Quick summary
Novo Nordisk announced on 4th September 2023 that Wegovy, a semaglutide-containing weight loss medication, would be made available to individuals who meet the The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) eligibility criteria through the NHS or privately through registered healthcare providers. But how much will it cost if you're buying it privately in the UK?
How much does Wegovy cost in the UK?
The cost of Wegovy will vary depending on where you purchase it from, but most private providers charge £150-£200 for a 28-day supply (one Wegovy pen of 0.25mg strength).
Wegovy is available in five strengths, and the higher strengths tend to be more expensive. You should expect to pay about the same price for the first three (0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg), however 1.7mg and 2.4mg Wegovy will likely be charged at a higher price.
What you get for that price can also vary widely depending on where you make your purchase. Most traditional online pharmacies simply sell the medication pen, whereas a number of providers offer additional support and care alongside your Wegovy treatment. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether the additional support is the better fit for you and your weight loss goals. With Habitual, for example, your plan includes a dedicated care team, a custom-built tracking app, access to peer support groups, and content plus written exercises to help you break old habits, build new ones, and create lasting change in your life and health.
How much does each injection cost?
Wegovy is administered weekly, which means each injection costs your monthly (28 day) plan amount divided by four. If you pay £200 per month, for example, each injection costs £50. Wegovy pens contain four injections, so you'll only receive one pen per month.
Will the cost of Wegovy increase as my dose increases?
Wegovy is available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg semaglutide. Higher doses are likely to cost slightly more due to how the medication manufacturer has set their pricing.
If you are on a subscription, your provider should let you know that your price will increase if you request a higher dose. Your prescriber should also evaluate whether escalating dosage is appropriate for you, based on what you're experiencing whilst on treatment.
Will Wegovy cost more than Ozempic?
Ozempic and Wegovy are both injectable medications that contain semaglutide, but they differ in their dosages and indications.
Both are taken once a week but Wegovy is a higher-dose of semaglutide. Ozempic contains either 0.25mg, 0.5mg, or 1mg, and is licensed for blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy can contain a maximum of 2.4mg semaglutide and is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater, with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.
Prior to the launch of Wegovy, some providers were offering off-label Ozempic—that is, prescribing Ozempic for weight loss rather than the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Now that Wegovy is available in the UK, there is no reason to continue prescribing Ozempic for patient seeking weight loss.
Read more about the differences between Ozempic and Wegovy.
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Where can you buy Wegovy?
Now that Wegovy has officially launched it will be available through the NHS to a limited number of patients, and privately through online providers like Habitual. Individuals will need to meet eligibility criteria and availability will be based on the current supply. You can buy Wegovy as part of a Habitual Medication Plan.
Wegovy vs. Mounjaro cost in the UK
Mounjaro, another injectable weight loss medication which contains a similar compound to semaglutide (called tirzepatide), is now also available to purchase privately in the UK. Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to be priced similarly across private providers, however it's worth noting that Mounjaro is available in six strengths, and the price increases after the first two lowest doses, and then again for the two highest doses. Learn more about the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy. Habitual pricing for both plans and the associated dosages can be found here.
Why choose a Habitual medication plan?
A Medication plan through Habitual—whether you choose Wegovy or Mounjaro—includes all the tools and support you need to reach your health goals:
- Online consultation and review by a UK-licensed prescriber
- Prescription weight loss injection pen, delivered every 4 weeks to your door
- Access to our custom-built habit change and tracking mobile app
- An optional peer support group on WhatsApp
- Daily behaviour change content and exercises to help you make lasting change
Find out more about our plans.
Conclusion
Wegovy holds promise as a weight management medication, but its cost can be a significant consideration for individuals seeking this treatment. The price of Wegovy can vary based on your location, required dosage, and the drug's availability.
Remember that while Wegovy may offer benefits in terms of weight management, a holistic approach to health, including diet and exercise, remains crucial for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on incorporating Wegovy into your overall wellness plan and help you make the best choices for your individual needs and circumstances.
