The Cost of Semaglutide – What You Need to Know

Semaglutide, commonly found in Wegovy, has become a popular weight loss drug. As more people turn to this effective treatment to help manage obesity and associated health conditions, it’s important to consider the financial aspects of incorporating it into your healthcare routine.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication that falls under the category of GLP-1 receptor agonists, used to manage type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss. 

Semaglutide is found in medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, which are becoming increasingly popular among those seeking help with weight loss alongside their diabetes management needs. 

Is Semaglutide licensed for weight loss in the UK?

Yes, Semaglutide is licensed for weight loss in the UK under specific brand names, such as Wegovy. Ozempic, another brand form of Semaglutide, is only licensed for diabetes. 

How does Semaglutide work?

Semaglutide works by imitating the action of a hormone in the body that helps control blood sugar and digestion. In people with type 2 diabetes, it helps lower blood sugar in several ways.

This ingredient boosts the body’s insulin production, a hormone that helps manage blood sugar levels when they are high. Semaglutide also reduces the amount of sugar the liver releases into the bloodstream.

For weight loss, Semaglutide affects appetite and food intake by interacting with areas of the brain that control hunger and fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake and potential body weight loss over time.

How effective is Semaglutide for weight loss?

Semaglutide has been shown to be highly effective in weight loss, with clinical trials reporting significant reductions in body weight. Patients often see weight loss beginning within the first few weeks, with the most substantial loss typically occurring within six months to a year of consistent use, depending on the individual’s adherence to diet and exercise alongside the medication.

Dosage and Administration 

The standard process of injecting Semaglutide will last 20-25 weeks for a full treatment cycle, after which you will continue with the maintenance dose.

Semaglutide is administered by a weekly injection that should be taken on the same day every week to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body. It is injected subcutaneously, meaning the self-injection is given under the skin, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It is important to rotate the injection sites with each dose for optimal results and to minimise common side effects. 

Licensed Semaglutide treatments are approved for long-term use for overweight and obese adults, meaning they can be used indefinitely as long as they continue to aid in weight loss or maintenance and don’t cause severe side effects.

How much does Semaglutide cost in the UK?

Semaglutide is available in the UK under different brand names, each with varying costs. 

For Wegovy, you will need pens over a 5-month period. These come with four individual needles to spread the dose out over a four-week timeline and differ in price depending on strength. 

Taking into account the dosing schedule, the average total cost of a full course of Wegovy, not including the maintenance doses, is £1149.99 from Click2Pharmacy.

Once you have completed a full course of Semaglutide, you will continue taking the maintenance dose until either your goal weight has been achieved for a significant period of time or the side effects are not worth the benefits. This is, on average, 2-3 months but could be shorter or longer. 

How much does each Semaglutide injection cost?

Each Semaglutide injection varies in cost depending on the dose, with the lowest dose being the cheapest and the highest dose being the most expensive. 

How much does Semaglutide cost per month in the UK?

The cost of Semaglutide per month can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed. Over the 5-month initial treatment period, a Wegovy course will cost, on average, £229.99. 

Drug Shortages

Last year, Ozempic faced significant shortages due to high demand from individuals using it off-label for weight loss. This created challenges for patients who needed it to manage diabetes. 

Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient Semaglutide, is a specifically licensed weight loss medication in the UK. This licensing is distinct from Ozempic, which is primarily approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

To address the Ozempic shortages, Wegovy was introduced and licensed in the UK towards the end of the year. This licensing ensures that Wegovy is more consistently available and helps those focusing on weight loss, preserving Ozempic for diabetes patients and avoiding supply issues.

Where to Buy Semaglutide for Weight Loss Treatment 

You can buy semaglutide online from our online weight loss clinic. With expert guidance and a range of treatment options available, including prescription medications like Wegovy, you can trust us to support you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Start today and take the first step towards effective weight management with Click2Pharmacy.

Semaglutide FAQs

Is Semaglutide free on the NHS?

Semaglutide is available on the NHS as an option for weight management. To get Semaglutide on the NHS for weight loss, eligible adults would need a referral to an NHS specialist weight management service. This referral would usually be made by a GP.

Are Semaglutide weight loss injections prescription only?

Yes, Semaglutide weight loss injections like Wegovy are prescription-only. You need to consult a GP or pharmacist who can prescribe them based on your health needs and medical history.

Who can have Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control and in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is prescribed by a GP or pharmacist, who will evaluate the patient’s overall health, medical history, and specific needs before recommending this treatment.

Who should not take Semaglutide?

Semaglutide may not be suitable for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Patients with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease or pancreatitis should also avoid this medication. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor, as it is not typically recommended during these periods.

Who does not qualify for Semaglutide?

Individuals who may not qualify for Semaglutide include:

1. People with a BMI below the threshold for obesity: Semaglutide is generally prescribed for weight loss to those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
   
2. Pregnant or breastfeeding women: The safety of Semaglutide for weight loss has not been established in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so they typically do not qualify unless specifically approved by a GP or pharmacist under certain circumstances.
   
3. Individuals under 18 years of age: Semaglutide is not commonly prescribed for children or adolescents for weight management, as it is generally approved for adult use only.

What drugs cannot be taken with Semaglutide? 

Semaglutide can interact with certain medications, particularly those that affect blood sugar levels, like insulin or sulfonylureas, which may require dose adjustments. Additionally, medications that rely on threshold concentrations, such as contraceptives or antibiotics taken orally, may have reduced effectiveness due to the slow gastric emptying effect of Semaglutide.