Wegovy® Weight Loss Injections
(semaglutide) The only once-weekly weight management injection also approved for cardiovascular risk reduction.
| Treatment stage | Approximate timeframe | What this stage means |
|---|---|---|
| Initial dose (0.25 mg → 0.5 mg) | Weeks 1–8 | Starting treatment and assessing tolerability |
| Dose escalation (1 mg → 1.7 mg) | Weeks 9–16 | Gradual dose increases if tolerated |
| Maintenance dose (2.4 mg) | Weeks 17–68 | 14.9% average loss at week 68 in STEP 1; not a forecast for each week |
- BMI of 30 or above (clinically obese)
- BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related health condition (e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, diet-controlled type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, or heart disease)
- Aged 18 or over
- Not pregnant or breast-feeding
- Able to follow dietary and lifestyle guidance
- Established cardiovascular disease (for CV risk reduction indication)
- You are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to conceive
- You have type 1 diabetes
- You are already taking another GLP-1 receptor agonist (e.g. Ozempic®, Mounjaro®)
- You have a history of pancreatitis
- You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2
- You have severe gastroparesis or severe gastrointestinal disease
- You have a known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of its excipients
| Weeks | Dose | What this stage is for | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 0.25 mg once weekly | Starting dose to help your body adjust to treatment | Starter |
| 5–8 | 0.5 mg once weekly | First increase; appetite control may begin to improve further | Titration |
| 9–12 | 1 mg once weekly | Gradual step-up to support continued progress and tolerability | Titration |
| 13–16 | 1.7 mg once weekly | Higher dose for patients who need additional appetite support | Titration |
| 17+ | 2.4 mg once weekly | Standard maintenance dose for ongoing weight management | Maintenance |
| After ≥4 weeks on 2.4 mg | 7.2 mg once weekly | Higher dose for people with obesity (BMI ≥30) to achieve up to ~21% weight loss (STEP UP trial) | STEP UP dose |
- 0.25–2.4 mg: one FlexTouch® pen with four doses and four disposable needles
- 7.2 mg: four single-use pens with built-in needles
- Alcohol wipes & sharps bin
- Discreet, plain packaging
- Temperature-controlled where required
- Tracked delivery on all orders
- Online prescriber consultation
- Patient guidance leaflet
- Ongoing pharmacist & prescriber support
Ordering Wegovy and ongoing support
From consultation to prescription
Complete an online weight loss consultation with your medical history, current medicines and weight-management goals. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers and may request further information or a video consultation. If treatment is suitable, a prescription is issued before your order is dispensed. Read how our service works.
Dispatch and delivery
Orders are typically dispatched within one working day after approval and prescription. Delivery time depends on the service and your location; estimates are not guaranteed. Your parcel is discreetly packaged and tracking is provided after dispatch. Check the delivery policy and checkout for charges and available services.
Already using Wegovy with another provider?
If you want to switch weight loss provider, read our transfer guide for the evidence needed. Your current prescription, dose and any treatment gaps will be reviewed before a prescribing decision is made.
Repeat orders and treatment support
Request your next supply before your current four-week pack runs out, allowing time for clinical review and delivery. Repeat prescriptions and dose changes are subject to a prescriber’s assessment. If you have missed several doses or taken a break, contact the team before restarting; your dose may need to change.
For help with an order, your pen or ongoing treatment, contact help@happypharmacy.co.uk or 01795 720483, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
FlexTouch® pens: 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg
Wegovy® 7.2 mg single-use pens
A four-week pack contains four pens. Use one pen each week, then dispose of it safely in a sharps container. Each pen has a built-in needle and a preset dose, so you do not attach a needle or turn a dose selector. Follow the 7.2 mg patient leaflet and illustrated instructions: press the pen firmly against the skin and keep it in place until the yellow bar has stopped moving. Do not reuse the pen.
Store 7.2 mg pens in the fridge at 2–8°C, in their original carton to protect them from light. They may be kept unrefrigerated for up to 28 days at no more than 30°C. Discard a pen if it has been out of the fridge for more than 28 days, exposed to light or temperatures above 30°C, or frozen. The six-week in-use guidance above applies to FlexTouch® pens, not the 7.2 mg single-use device.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness, dysgeusia (altered taste)
- Gastritis, indigestion, heartburn, bloating
- Hair loss
- Injection site reactions
- Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
- Hypoglycaemia (in patients with type 2 diabetes)
- Diabetic retinopathy (in patients with type 2 diabetes)
- Acute pancreatitis (uncommon): persistent, severe abdominal pain — stop treatment and seek urgent help
- Severe allergic reaction / anaphylaxis (rare): swelling of face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing
- Kidney or bladder stones (uncommon)
- Hip fractures (rare): more common in women and those aged 75+
- NAION (very rare): sudden visual disturbance — seek urgent ophthalmology review
- Bowel obstruction (frequency unknown)
FAQs
Buying Wegovy Online, Price & Access
Below you’ll find answers to common questions about how to buy Wegovy in the UK, prescription requirements, NHS access, and safe online ordering.
Can you buy Wegovy online in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy is available to buy online in the UK through registered pharmacies following an online consultation. A prescriber will assess your medical history, BMI, and suitability before approving treatment.
How much does Wegovy cost per month in the UK?
The cost of Wegovy depends on the prescribed dose and whether you choose a subscription or single purchase. Use the dose selector at the top of this page for current prices. For more detail, read our guide to Wegovy costs in the UK.
Why does the price increase at higher doses?
Higher doses contain more medication, which increases the cost of each pen. As treatment progresses, doses are gradually increased to improve effectiveness.
Do I need to pay for a consultation?
Most online pharmacies include the consultation as part of the treatment cost. We are pleased to offer your consultation free of charge at Happy Pharmacy.
How often do I need to reorder Wegovy?
Each pack provides four weeks of treatment: one four-dose FlexTouch pen for 0.25–2.4 mg, or four single-use pens for 7.2 mg. Request your repeat supply before you run out, allowing time for prescriber review and delivery. If you have taken a treatment break, contact the clinical team before restarting.
Can I stay on a lower dose of Wegovy to reduce cost?
Some patients remain on lower doses if they are achieving good results. However, dose adjustments should always be guided by your prescriber.
Is it safe to buy Wegovy online in the UK?
Yes, if you use a GPhC-registered pharmacy like Happy Pharmacy with qualified prescribers. Avoid unregulated websites or suppliers.
Do I need a prescription for Wegovy?
Yes, Wegovy is a prescription-only medication in the UK.
Is Wegovy available on the NHS?
Wegovy is available on the NHS for some patients who meet strict eligibility criteria, but access is limited.
Can I get Wegovy without seeing a GP?
You do not need to visit your GP in person. Online pharmacies provide consultations reviewed by UK prescribers.
What Wegovy Is & How It Works
These frequently asked questions explain what Wegovy is, how Semaglutide works in the body, and what you can expect from treatment in terms of weight loss and timing of results.
What is Wegovy® used for?
Wegovy® is primarily used to support weight loss in individuals with obesity or overweight who have related medical conditions. It works by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite, helping to reduce hunger and calorie intake.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy contains semaglutide, which mimics the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, slow digestion, and help you feel fuller for longer.
Is Wegovy approved for weight loss in the UK?
Yes, Wegovy is licensed by the MHRA for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with related health conditions.
How much weight can you lose with Wegovy?
Clinical trials show patients can lose around 10–15% of their body weight on average when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.
How long does Wegovy take to work?
Many people notice appetite changes within the first few weeks, with more consistent weight loss developing over several months.
Dosage, Treatment & Results
How long do you take Wegovy for weight loss?
Wegovy is designed for long-term use. Many patients continue treatment for several months or longer depending on results and clinical advice.
How long can you stay on Wegovy?
There is no fixed duration. Treatment continues as long as it remains effective and well tolerated under medical supervision.
Is weight loss with Wegovy gradual?
Yes, weight loss is typically gradual and progressive, especially as doses increase over time.
What affects how much weight you lose?
Results depend on factors such as:
- Starting weight
- Dose
- Diet and lifestyle
- Consistency with injections
- Individual metabolism
Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?
Weight loss may slow or plateau due to factors like calorie intake, dose level, or metabolic adaptation. Your prescriber may adjust your plan.
Treatment, Stopping & Switching
What happens if you stop taking Wegovy?
Appetite may increase and some weight regain can occur if lifestyle changes are not maintained.
Can I switch from another treatment (e.g. Saxenda or Mounjaro)?
Yes, switching is possible but should be done under medical supervision with appropriate dose guidance.
Can weight loss plateau on Wegovy?
Yes, plateaus are common during weight loss. Adjusting diet, activity, or dose may help.
Delivery, Storage & Handling
How long does Wegovy delivery take?
Orders are typically dispatched within one working day after prescriber approval and prescription. Delivery time then depends on the service and your location. Tracking is provided after dispatch. Check our delivery policy for current services and charges; delivery estimates are not guaranteed.
Is Wegovy delivered in temperature-controlled packaging?
Wegovy may arrive without ice packs. The current manufacturer information supports controlled shipment below 30°C for up to 48 hours. This limit applies to delivery, not to indefinite storage at room temperature.
Place your pens in the fridge at 2–8°C when they arrive and follow the instructions supplied. If delivery is delayed, your parcel seems unusually hot, or you suspect the temperature limits have been exceeded, contact our pharmacy team before using the medicine. Do not use a pen that has been frozen. Packaging may vary with conditions.
See the official product information for FlexTouch pens and 7.2 mg single-use pens.
How should I store Wegovy?
Store unused pens in the fridge (2–8°C). Do not freeze.
How long can Wegovy be out of the fridge?
0.25–2.4 mg FlexTouch pens: after first use, keep for up to six weeks below 30°C or, preferably, refrigerated at 2–8°C. Before first use, keep refrigerated.
7.2 mg single-use pens: may be kept unrefrigerated for up to 28 days at no more than 30°C, in the original carton to protect from light. Each pen is used once and discarded. Do not apply the six-week FlexTouch rule to this device.
Do not freeze either type. Follow the leaflet supplied with your pen and ask the pharmacy if you are unsure how it has been stored.
How long does one pen last?
A 0.25–2.4 mg FlexTouch pen contains four weekly doses and lasts four weeks when used as prescribed. A 7.2 mg single-use pen contains one weekly dose; a pack of four pens provides four weeks of treatment. Dispose of each 7.2 mg pen after use.
Safety, Side Effects & Lifestyle
What side effects should I expect with Wegovy?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and reduced appetite. These often improve over time.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Wegovy?
Alcohol is not strictly prohibited but may worsen side effects such as nausea or dehydration.
What foods should I avoid on Wegovy?
Fatty, greasy, or very large meals may worsen side effects. Smaller, balanced meals are usually better tolerated.
Can you lose weight on Wegovy without exercise?
Yes, but combining treatment with physical activity improves results and overall health.
What if I miss a dose of Wegovy?
If your injection is no more than five days overdue, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue on your usual weekly day. If more than five days have passed, skip it and take the next dose on your normal scheduled day. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed injection.
If you have missed more than one dose or had a treatment break, speak to your prescriber before restarting. A lower restart dose may be needed. Follow the FlexTouch leaflet or 7.2 mg leaflet supplied with your device.
Can I travel with Wegovy?
Yes, but keep it cool during travel and follow storage guidelines.
Pregnancy, Contraception & Medical Safety
Can I use Wegovy during pregnancy?
No, Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy.
Can I use Wegovy while breastfeeding?
Wegovy is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Do I need to use contraception while taking Wegovy?
Yes, effective contraception is recommended during treatment.
Does Wegovy affect the contraceptive pill?
Semaglutide is not expected to reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. If you have vomiting or severe diarrhoea, follow the advice in your pill leaflet and contact your pharmacist or prescriber.
Who should not take Wegovy?
Wegovy may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Always follow prescriber guidance.
Comparisons & Alternatives
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight loss, while Ozempic is primarily for diabetes.
What’s the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Wegovy targets GLP-1 receptors, while Mounjaro targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which may lead to different weight loss outcomes.
Are there alternatives to Wegovy?
Yes, alternatives include Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Orlistat tablets
General / Practical Questions
Is Wegovy a long-term solution?
Wegovy is designed to support long-term weight management when combined with lifestyle changes.
Does weight come back after stopping Wegovy?
Weight regain can occur if lifestyle habits are not maintained after stopping treatment.
Is Wegovy safe long-term?
Clinical studies support its safety when used under medical supervision.
Patient information
Official resources for Wegovy use, safety, and guidance.
References
1. What Wegovy (semaglutide) is — official UK product information
• Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – Wegovy (semaglutide) –
emc
• Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) – Wegovy (semaglutide) –
emc
2. How it’s used — manufacturer / official patient instructions
• Wegovy patient resources and pen-use support – Wegovy UK
3. Clinical effectiveness — weight loss outcomes from trials
• STEP 1 Trial – Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity –
NEJM
• PubMed record (STEP 1 Trial) –
PubMed
• Review of the STEP clinical programme –
PMC
4. Cardiovascular benefits beyond weight loss — SELECT trial
• SELECT Trial – Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity –
NEJM
• PubMed record (SELECT Trial) –
PubMed
• British Heart Foundation overview of Wegovy and heart health –
BHF
5. Eligibility and access decisions — UK guidance context
• NICE Technology Appraisal (TA875) – Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity –
NICE
• NHS obesity treatment guidance –
NHS
• UK availability and rollout context –
Department of Health & Social Care
6. Safety and side effects — what to do and how to report
• Side effects, contraindications, warnings and precautions – SmPC (see section above) –
emc
• Yellow Card Scheme – report a side effect –
MHRA Yellow Card
Medically Reviewed for Clinical Accuracy
Authored by:
Palvinder DeolSuperintendent Pharmacist (MPharm, MRPharmS, GPhC Registered)
Over 25 years’ clinical experience in UK community pharmacy and medicines optimisation.
Reviewed by:
Nigel HowardIndependent Prescriber (MPharm, GPhC Registered)
Over 20 years’ clinical experience in prescribing and patient-facing pharmacy services.
GPhC Inspection Result
Inspection Outcome: All Standards Met ✅
Our digital-first pharmacy achieved rare “Good Practice” recognition during our GPhC inspection on 19 May 2025, showcasing our commitment to safe, high-quality and innovative online healthcare.
View full inspection report →GPhC Registration No. 9013192 | Inspected 19 May 2025
