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. Understanding Wegovy cost at Pharmacy Express and other UK providers is essential for patients considering private treatment. Private prescriptions typically range from £150 to £250 per month, with additional consultation and monitoring fees. This article examines pricing structures, NHS versus private costs, factors affecting overall expenditure, and how to access Wegovy safely through registered UK pharmacies whilst ensuring compliance with MHRA and GPhC regulations.

Wegovy Pricing at Pharmacy Express

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. Pharmacy Express, like other online pharmacies, offers Wegovy through private prescription services, with costs varying depending on the dosage strength and treatment duration.

As of 2024, private Wegovy prescriptions typically range from approximately £150 to £250 per month at most UK pharmacies. These prices are indicative only and subject to change. The exact price depends on the dose escalation phase you are in, as Wegovy treatment begins with lower doses (0.25 mg weekly) and gradually increases to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly over 16–20 weeks.

Online pharmacy services require patients to complete a consultation with a UK-registered prescriber before purchasing Wegovy. This consultation fee may be included in the overall cost or charged separately (typically £20–£40). It is essential to verify that any online pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) by checking the GPhC online register.

Important considerations include that Wegovy is intended for use alongside lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise). Under NICE guidance (TA875), NHS treatment is limited to a maximum of 2 years, though private prescribing duration may differ. Patients should budget for ongoing monthly costs, as clinical evidence shows that discontinuation often leads to weight regain. Additionally, supply issues have affected Wegovy availability in the UK since its launch, so checking current stock availability is advisable before committing to treatment.

NHS vs Private Wegovy Prescriptions: Cost Comparison

The cost difference between NHS and private Wegovy prescriptions is substantial, though NHS availability is currently limited. Under NICE guidance (TA875), Wegovy is recommended for use within specialist weight management services in the NHS for up to 2 years. Eligibility criteria include 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) plus at least one weight-related comorbidity.

For those who qualify for NHS Wegovy, the cost structure varies. Hospital or outpatient supply is generally free, while community pharmacy dispensing (FP10 prescriptions) attracts the standard prescription charge — currently £9.90 per item in England, unless the patient is exempt. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Private prescriptions involve higher costs. Monthly expenses of approximately £150–£250 mean annual treatment costs can reach £1,800–£3,000 or more. Private patients also pay for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and any additional monitoring that may be clinically indicated, such as blood tests or blood pressure checks.

Some private health insurance policies may cover Wegovy in certain circumstances, but this is not common practice in the UK. Patients should check their policy terms carefully, as many insurers exclude weight management treatments. The financial commitment for private Wegovy is substantial and should be carefully considered alongside the clinical benefits and the need for ongoing treatment to maintain weight loss.

Factors Affecting Wegovy Cost in the UK

Several factors influence the overall cost of Wegovy treatment in the UK beyond the base medication price. Understanding these variables helps patients budget appropriately and make informed decisions about private treatment.

Dose escalation schedule significantly impacts initial costs. Wegovy treatment follows a structured titration:

• Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg once weekly

• Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg once weekly

• Weeks 9–12: 1 mg once weekly

• Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg once weekly

• Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg once weekly (maintenance)

Some pharmacies price lower-dose pens differently from maintenance doses, though many now offer fixed monthly pricing regardless of dose. Consultation and monitoring costs add to the total expenditure. Initial prescriber consultations (£20–£50), follow-up reviews (often required monthly or quarterly), and monitoring as clinically indicated (such as HbA1c in people with diabetes, or lipid and liver function tests where appropriate) incur additional charges, particularly if conducted privately.

Supply chain factors may also affect pricing. Since Wegovy's UK launch, supply constraints have been reported due to global demand.

Pharmacy business models vary: some online services bundle consultation and medication into a single monthly fee, whilst others charge separately. Subscription models may offer slight discounts for commitment to multiple months. Geographic location has minimal impact for online pharmacies, but brick-and-mortar pharmacies in different regions may have varying pricing structures. Finally, treatment duration affects total cost — according to the Wegovy SmPC, treatment should be discontinued if patients do not achieve ≥5% weight loss after 6 months at the maintenance dose. Under NICE guidance, NHS treatment is limited to a maximum of 2 years, while private prescribing duration is at the prescriber's discretion.

How to Access Wegovy Through UK Pharmacies

Accessing Wegovy through UK pharmacies requires following proper regulatory channels to ensure safety and legitimacy. Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine (POM), meaning it cannot be purchased without a valid prescription from a UK-registered prescriber.

Step 1: Eligibility assessment. Wegovy is licensed for adults with a BMI ≥30 kg/m², or ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease). Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients should have attempted weight loss through diet and exercise before considering medication.

Step 2: Obtaining a prescription. Patients have three main routes:

• NHS specialist services: Referral from GP to specialist weight management service (availability varies by area)

• Private face-to-face consultation: Appointment with private GP or specialist obesity physician

• Registered online pharmacy services: Complete online consultation questionnaire reviewed by UK prescriber

For online services, patients complete a detailed medical questionnaire covering medical history, current medications, contraindications, and weight management history. A UK-registered doctor or prescriber reviews this and may request additional information before approving or declining the prescription.

Step 3: Verification and safety checks. Always verify the pharmacy is GPhC-registered by checking the GPhC website register. Legitimate pharmacies will display their registration number prominently. Avoid websites offering Wegovy without prescription or at suspiciously low prices.

Step 4: Ongoing monitoring. Responsible prescribers require regular follow-up to monitor weight loss progress, side effects, and treatment response. People with diabetes taking insulin or sulfonylureas should be advised about the risk of hypoglycaemia. If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of pancreatitis or gallbladder problems, contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately. According to the SmPC, treatment should be discontinued if inadequate weight loss (less than 5% body weight) occurs after 6 months at maintenance dose.

Patients should report any suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Frequently Asked Questions