Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
The UK’s health system has recently given the green light to an oral form of Wegovy, a widely-used weight-loss medication. This development means that patients will soon be able to obtain the drug through a prescription in pill form rather than the current injectable version. The drug’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, highlights that taking a daily tablet could offer greater convenience for individuals who find weekly injections less appealing. Moreover, unlike the injectable medication that requires refrigeration, the pills can be stored without any special temperature controls.
At present, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which assesses new treatments for the NHS, has not formally received an application from Novo Nordisk regarding the tablet. However, NICE representatives have stated that they are engaged in ongoing discussions with the company. Additionally, several high street and online pharmacies are preparing to include this pill in their prescription services within the next few weeks, making it more accessible for patients.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has set out dosing guidelines for the new tablet. Treatment begins with a 1.5 mg dose taken once daily, gradually increasing through 4 mg, 9 mg, and up to 25 mg, with patients advised to remain on each dosage level for at least one month. For people currently receiving the 2.4 mg semaglutide injection weekly through private healthcare, a direct switch to the 25 mg daily tablet is possible. While the exact price in the UK has yet to be confirmed, the medication’s launch in the United States saw the starting dose priced at $149 monthly, approximately £110.
The pill contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the injectable form, which works by imitating the natural hormone GLP-1. This hormone reduces appetite and slows digestion, helping users feel fuller for longer periods. Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, described the pill’s approval as “significant,” emphasizing its value for patients who either cannot or prefer not to use injections. He also suggested that the oral tablet could potentially reduce treatment costs over time. Picard noted that pharmacies are currently waiting for further instructions on when the treatment will become available to patients.
Clinical trials confirm that the semaglutide tablets are effective and safe, although it may take several months to experience the full weight-loss benefits. Similar to the injectable counterpart, there is also a possibility that weight could be regained once treatment ceases. It is important that patients using this medication continue to maintain a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. With over 16 million adults in the UK classified as obese—representing about one-third of the population—this new option could have significant implications
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.