Superdrug becomes first retailer to sell Wegovy pills from £79

The high street pharmacy chain Superdrug has become the first retail provider to launch the oral version of Wegovy, making the weight-loss tablets available for purchase at prices starting from £79 per month. This development marks a significant shift for the 2.5 million adults in the UK currently utilizing injectable fat-busting treatments, as the new pill offers an alternative route to access the blockbuster therapy.

New patients can secure a month's supply of the initial 1.5mg dose for £79 by utilizing a welcome discount code through Superdrug's Online Doctor service, while existing patients are priced at £99. This pricing structure mirrors the cost of the once-weekly injection, where the lowest 0.25mg dose typically ranges between £80 and £140 per month in the UK. Clinical trial data indicates that the daily pill achieves approximately a 17 per cent reduction in body weight after 64 weeks on the highest dose, which is marginally less effective than the injections that can trigger up to a 20.7 per cent reduction.

Superdrug is currently stocking the medication in 1.5mg and 4mg strengths, with higher doses of 9mg and 25mg scheduled for imminent release. The pricing for these upcoming doses varies by patient status; for instance, the 4mg tablets cost £119 for existing patients and £99 for new ones, while the 9mg and 25mg doses are priced at £169 and £229 respectively for current users. Those seeking the treatment must complete a comprehensive online questionnaire detailing their height, weight, ethnicity, and medical history to determine eligibility.

SheMed, a women's healthcare provider, is also preparing to stock the drug starting next week at a competitive rate of £69 for a month's supply, with future pricing dependent on dosage, where the strongest 25mg pills are expected to cost £269 per month. Dr Clair Grainger, a GP at Superdrug Online Doctor, noted that following regulatory approval, there has been strong interest in the information register. She emphasized that obesity is a complex medical issue and that any treatment will only be prescribed after a thorough clinical assessment against specific eligibility criteria.

The tablet contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the Wegovy injection, which mimics a gut hormone released after eating to reduce hunger and prolong feelings of fullness. It is currently available only through private channels and is prescribed to adults with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30. Additionally, individuals with a BMI between 27 and 30 who suffer from weight-related medical conditions may qualify. Patients currently on lower doses of injectable Wegovy can switch to the 9mg tablets, while those on higher injection doses can transition to the 25mg tablets, provided medical approval is granted. A mandatory one-week waiting period is required after a patient's final injection before commencing tablet therapy.

Although the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approved the pill for UK use last month, it remains unavailable on the NHS. It is understood that manufacturer Novo Nordisk will engage with the Government to discuss implementing the pill within the public health system, with the drug's cost identified as a primary obstacle. Experts anticipate that demand for the tablet will surge, as many individuals previously hesitant to use injections may now be willing to try this oral alternative.