Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription weight management medication available through private pharmacies in the UK, including Medino. Understanding the cost of Wegovy at Medino and comparing prices across providers is essential for patients considering this treatment. Monthly costs typically range from £199 to £299, depending on dosage strength, consultation fees, and delivery charges. This article examines Medino Wegovy pricing, compares NHS versus private prescription routes, reviews costs across UK pharmacies, and explains how this GLP-1 receptor agonist works to support weight loss when combined with lifestyle modifications.

Wegovy Pricing at Medino Pharmacy

Medino is a registered UK online pharmacy offering Wegovy (semaglutide) through private prescription services. As of May 2024, Wegovy pricing at Medino typically ranges from approximately £199 to £299 per month, depending on the dosage strength and any promotional offers available at the time of purchase. The cost structure may include the medication itself, prescription processing, and delivery to your home address, though specific fees vary by provider.

It is important to note that Wegovy is available in a titration schedule with five dosage strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection. The initial lower doses are typically less expensive, with prices increasing as you progress to the maintenance dose. Medino requires patients to complete an online consultation with a registered prescriber before dispensing Wegovy, ensuring the medication is clinically appropriate for your circumstances.

Key pricing considerations at Medino include:

• Monthly subscription options that may be available

• Consultation fees, which may be included in the overall price or charged separately

• Delivery charges, though many online pharmacies offer free delivery above certain order values

• Availability of starter packs versus maintenance dose packs

Patients should verify current pricing directly with Medino, as costs can fluctuate based on supply, demand, and manufacturer pricing changes. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that any online pharmacy you use is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to guarantee medication authenticity and patient safety. You can verify registration through the GPhC online register.

NHS vs Private Wegovy Prescriptions in the UK

The availability and cost of Wegovy differ significantly between NHS and private prescriptions in the UK. Since March 2023, Wegovy has been approved by NICE for use on the NHS, but access remains highly restricted due to limited supply and strict eligibility criteria. NHS England has implemented a phased rollout, prioritising patients with the highest clinical need, which means most individuals seeking Wegovy will need to pursue private prescriptions.

NHS Wegovy prescriptions are currently available only through specialist weight management services for patients who meet specific criteria: a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or above (or 32.5 kg/m² for people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds) plus at least one weight-related comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnoea. Treatment is typically limited to a maximum of 2 years under NICE guidance. When obtained through the NHS, Wegovy may be subject to standard prescription charges (check the NHS Business Services Authority website for current charges in England, with variations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or free for those with exemptions). However, when supplied through hospital services or homecare arrangements, standard community prescription charges may not apply.

Private Wegovy prescriptions offer broader access without the lengthy NHS waiting lists, but at considerably higher cost—typically £200–300 per month through registered online pharmacies or private clinics. Private routes require an initial consultation (often £20–50) with a prescriber who will assess your suitability based on BMI, medical history, and weight loss goals. The advantage of private prescriptions is faster access and ongoing support, though the cumulative cost over the recommended treatment period (typically 12–24 months) can exceed £3,000–6,000.

Patients should be aware that switching from private to NHS prescription is not straightforward and depends on local commissioning decisions and capacity within specialist services. Local referral criteria and pathways may vary across different NHS trusts.

Comparing Wegovy Costs Across UK Pharmacies

Wegovy pricing varies across UK pharmacies, both online and high-street, making it worthwhile to compare costs before committing to a supplier. As of May 2024, monthly costs for the maintenance dose (2.4 mg) typically range from £199 to £299 across different providers. Factors influencing price variation include consultation fees, delivery charges, subscription models, and whether the pharmacy operates primarily online or maintains physical premises.

Major UK provider types and typical pricing structures:

• Online pharmacies generally offer pricing between £199–269 per month, with consultation fees either included or charged separately (£20–50)

• High-street pharmacies with private prescription services may charge slightly more (£250–299 monthly) but offer face-to-face consultations and immediate collection

• Specialist weight management clinics often bundle Wegovy with comprehensive support programmes, with costs ranging from £299–399 monthly, though this includes dietetic support and regular monitoring

When comparing costs, consider the total package rather than medication price alone. Some providers offer subscription services with automatic monthly deliveries, whilst others charge per prescription. Additionally, examine what clinical support is included—reputable providers should offer ongoing monitoring, side effect management advice, and access to healthcare professionals throughout your treatment journey. Confirm exactly what follow-up care is included, such as access to prescribers, dose reviews, and management of potential side effects.

It is crucial to verify that any pharmacy is GPhC-registered and that prescribers are UK-registered doctors, pharmacist prescribers, or nurse prescribers. Avoid websites offering Wegovy without a proper consultation, as these may supply counterfeit or unsafe products. The MHRA regularly issues safety alerts about falsified semaglutide products entering the UK market, emphasising the importance of using legitimate, regulated suppliers.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide 2.4 mg, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy received UK marketing authorisation from the MHRA in 2022 and NICE approval for NHS use in 2023, though supply constraints have limited availability.

Mechanism of action:

Semaglutide works by mimicking the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is released from the intestine in response to food intake. By activating GLP-1 receptors in multiple body systems, Wegovy produces several complementary effects that facilitate weight loss:

• Appetite suppression: Acts on receptors in the hypothalamus to reduce hunger signals and increase feelings of satiety

• Delayed gastric emptying: Slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach, prolonging fullness after meals

• Reduced food cravings: Affects reward pathways in the brain, diminishing cravings for high-calorie foods

• Improved glycaemic control: Enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner and suppresses inappropriate glucagon release

Wegovy is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device. Treatment begins with a low dose (0.25 mg) and gradually increases over 16–20 weeks to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, minimising gastrointestinal side effects during the titration phase.

Common adverse effects include nausea (reported by up to 44% of patients), diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and headache. These are typically mild to moderate and diminish over time. Serious but rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and potential thyroid C-cell tumours (based on rodent studies; relevance to humans remains uncertain).

Wegovy is contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding and should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. People with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy should have appropriate monitoring when starting or increasing the dose. Wegovy should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal results. Clinical trials demonstrated average weight loss of 12–15% of initial body weight over 68 weeks (typically lower in people with type 2 diabetes), significantly greater than placebo.

Patients should seek urgent medical attention if they experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of pancreatitis during treatment. If you experience any suspected side effects, report them to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions