Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only weight management medication available through Pharmacy2U and other UK online pharmacies. Understanding Pharmacy2U Wegovy cost is essential for patients considering this treatment, as pricing varies significantly between NHS and private prescriptions. Private prescriptions typically cost £199–£299 per pen, with additional consultation fees, whilst NHS prescriptions incur only the standard prescription charge of £9.90 where available. However, NHS availability remains extremely limited, with strict eligibility criteria and supply constraints affecting access. This article examines current Wegovy pricing, eligibility requirements, and alternative treatment options.

Wegovy Pricing at Pharmacy2U

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a prescription-only weight management medication available through Pharmacy2U and other online pharmacy services in the UK. The cost of Wegovy varies depending on whether you obtain it through an NHS prescription or via a private prescription service.

For private prescriptions as of early 2024, online pharmacies including Pharmacy2U typically charge between £199 and £299 per pen for Wegovy, depending on the dosage strength and current availability. This price includes the medication itself but does not cover the initial consultation fee, which may range from £40 to £65 if arranged through an online clinical assessment service. Patients should note that Wegovy treatment follows a gradual dose escalation schedule over several months, starting from 0.25 mg weekly and increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. The dose escalation can be delayed or maintained at a lower dose if side effects are not tolerated.

Important considerations when purchasing Wegovy include:

• Supply constraints: Wegovy has experienced significant supply issues in the UK since its launch. Availability cannot be guaranteed, and waiting lists are common.

• Storage requirements: Wegovy pens must be stored in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) before first use. After first use, the pen can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days.

• Prescription validity: A valid UK prescription from a registered prescriber is mandatory. Some online services offer consultations with GMC-registered clinicians who can assess eligibility.

• Regulatory checks: Before using any online pharmacy or prescribing service, verify they are registered with both the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Patients should verify current pricing directly with pharmacy providers, as costs fluctuate based on supply, demand, and manufacturer pricing adjustments.

NHS vs Private Prescription Costs for Wegovy

The cost difference between obtaining Wegovy through the NHS versus private prescription is substantial and represents a significant consideration for patients seeking this treatment.

NHS Prescription Costs

When Wegovy is prescribed through the NHS, patients in England pay the standard prescription charge of £9.90 per prescription item (as of April 2023). For those requiring ongoing treatment, a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) offers considerable savings: £31.25 for three months or £111.60 annually, covering unlimited NHS prescription items. Patients in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland receive free NHS prescriptions.

However, NHS availability of Wegovy is extremely limited. According to NICE Technology Appraisal 875, NHS-funded Wegovy is restricted to patients who:

• Are treated within specialist weight management services

• Meet specific BMI thresholds (generally ≥35 kg/m² or ≥30 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities, with lower thresholds for some ethnic groups)

• Can only receive treatment for a maximum of 2 years

Most NHS prescribing occurs within specialist tier 3 or 4 weight management services, with referral pathways varying across different Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

Private Prescription Costs

Private prescriptions for Wegovy typically cost approximately £199–£299 per pen through online pharmacy services, with additional consultation fees of £40–£65 for initial assessment and periodic reviews. Over a 12-month treatment course, private costs can reach £2,400–£3,600, excluding consultations.

Key differences include:

• Accessibility: Private prescriptions may offer faster access without NHS waiting lists, though availability remains subject to national supply constraints.

• Eligibility criteria: Private services should follow the licensed indication criteria, though NHS funding has additional restrictions through NICE guidance.

• Ongoing monitoring: NHS services typically provide comprehensive multidisciplinary support including dietetic input, whereas private services may charge separately for follow-up consultations.

Patients should discuss both NHS and private options with their GP to determine the most appropriate pathway. It's important to note that GPs generally cannot convert private prescriptions to NHS prescriptions unless the patient meets local NHS eligibility criteria and follows established referral pathways.

Eligibility Criteria for Wegovy Treatment

Wegovy is not suitable for everyone seeking weight loss. The criteria for prescribing include both the licensed indication (MHRA marketing authorisation) and, for NHS-funded treatment, additional NICE guidance restrictions.

Licensed Indication (MHRA)

Wegovy is licensed for weight management in adults with:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² (obesity), or

• BMI ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease

• Age 18 years or older

• As an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

NHS Funding Criteria (NICE TA875)

For NHS-funded treatment, additional restrictions apply:

• Treatment must be provided by specialist weight management services

• Maximum treatment duration of 2 years

• BMI thresholds may be adjusted for certain ethnic groups

Contraindications

Wegovy must not be prescribed to patients with:

• Pregnancy (effective contraception should be used during treatment, and semaglutide should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy)

• Hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any excipients

Cautions and Special Warnings

Wegovy should be used with caution in patients with:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)

• Diabetic retinopathy (particularly in patients with diabetes using insulin)

• History of pancreatitis

• Gallbladder disease

• Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²)

• Breastfeeding (not recommended)

Assessment Process

Before prescribing Wegovy, clinicians should:

• Conduct a comprehensive medical history and physical examination

• Assess cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities

• Screen for eating disorders

• Discuss realistic weight loss expectations (typically 10–15% body weight)

• Establish a plan for dietary modification and physical activity alongside medication

Treatment continuation should be assessed after approximately 6 months. If patients have not achieved at least 5% weight loss by this point, discontinuation should be considered, as further benefit is unlikely. Patients should be advised to seek urgent medical attention if they experience severe, persistent abdominal pain (which might indicate pancreatitis or gallbladder disease).

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

Alternative Weight Loss Medications and Costs

For patients who do not meet eligibility criteria for Wegovy, cannot afford the medication, or experience intolerable side effects, several alternative weight management medications are available in the UK, each with different mechanisms of action and cost profiles.

Orlistat (Xenical/Alli)

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that reduces dietary fat absorption by approximately 30%. It is available both on prescription (120 mg) and over-the-counter (60 mg as Alli). NHS prescription costs are the standard prescription charge (£9.90 per item), whilst private prescriptions typically cost £30–£50 monthly. Orlistat produces average weight loss of 3–5% over 12 months. Common side effects include oily stools, faecal urgency, and flatulence, particularly when consuming high-fat meals.

Saxenda (Liraglutide 3.0 mg)

Saxenda is another GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to Wegovy but requiring daily rather than weekly injections. Private prescription costs range from £150–£200 per month. Clinical evidence indicates that Saxenda typically produces less weight loss than Wegovy (approximately 5–8% body weight for Saxenda compared to 15–17% for Wegovy in clinical trials). Eligibility criteria are similar to those for Wegovy.

Mysimba (Naltrexone/Bupropion)

Mysimba combines an opioid antagonist with an antidepressant to reduce appetite and food cravings. Private costs are approximately £150–£180 monthly. It is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders, current or previous eating disorders, bipolar disorder, abrupt discontinuation of alcohol or sedatives, and in patients using chronic opioids. Weight loss is typically modest (5–7% over 12 months).

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Tirzepatide is currently licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes management as Mounjaro. It is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that has shown significant weight loss in clinical trials. However, it is not currently licensed specifically for weight management in the UK. Patients should discuss with their healthcare provider whether this might be an appropriate option for those with both obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Non-Pharmacological Alternatives

Patients should be reminded that lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of weight management. NHS-funded programmes such as the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme offer structured support at no cost. For those with BMI ≥40 kg/m² (or ≥35 kg/m² with comorbidities), bariatric surgery may be appropriate and is available through the NHS following specialist assessment.

All patients experiencing side effects from weight management medications should report them through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Frequently Asked Questions