Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is an MHRA-licensed once-weekly injection for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Get A Drip is a private healthcare provider offering Wegovy prescriptions across the UK, with costs typically ranging from £200–£300 monthly. Understanding the pricing structure, what's included in private services, and how this compares to NHS provision helps patients make informed decisions about accessing this GLP-1 receptor agonist medication. This article examines Get A Drip Wegovy cost, service components, and key considerations for those seeking private weight management treatment.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection licensed by the MHRA for chronic 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. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and offers a pharmacological option for weight management in the UK.

The medication works through a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonism mechanism. Semaglutide is a synthetic analogue of human GLP-1, a naturally occurring incretin hormone released from intestinal L-cells in response to food intake. By binding to GLP-1 receptors in multiple tissues, Wegovy produces several complementary effects that facilitate weight loss. These include slowing gastric emptying, which prolongs satiety after meals; reducing appetite through actions on hypothalamic appetite centres; and improving glucose-dependent insulin secretion whilst suppressing inappropriate glucagon release.

Clinical trial data from the STEP programme demonstrated that patients using Wegovy alongside lifestyle interventions achieved average weight reductions of 12–15% of initial body weight over 68 weeks, significantly exceeding results from lifestyle modification alone. The medication requires gradual dose escalation over 16–20 weeks to minimise gastrointestinal adverse effects, starting at 0.25 mg weekly and increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly (or 1.7 mg if 2.4 mg is not tolerated). Wegovy is intended as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, not as a standalone treatment.

Important safety considerations include monitoring for signs of pancreatitis (severe persistent abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back), gallbladder disease, dehydration, hypersensitivity reactions, and changes in mood including suicidal thoughts. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if these occur. Wegovy should not be used concurrently with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or weight-loss medicines. For people with type 2 diabetes, there is a risk of hypoglycaemia when used with insulin or sulfonylureas, requiring glucose monitoring and possible medication adjustment. Suspected side effects should be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Get A Drip Wegovy Cost and Pricing Structure

Get A Drip is a private healthcare provider offering medical weight management services, including Wegovy prescriptions, through a network of clinics and mobile services across the UK. Their pricing structure for Wegovy reflects the private healthcare market, where costs are considerably higher than NHS provision but may offer advantages in accessibility for those who don't meet NHS criteria.

Private providers typically charge between £200–£300 per month for Wegovy services, though prices vary between providers and change frequently. Patients should always check the provider's current official pricing. Monthly fees generally cover the medication supply (four pre-filled injection pens), clinical consultations, and ongoing monitoring, but what's included differs between providers and should be confirmed in writing before purchase. Initial consultation fees may be charged separately, though some providers include this in first-month pricing.

The dose escalation phase (first 16–20 weeks) may have different pricing, as lower doses require less medication. Some providers offer reduced rates during this period, whilst others maintain consistent monthly pricing throughout treatment. Wegovy is a long-term treatment commitment—NICE guidance suggests continuing therapy only if patients achieve at least 5% weight loss after 6 months, and NHS provision is typically limited to a maximum of 2 years.

Patients considering private services should request a detailed breakdown of all costs, including consultation fees, medication supply, follow-up appointments, and any additional charges for blood tests, body composition analysis, or nutritional counselling. Some private providers offer subscription models with discounted rates for longer commitments, though patients should carefully consider cancellation policies and refund terms before committing to extended contracts.

It's important to note that ongoing UK supply constraints may affect availability and continuity of treatment. Patients should discuss supply arrangements before starting treatment to understand how potential shortages might be managed.

What's Included in Get A Drip's Wegovy Service

Get A Drip's Wegovy service typically provides a comprehensive weight management package extending beyond simple medication supply. The service model aims to replicate the multidisciplinary approach recommended by NICE guidance for obesity management, though the specific components may vary depending on the package tier selected.

Initial assessment and eligibility screening form the foundation of the service. This includes a detailed medical history review, current medication assessment, evaluation of previous weight loss attempts, and screening for important safety considerations. These include history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, diabetic retinopathy (in people with type 2 diabetes), risk of dehydration or acute kidney injury, and mental health assessment including screening for eating disorders. Hypersensitivity to semaglutide or excipients is a contraindication. Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy, and is not recommended during breastfeeding. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 require careful consideration. Baseline measurements typically include weight, height, BMI calculation, waist circumference, blood pressure, and sometimes body composition analysis.

Ongoing clinical monitoring is a crucial component, with regular follow-up consultations scheduled monthly or quarterly depending on individual response and tolerability. These appointments assess weight loss progress, medication adherence, adverse effects, and the need for dose adjustments. Many providers include access to healthcare professionals via telephone or digital platforms between scheduled appointments for questions or concerns about side effects.

Educational resources and lifestyle support often accompany the medication prescription. This may include nutritional guidance, physical activity recommendations, behavioural modification strategies, and access to digital tools for tracking progress. Some packages incorporate consultations with registered dietitians or exercise specialists, though this varies considerably between providers.

Medication supply and administration training ensure patients understand proper injection technique, pen storage requirements (refrigeration at 2-8°C before first use; 28 days at up to 30°C after first use), and disposal of used pens in sharps containers. Patients should be advised on local arrangements for obtaining and returning sharps bins. Guidance on missed doses and the option to maintain at 1.7 mg if 2.4 mg is not tolerated should also be provided.

NHS vs Private Wegovy: Comparing Your Options

The decision between NHS and private Wegovy provision involves careful consideration of eligibility criteria, waiting times, cost implications, and service models. Understanding these differences helps patients make informed choices aligned with their clinical needs and financial circumstances.

NHS eligibility for Wegovy is defined by NICE guidance (TA875), which recommends semaglutide 2.4 mg for adults with at least one weight-related comorbidity and either BMI ≥35 kg/m² or BMI 30–34.9 kg/m² with specific conditions. Lower BMI thresholds apply for people from some ethnic groups. Treatment must be provided within a specialist weight management service, with continuation only if at least 5% weight loss is achieved at 6 months. NHS treatment is typically limited to a maximum of 2 years. These specific criteria mean many individuals seeking Wegovy do not qualify for NHS provision. Furthermore, supply constraints have created waiting lists in many areas, with waiting times varying significantly by locality.

In contrast, private providers typically apply the licensed indication criteria, often prescribing to patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m² (or ≥27 kg/m² with comorbidities). This increased accessibility comes at considerable financial cost—annual private treatment expenses can exceed £2,400–£3,600. NHS supply is usually via specialist services, with charging arrangements varying across UK nations and care settings.

Service quality and comprehensiveness should also factor into decision-making. NHS specialist weight management services typically provide multidisciplinary team input including physicians, dietitians, psychologists, and physiotherapists, with evidence-based behavioural interventions. Private services vary considerably in comprehensiveness—some offer comparable multidisciplinary support, whilst others provide primarily medication supply with limited additional input.

Patients should consider their long-term treatment commitment and financial sustainability. Evidence from the STEP 4 trial shows weight regain commonly occurs after discontinuation. Those choosing private provision must ensure they can sustain costs indefinitely or have a clear transition plan. Additionally, patients should verify that their private provider follows appropriate clinical governance, including CQC registration, appropriately qualified prescribers adhering to GMC/GPhC standards, and communication with the patient's GP (with consent). All prescribers, whether NHS or private, must adhere to the UK licence for Wegovy.

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