop Wegovy and seek immediate medical attention through their GP, NHS 111, or call 999 for life-threatening symptoms. Patients should report any suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app).

Frequently Asked Questions