Can you buy Wegovy over the counter in the UK? No—Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) regulated by the MHRA and cannot be purchased without a valid prescription from a registered healthcare professional. This GLP-1 receptor agonist is indicated for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities, requiring careful patient selection, baseline assessment, and ongoing monitoring. Attempting to obtain Wegovy from unregulated online sources, social media sellers, or overseas suppliers is illegal and poses serious health risks, including exposure to counterfeit or contaminated products. Safe access requires consultation with a GP, specialist, or regulated online pharmacy service.

Can You Buy Wegovy Over the Counter in the UK?

No, Wegovy cannot be purchased over the counter in the UK. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM) by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means it can only be legally obtained with a valid prescription from a registered healthcare professional, such as a GP, specialist physician, or prescriber working within a regulated online pharmacy service.

The prescription-only status exists because Wegovy is a potent glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnoea. Its use requires careful patient selection, baseline assessment, and ongoing monitoring to ensure safety and efficacy.

Attempting to purchase Wegovy without a prescription—whether from unregulated websites, social media sellers, or overseas suppliers—is both illegal and dangerous. Counterfeit or unlicensed products may contain incorrect doses, harmful substances, or no active ingredient at all. The MHRA regularly issues warnings about falsified weight-loss medications circulating online. Patients should be aware that only medicines obtained through legitimate, UK-regulated channels can be guaranteed for quality, safety, and authenticity.

If you are considering Wegovy for weight management, the first step is to consult a healthcare professional who can assess your suitability, discuss potential benefits and risks, and provide a prescription if clinically appropriate. You can verify if an online pharmacy is legitimate by checking the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register.

Why Wegovy Is Prescription-Only

Wegovy's prescription-only classification reflects both its mechanism of action and the need for clinical oversight to minimise risks and optimise outcomes. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of the naturally occurring incretin hormone GLP-1. It works by:

• Reducing appetite through effects on brain regions that regulate hunger and satiety

• Slowing gastric emptying, which prolongs feelings of fullness after meals

• Improving glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon release

These powerful physiological effects require careful patient assessment before initiation. Healthcare professionals must evaluate medical history, current medications, and potential risks. The UK SmPC (Summary of Product Characteristics) includes a warning about thyroid C-cell tumours found in rodent studies (though human relevance is unknown) and advises patients to report symptoms such as neck mass, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing.

Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain, particularly during dose escalation. More serious but rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, acute kidney injury (especially in the context of dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects), and hypoglycaemia when used alongside other glucose-lowering medications. Patients require education on recognising warning signs and when to seek urgent medical attention.

Important UK-specific safety considerations include:

• Do not use with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or other semaglutide products (such as Ozempic or Rybelsus)

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding (discontinue before planned pregnancy)

• Caution in patients with diabetic retinopathy, particularly when rapid glycaemic improvement occurs

• Monitor for mood changes or suicidal thoughts (a safety signal under MHRA review)

Additionally, Wegovy is intended as part of a comprehensive weight management programme that includes dietary modification, increased physical activity, and behavioural support. Regular follow-up appointments allow monitoring of weight loss progress, tolerability, and cardiovascular risk factors. Treatment effectiveness should be evaluated according to the criteria specified in the UK SmPC.

How to Access Wegovy Safely (Including Bolt Pharmacy)

Accessing Wegovy safely in the UK involves obtaining a prescription through legitimate healthcare channels. There are several regulated pathways available:

NHS Prescription Services: Wegovy is available on the NHS in England for eligible patients, though access may be limited due to supply constraints and local commissioning decisions. NICE recommends semaglutide 2.4 mg as an option for weight management in 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). NHS treatment is generally provided within tier 3 specialist weight management services, as part of a multicomponent programme, and is limited to a maximum of 2 years. Patients should discuss eligibility with their GP or be referred to a specialist weight management service.

Private GP Consultation: Many patients choose to access Wegovy privately through face-to-face consultations with GPs or weight management clinics. This typically involves a comprehensive assessment, baseline investigations as clinically indicated, and ongoing monitoring appointments.

Regulated Online Pharmacy Services: Several registered online pharmacies offer legitimate Wegovy prescribing services. Bolt Pharmacy is one such provider that operates within UK regulatory frameworks. Their service typically includes:

• Online medical questionnaire completed by the patient

• Review by a UK-registered prescriber (doctor or independent prescriber)

• Video or telephone consultation to discuss suitability, risks, and expectations

• Prescription issued only if clinically appropriate

• Dispensing by a registered UK pharmacy with delivery to your home

• Ongoing clinical support and follow-up assessments

When using any online service, verify that the pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the clinical provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, and that prescribers are registered with the appropriate regulatory body (GMC, NMC, or GPhC). Legitimate services will never supply prescription-only medicines without a proper consultation and will require appropriate health information.

Additional Options and Other Trusted Providers

Beyond Bolt Pharmacy, several other regulated providers offer safe access to Wegovy in the UK. These include established online pharmacies and telehealth platforms that provide weight management consultations with registered prescribers and dispensing through regulated pharmacies.

All reputable providers will require a thorough medical assessment, refuse to prescribe if contraindications exist, and provide ongoing monitoring. Red flags for unregulated or unsafe suppliers include:

• No requirement for a consultation or medical questionnaire

• Prices significantly below market rate

• Claims of "no prescription needed" or "buy now, consult later"

• Websites without clear GPhC registration details

• Social media sellers or overseas websites shipping directly to the UK

Alternative weight management options should also be considered, particularly if Wegovy is unsuitable, unavailable, or unaffordable. These include:

• Orlistat – available as a Pharmacy (P) medicine at 60 mg strength (Alli) for adults with BMI ≥28 kg/m², or as prescription-only at 120 mg (Xenical). Orlistat can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and may interact with certain medications including anticoagulants.

• NHS-funded weight management programmes – including group support, dietetic input, and behavioural therapy

• Referral to specialist services – tier 3 weight management services or bariatric surgery assessment for those with severe obesity

Patients should discuss all available options with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate, safe, and sustainable approach to weight management. If you experience concerning symptoms while taking Wegovy—such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of pancreatitis, or allergic reactions—contact your GP immediately or call NHS 111. For life-threatening symptoms, dial 999. Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Frequently Asked Questions