Wegovy Injections

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a prescription-only weight loss injection manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a man-made version of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body naturally releases after eating to stabilise your blood sugar levels and signal to your brain that you are full.

Wegovy is called a ‘GLP-1 agonist’. It is injected once a week, either by you or someone who cares for you, and works to reduce your portion sizes and lower your appetite, enabling you to lose weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is available in six dose strengths, starting at 0.25 mg and rising to a maintenance dose of either 2.4 mg or 7.2 mg, depending on individual progress and tolerability. 

The MHRA authorised Wegovy in the UK on 2 September 2021. It is licensed for adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or those with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or above alongside a weight-related health condition. It was subsequently made available on the NHS in 2023 through specialist weight management services. 

Wegovy Prices: How Much is Wegovy? 

Prescription Doctor is pleased to offer Wegovy injections at the following prices:

We also stock oral Wegovy tablets if you would prefer not to use injections. 

How Does Wegovy Work?

When you inject Wegovy, semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors found throughout the body, triggering a series of responses that work together to reduce your overall calorie intake. There are three main mechanisms at play:

1. Appetite Regulation

Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that signals hunger, enhancing feelings of fullness while suppressing hunger. Most people notice their appetite decrease, portion sizes feel more manageable, and their urge to snack reduces over time. 

GLP-1 may also influence the brain's reward pathways, potentially reducing cravings for high-calorie foods—an effect many people on Wegovy describe as reduced food noise, the constant mental preoccupation with food that can make weight management so difficult. 

2. Delayed Gastric Emptying

Wegovy slightly slows how quickly food leaves the stomach, helping you feel fuller longer after meals. This effect is strongest in the early period after eating and contributes less to weight loss at the 2.4 mg maintenance dose than appetite regulation does. It does, however, help stabilise blood sugar levels after meals.

3. Blood Sugar Regulation 

Semaglutide stimulates insulin release only when blood sugar levels are elevated and suppresses glucagon secretion from the pancreas. This helps stabilise blood sugar after meals, reducing energy crashes and hunger spikes that can make weight management more difficult.

The ingredient is engineered to remain active in the body for about 160 hours, far longer than the GLP-1 your body produces naturally, which breaks down within minutes. This is what makes the once-weekly injection schedule possible, maintaining a consistent effect throughout the week.

How Quickly Does Wegovy Work?

Most people notice reduced appetite within the first few weeks, and meaningful weight loss typically becomes apparent after one to two months as the dose increases. Results build gradually over treatment, and clinically significant weight loss (generally defined as 5% or more of body weight) usually appears within 12 to 16 weeks. For a detailed breakdown of what to expect at each stage, see our guide to how long Wegovy takes to work.

Does Wegovy Work? Wegovy Results Explained

The clinical evidence for Wegovy is among the strongest for any weight loss medication currently available in the UK. Across multiple large-scale trials, semaglutide has consistently produced meaningful, sustained weight loss, significantly outperforming both placebo and lifestyle interventions alone. Results vary between individuals, and the treatment works best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity, but the data clearly show what most people can realistically expect.

Clinical trials showed that individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher lost about 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks when titrated to the 2.4 mg maintenance dose. The treatment is most effective when used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

The effectiveness of Wegovy has also been evaluated in the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People (STEP) trials. The results from these studies showed:

• Taking weekly 2.4 mg Wegovy injections resulted in an average weight loss of 14.9%-17.4%. 
• Almost 80% of people lost at least 10% of their weight.

The longer-term STEP 5 trial, which followed participants over two years, found average weight loss reached 15% at the two-year mark, suggesting results can continue to improve with sustained use.

Building on the 2.4 mg data, the STEP UP programme evaluated the newer 7.2 mg maintenance dose over 72 weeks in people with obesity. The higher dose produced notably stronger outcomes across all weight loss thresholds:

• Participants lost an average of 20.7% of their body weight after 72 weeks
• One in three users achieved a weight loss of 25% or more

The table below compares the higher 7.2 mg Wegovy dose with the 2.4 mg strength.
 

Another important finding from the STEP UP trials was that most weight loss (84.5%) came from body fat rather than lean body mass. This is crucial because it helps prevent strength loss, maintain a high metabolic rate, and support sustainable weight management. Losing lean body mass can also affect daily functioning and emotional or psychological well-being.

Additional Wegovy Benefits

Weight loss is the primary goal of Wegovy treatment, but clinical evidence suggests broader health benefits that extend well beyond the number on the scale. Because excess weight is closely linked to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, the significant weight loss seen with semaglutide tends to improve multiple areas of health. The benefits below are among the most clinically significant and are supported by robust trial data.

Wegovy Cardiovascular Benefits

Not only is Wegovy a highly effective weight loss injection, but it is also the only treatment of its kind approved in the UK to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease. This indication applies specifically to adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or above who have pre-existing cardiovascular disease and who are following a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity programme. It does not apply to the 7.2 mg dose.

The approval was based on the SELECT trial, a large multinational study that found the 2.4 mg dose of Wegovy reduced the relative risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke, by about 20%. First MACE events occurred in 6.5% of those taking semaglutide 2.4 mg, compared with 8.0% of those receiving a placebo.

Wegovy and Oral Contraceptives 

Wegovy weight loss injections do not interact with oral contraceptives like the combined pill or mini-pill. As a result, there is no requirement for women of childbearing age to switch to non-oral methods of contraception (for example, condoms). This distinguishes Wegovy from other injection treatments, such as Mounjaro.

How to Take Wegovy

Wegovy is available in 6 doses, ranging from the starting dose of 0.25 mg to a maintenance dose of 7.2 mg. It is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) weekly and should be given at the same time each week. Most doses are provided in a different-coloured Wegovy pen. Your dose will increase gradually until you reach the maintenance dose.

Choose your preferred injection site. You should rotate your injection site each week. The preferred injection sites are:

• Stomach
• Upper arms
• Upper legs

Before injecting your dose, check that you have the right dose pen.  The following steps are for guidance only and should not replace the information provided by your clinician or the Patient Information Leaflet.

How to Use Wegovy FlexTouch Pens

Wegovy FlexTouch pens are used for doses between 0.25 mg and 2.4 mg. The higher 7.2 mg dose uses a different device (covered later in this section), so the usage instructions will differ from those for the other strengths.

The Wegovy FlexTouch pen pack should contain one pre-filled injection with four weekly doses of semaglutide and four disposable needles, one for each week.

Before your first injection, review the steps below to ensure you administer the medication correctly and safely.

• Check the Pen: Inspect the Wegovy pen to ensure it hasn’t been used, isn’t broken, and the medicine is clear and colourless. Also, verify that the expiry date hasn’t passed.
• Attach the Needle: Remove the pen cap, then insert a new needle from the pack into the pen and twist it until it is securely in place.
• Prime the Pen: Turn the dose selector until the flow check symbol appears. With the needle pointing up, gently tap the cartridge to collect air bubbles at the top. Press the dose button until a drop appears on the needle tip. Note that priming is only required the first time you use a new pen.
• Dose Selection: Turn the dose selector until the prescribed dose appears in the window; depending on your pen, this will be 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7, or 2.4 mg. 
• Choose Injection Site: Decide where you would like to inject yourself: Lower stomach (at least 5 cm from the belly button), thigh or upper arm. You can inject into the same area each week, but make sure you choose a different location from your last injection.
• Inject Dose: Insert the needle into the skin, keeping the pen straight. Make sure you can see the dose counter. Press and hold the dose button until the dose selector shows 0, and you hear a click. Continue holding the dose button in and slowly count to 6 to ensure the full dose is delivered.
• Post-Injection: Carefully remove the weight loss injection from your skin, then dispose of the needle in a sharps bin. Never reuse needles! If you have doses left in your pen, carefully replace the cap and store it safely for future use.

You can find more information about how to inject Wegovy safely in our in-depth guide.

One important distinction: unlike Mounjaro, which requires priming before every injection, the Wegovy FlexTouch pen only needs to be primed once when you first open it. If you are continuing with a pen that still has doses remaining, you can skip straight to dose selection.

How to Use the Wegovy 7.2mg Pen

The Wegovy FlexTouch pen differs from the 7.2mg device in several key ways. The main difference is that the single 7.2mg dose doesn't require a needle to be attached, because the device has one built in. As a result, you don't need to prime the pen at all, even before first use.

To administer the injection, press the pen flat against your skin and apply firm pressure. You should notice the yellow bar start moving, and you may hear a click. If not, press harder. Hold the pen in place until the yellow bar stops moving and you hear a second click, which should take around 5-10 seconds. Don’t remove the pen before this happens, as you may not receive the full dose. Once the bar has stopped moving, you can remove the pen from your skin. 

The Wegovy 7.2 mg injection pen is a single-use device only. After injection, you should discard the entire pen immediately. 

Tips for Using Wegovy

Getting the most out of Wegovy comes down to consistency, both in how you administer the medication and the lifestyle habits you build around it. A few simple practices can make a meaningful difference to your experience and results.

Keeping a Wegovy diary is a simple but effective habit. Log the day, date, time, and dose of each injection so you always have a clear record of your treatment. This is particularly useful on weeks when your usual routine is disrupted.

Setting a recurring alarm on your phone for your usual injection day and time can also help you stay consistent. Regularity matters with Wegovy, as missed or delayed doses can reduce effectiveness over time.

Diet plays an important supporting role alongside your injections. Foods high in sugar or saturated fat can work against the medication's effects, while building your meals around fruit, vegetables, and whole grains helps provide the energy and fibre your body needs to support steady, sustainable weight loss.

Wegovy Dosage Schedule

Wegovy injections are available in 6 doses. You must start treatment at 0.25 mg per week for 4 weeks. Your clinician will then advise you to increase your weekly dose every 4 weeks until you reach the maintenance doses of 2.4 mg and 7.2 mg.

The schedule will be:

• Weeks 1 to 4: 0.25 mg once per week (Green pen)
• Weeks 5 to 8: 0.5 mg once per week (Pink pen)
• Weeks 9 to 12: 1.0 mg once per week (Brown pen)
• Weeks 13 to 16: 1.7 mg once per week (Blue pen)
• Weeks 17 to 20: 2.4 mg once per week (Black pen)
• Week 21 onwards: 7.2 mg once per week

If you are taking the 2.4 mg dose and are satisfied with your progress or not experiencing a plateau, you may remain at this dose rather than increase to 7.2 mg. For more information on the Wegovy injection schedule, see our dedicated guide. 

How Many Doses are in a Wegovy Pen?

The number of doses in a Wegovy pen depends on which strength of semaglutide you are taking. If you’re using a Wegovy FlexTouch pen, it contains 4 doses at the specified strength, so each pen lasts 4 weeks. This applies to all doses from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg.

The 7.2 mg strength works differently, as each pen contains enough solution for only one dose. Once you have administered it, the pen can be disposed of safely as instructed. This means you will be given 4 pens to last you for the full 4 weeks. 

What If I Miss a Wegovy Dose?

Missing an occasional dose is unlikely to significantly disrupt your progress. Semaglutide remains active in your system for several days after each injection, so a single missed dose will not undo your treatment.

If it has been 5 days or less since your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue with your usual weekly schedule. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose entirely and take your next dose on the usual scheduled day. You should not take two doses to make up for a missed one.

If you have missed two or more consecutive weeks, speak to your prescriber before resuming, as restarting at a lower dose may be recommended to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. 

What if You Take Too Much Wegovy

Accidentally double-dosing can cause side effects, such as severe nausea, vomiting, and other stomach-related symptoms. If this happens, you should talk to your doctor or clinician straight away for further advice. 

Wegovy Side Effects and Cautions

As with any prescription medication, use Wegovy with care and follow your prescriber's guidance throughout treatment. The sections below outline the most commonly reported side effects, organised by frequency, along with important cautions to keep in mind before and during treatment. If you experience any side effect that concerns you or significantly affects your daily life, speak to your prescriber or a healthcare professional.

Wegovy Injections Side Effects

Most side effects are mild to moderate and tend to be most noticeable early in treatment or after a dose increase, easing as your body adjusts. Gastrointestinal effects are the most commonly reported.

It’s important to note that the list above is not exhaustive of potential Wegovy side effects. More information can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet.

You can report any side effects experienced during Wegovy treatment to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via the Yellow Card scheme.

Allergic Reaction 

Although rare, Wegovy can cause a serious allergic reaction. If you experience any of the following symptoms after your injection, stop using Wegovy and seek immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Wheezing
• Fast heartbeat
• Pale or cold skin
• Dizziness or feeling weak

These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis or angioedema, both of which require urgent medical assessment. Do not take another dose of Wegovy until you have spoken to a healthcare professional.

Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can occur during Wegovy treatment, and is most likely in people with diabetes who are also taking a sulfonylurea or insulin. If this applies to you, your prescriber may recommend monitoring your blood sugar levels and could adjust your other medication accordingly.

Symptoms can come on quickly and include cold sweats, pale skin, headache, a fast heartbeat, nausea, and feeling unusually hungry, weak, or drowsy. If you recognise these signs, follow your prescriber's guidance for managing a hypoglycaemic episode. While less common, low blood sugar can also affect people without diabetes. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are related, speak to a healthcare professional.

Wegovy and Dysaesthesia

The STEP UP trials found that approximately 21.6% of participants receiving the 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy experienced dysaesthesia, defined as painful, burning, or tingling sensations. Most events were mild or moderate and resolved during treatment.

Wegovy Interactions and Warnings

Before starting Wegovy, consider whether the treatment is appropriate for you and let your prescriber know about any relevant medical history or medications you are currently taking. Certain health conditions and circumstances may mean Wegovy is not suitable, while others may require closer monitoring during treatment.

The sections below cover who should not use Wegovy, what to disclose to your prescriber, how the medication may interact with other treatments, and important guidance on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and switching from other weight loss injections.

Who Should Not Take Wegovy? 

Do not use the medication if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to Wegovy, semaglutide or any of the ingredients in the Wegovy weight loss injections.

When to Inform a Clinician

Before using Wegovy injections, let your clinician know if you:

• Are aged 76 or over
• Are pregnant, considering becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• Have kidney or pancreatic issues
• Have type 2 diabetes or diabetic retinopathy
• Have experienced mental health issues, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• Take any other medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal remedies and supplements
• Take medication for diabetes, such as insulin, sulfonylureas or other weight-loss medicines
• Have an eating disorder
• Or any member of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) 
• Or any family member has Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) 

Wegovy and Other Medications

Wegovy works well with most common medications, but you should mention a few things to your prescriber before you start. Because semaglutide slightly slows digestion, it can affect how quickly your body absorbs other oral medicines. 

Here is what to be aware of:

• Warfarin and blood thinners: If you take warfarin or a similar blood-thinning medication, your prescriber may recommend more frequent blood tests when you first start Wegovy, as some people have experienced changes in how their blood clots. Let your GP know so they can monitor your levels.
• Insulin and diabetes medications: If you manage diabetes with insulin or a sulfonylurea, combining these with Wegovy can increase the chance of low blood sugar. Your prescriber may adjust your dose when you begin treatment.
• Surgery and anaesthesia: Because Wegovy slows gastric emptying, it increases the risk of regurgitation and aspiration during procedures involving general anaesthesia or deep sedation. If you are scheduled for surgery, tell your surgical team that you are taking Wegovy; they may advise you to pause treatment beforehand.

Wegovy and Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the developing baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, it is advised to stop treatment at least two months before trying to conceive, allowing enough time for the medication to clear your system fully before pregnancy begins.

Do not use Wegovy while breastfeeding. Although semaglutide has not been detected in human breast milk, animal studies have shown it can be transferred through milk, and a risk to a breastfed infant cannot be excluded. Until more robust human data are available, the current guidance is to avoid Wegovy during breastfeeding as a precaution. 

If you become pregnant while taking Wegovy, stop treatment immediately and speak to your GP or midwife as soon as possible.

Can I Switch to Wegovy From Another Weight Loss Injection?

Switching between GLP-1 receptor agonists is possible, but it isn't straightforward and should always be done under clinical supervision. The main considerations are timing, dosing, and your body's response to your current treatment, all of which your prescriber will consider before making a recommendation. The sections below outline what to expect if you are considering switching from Mounjaro or Nevolat. 

Switching From Nevolat to Wegovy

Speak with your clinician, who will assess your current situation, including your weight, medical conditions, and any side effects you may have experienced while using Nevolat. If they feel it is appropriate for you to switch, they will devise a plan and prescribe the appropriate Wegovy dose and dosing schedule.

Switching From Mounjaro to Wegovy

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they work slightly differently. Mounjaro targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while Wegovy targets GLP-1 alone.

Key things to be aware of:

• Your prescriber will need to coordinate your final Mounjaro dose and the timing of your first Wegovy injection, typically leaving a one-week gap between the two.
• You will likely need to restart Wegovy at the lowest dose of 0.25 mg and work through the escalation schedule, even if you were on a higher Mounjaro dose.
• Some gastrointestinal side effects may temporarily return as your body adjusts

Always speak to your prescriber before making any changes. For a full breakdown, see our guide to switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy.

How to Get Wegovy Injections in the UK

You can get Wegovy weight loss injections from several sources, including the NHS, a registered weight loss service, and regulated online pharmacies. It’s essential that you only go through trusted providers who provide licensed medication, so you can be confident that the medication you are taking is safe for you to use. 

Do I Need a Wegovy Prescription?

Yes, Wegovy injections are classified as prescription-only medicines (POMs), which means you can't buy them over the counter; they require a medical evaluation from a registered prescriber, such as a GP or clinician, who will determine whether the treatment is safe and suitable for you. If it is, they will issue the prescription.

Regulated online pharmacies such as Prescription Doctor make this process more straightforward, as the service includes the medical evaluation and prescription.   

Can You Get Wegovy on the NHS?

Yes, Wegovy injections are available on the NHS, though they are usually subject to more stringent restrictions than if you were to obtain a private prescription. The process may also take longer and involve a face-to-face consultation. Wegovy pills, however, are currently not available on the NHS. 

Can You Buy Wegovy Online?

Yes, you can buy Wegovy weight loss injections from reputable pharmacies such as Prescription Doctor. Our straightforward process lets you start a consultation from home at any time, with no appointment needed. If our experienced clinicians approve your order, our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered pharmacy will deliver your product to your designated UK address in plain packaging for complete discretion.

We aim to make getting the treatment you need as hassle-free as possible, so if your order is approved before 3pm on a weekday, we can dispatch it for next-day delivery. Our clinicians will also check in regularly to monitor progress and ensure everything is working as planned. It’s included in the service. 

How to Store Wegovy Injections

Exact storage instructions for Wegovy injections depend on the dose you are currently taking.

• 0.25 mg–2.4 mg FlexTouch pens: Before first use, store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, away from the cooling element, and keep the pen in its original carton to protect it from light. Do not freeze - frozen pens should not be used. Once you start using a pen, you can keep it for up to 6 weeks in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 30°C.
• Single-dose 7.2 mg pen: Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C before use. If needed, you can keep it unrefrigerated for up to 28 days at no more than 30°C. Discard after use.

For all pens, dispose of used needles in a sharps bin and never reuse them. Keep all medications out of the sight and reach of children or animals, and never use the treatment beyond the stipulated expiry date. 

Are There Any Wegovy Alternatives?

Several prescription weight loss treatments are available in the UK, each working through different mechanisms and suited to different patient profiles. The right option depends on your health history, BMI, tolerability, and personal preferences - your prescriber can help determine which treatment is most appropriate for you.

• Wegovy Pills: The first oral GLP-1 medication licensed in the UK, Wegovy pills contain the same active ingredient as the injections and offer comparable weight loss potential. 
• Mounjaro: Containing the active ingredient tirzepatide, Mounjaro works by mimicking two important hormones involved in insulin secretion: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). 
• Foundayo: Contains the active ingredient orforglipron. Foundayo is the second oral GLP-1 medication to be approved for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. It can be taken at any time with no fasting requirements. 
• Nevolat: Nevolat is the generic equivalent of Saxenda, containing the active ingredient liraglutide - a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying to help you feel fuller for longer. It is administered as a once-daily injection and is a more cost-effective alternative to the weekly GLP-1 injections.
• Orlistat & Xenical: Both orlistat (generic) and Xenical (brand name) contain the active ingredient orlistat and are available as pills taken immediately before, during, or after each of your three main meals daily. They work by preventing your body from absorbing fat, leading to weight loss.
• Mysimba: Mysimba is a prolonged-release weight loss pill that reduces your appetite.
• Alli: Also contains the active ingredient orlistat. Alli is available over the counter without a prescription. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Wegovy Injections