Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly injectable prescription medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Understanding PillSorted Wegovy cost is essential for patients considering private treatment, as NHS availability remains limited due to strict eligibility criteria and supply constraints. This article examines the cost of Wegovy through PillSorted, compares NHS and private prescription routes, and explains what is included in PillSorted's regulated service. We also outline clinical considerations, eligibility requirements, and when to seek medical advice during treatment.

What Is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly injectable prescription medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnoea. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), with subsequent endorsement by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for use within the NHS under specific criteria.

Wegovy belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Semaglutide mimics the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is released by the intestine in response to food intake. By binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain—particularly in areas that regulate appetite and food intake—Wegovy helps to reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and slow gastric emptying. This multifaceted mechanism supports a reduction in caloric intake, which, when combined with lifestyle modifications including a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, can lead to clinically significant weight loss.

Clinical trials (STEP programme) have demonstrated that adults using Wegovy alongside lifestyle interventions achieved an average weight loss of approximately 12–15% of their initial body weight over 68 weeks. It is important to note that Wegovy is not a standalone solution; it is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive weight management programme that includes dietary changes, regular exercise, and behavioural support.

Wegovy is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in people under 18 years of age, or in those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Caution is needed in patients with a history of pancreatitis, and the medication may increase the risk of gallbladder disease and dehydration. People with diabetes taking insulin or sulfonylureas may need dose adjustments to prevent hypoglycaemia. NICE recommends that NHS-funded treatment should be limited to a maximum of 2 years.

NHS vs Private Wegovy Prescriptions: Cost Comparison

Access to Wegovy in the UK can be obtained through two primary routes: the NHS or private healthcare providers. Understanding the cost implications and eligibility criteria for each pathway is essential for patients considering this treatment.

NHS Wegovy Prescriptions: Under NICE guidance (TA875), Wegovy is available on the NHS for adults with:

• A body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity, within specialist weight management services

• A BMI of 30–34.9 kg/m² only for those with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia AND high cardiovascular disease risk, within specialist weight management services

BMI thresholds should be adjusted by 2.5 kg/m² lower for people from some ethnic groups, including South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds. NHS-funded treatment is limited to a maximum of 2 years.

When prescribed via the NHS, the standard prescription charge applies—currently £9.90 per item in England (NHS Business Services Authority, 2024), though patients in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland receive prescriptions free of charge. Those eligible for prescription exemptions (e.g., individuals with certain medical conditions, those receiving income support, or holding a valid exemption certificate) will not pay any charges.

However, NHS availability is limited due to supply constraints and strict eligibility criteria. Waiting times for specialist weight management services can extend to several months, and not all Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have implemented NICE guidance uniformly.

Private Wegovy Prescriptions: Private providers offer an alternative route, typically with shorter waiting times and less restrictive funding criteria. The cost of Wegovy through private services varies but generally ranges from £150 to £300 per month, depending on the dose and provider. This cost usually covers the medication itself but may not include consultation fees, follow-up appointments, or additional support services. Patients opting for private treatment should carefully review what is included in the quoted price to avoid unexpected expenses. Private prescribing must still comply with the licensed indication and clinical appropriateness.

What's Included in PillSorted's Wegovy Service

PillSorted is a UK-based online pharmacy and healthcare provider offering a regulated service for patients seeking Wegovy treatment privately. Their service provides access to weight management medication with ongoing professional support.

The PillSorted Wegovy service typically includes:

• Initial online consultation: Patients complete a detailed medical questionnaire reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber (doctor or independent prescriber). This assessment evaluates eligibility based on BMI, medical history, current medications, and weight-related health conditions.

• Prescription issuance: If deemed clinically appropriate and within the licensed indication, a private prescription for Wegovy is issued electronically. The prescriber will determine the appropriate starting dose and titration schedule in line with the manufacturer's guidance.

• Medication supply: Wegovy pens are dispensed from a registered UK pharmacy and delivered to the patient's address. The medication requires refrigeration during storage and transport to maintain its effectiveness. The service ensures that medication is sourced through legitimate pharmaceutical supply chains.

• Ongoing clinical support: PillSorted provides access to follow-up consultations to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust treatment as needed. This continuity of care is important for safe, effective weight management.

• Educational resources: Patients receive guidance on injection technique, lifestyle modifications, and strategies to optimise treatment outcomes. This may include dietary advice and exercise recommendations.

Patients should verify that any online provider is appropriately registered by checking the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register for pharmacy services and the relevant professional register (General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, or GPhC) for prescribers. Some online prescribing services may also require Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration.

Wegovy should not be used in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or weight-loss medications. Patients should inform their GP about their treatment and have a plan for seeking medical advice if complications arise.

Wegovy Cost Through PillSorted

The cost of Wegovy through PillSorted reflects the private healthcare model and includes both the medication and associated clinical services. As of 2024, patients can expect to pay approximately £175 to £269 per month, depending on the prescribed dose and any available offers at the time of purchase. This pricing structure is within the range typically seen in the private weight management sector.

What the cost covers: The monthly fee typically includes the Wegovy medication (four weekly doses), the initial prescriber consultation, and access to ongoing clinical support. Patients are advised to confirm whether follow-up consultations are included in the monthly price or charged separately, as policies may vary. Some providers offer subscription models with automatic monthly deliveries, which can ensure continuity of treatment without the need for repeated ordering.

Additional considerations: Patients should budget for the treatment duration, noting that Wegovy requires gradual dose titration (starting at 0.25 mg and increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg over several months). Discontinuing treatment often results in weight regain, so financial planning should account for sustained monthly costs. Private prescriptions for Wegovy are not reimbursable through the NHS, and the medication is not typically covered by standard private health insurance policies in the UK. Patients should check directly with their insurer regarding potential coverage.

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, treatment should be discontinued if patients have not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Periodic benefit-risk assessments should be conducted throughout treatment.

When to seek medical advice: Patients should seek urgent medical attention if they experience:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain (which may indicate pancreatitis or gallbladder disease)

• Persistent vomiting leading to dehydration

• Signs of hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes

• Any other severe or concerning symptoms

Suspected side effects can be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app).

Frequently Asked Questions