Wegovy.
Understand your treatment.

01 / The guide

What does the exact Wegovy product change?

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 medicine used for weight management with dietary and activity support. The weight-management product has a different role from products used for diabetes, even where an ingredient is shared.

The weekly injection schedule is one part of an individual care plan. Ask why this option is being considered, which licence and NHS criteria apply and how non-medicine support will be provided. A BMI threshold or a completed online questionnaire does not approve treatment.

Brand, pen design and instructions matter. A different GLP-1 medicine is not a direct substitute to choose from a price comparison. If supply changes, the prescriber should explain the next step and whether a new assessment or restart plan is needed.

Guidance: NHS: semaglutide · MHRA: GLP-1 medicines patient advice

02 / The guide

What should an assessment before Wegovy cover?

The professional needs enough information to decide whether this option and supply route are appropriate, and whether a different assessment is needed.

Bring your current medicine list, any relevant previous treatment and the questions you want answered. Explain allergies, important health changes and any difficulties following an existing care plan. Ask which details need to be verified with another professional.

For Wegovy, a useful starting question is: Can I swap Wegovy for another weight-management injection?

Ask who makes the clinical decision, what happens if supply is unsuitable and how you receive the next-step advice. A service should explain its scope and arrange referral or an in-person review when the remote format is insufficient.

04 / The guide

Where should I find instructions for Wegovy?

The directions must match the exact product and your assessed care plan. A directory page cannot replace the label and patient leaflet.

Ask for a demonstration of the exact Wegovy pen and guidance about storage, sharps disposal and missed doses. Do not copy another brand’s dosing schedule. Contact the prescriber before restarting after an interruption.

Ask the pharmacy to explain any unfamiliar wording, measuring device or application method. If a different brand, strength or formulation arrives, check the change before continuing an old routine. Store the leaflet where you can find it and keep medicines out of reach of children.

For a missed dose, damage to the pack or a storage problem, give the pharmacist the exact product details and timing. Do not use an online cost calculation to decide a replacement or catch-up dose.

Guidance: NHS: semaglutide

05 / The guide

What follow-up should I arrange for Wegovy?

Agree how and when the care plan will be reviewed, how to report adverse effects and who responds between appointments.

Agree a review of benefit, tolerability, eating and activity support, and any relevant health monitoring. Ask what happens if benefit is insufficient, the medicine is not tolerated or costs become difficult. NHS access has specific pathways that differ from a private licence assessment.

Decide what you want the next appointment to resolve and ask for the plan in writing. A review may lead to continuing, changing or stopping treatment, or investigating another cause. Explain if the schedule, cost or practical routine is difficult so the decision reflects your circumstances.

06 / The guide

How do NHS and private routes differ for Wegovy?

Access depends on the condition, the product and the local service. A private assessment and an NHS funding decision are separate.

Ask your GP or relevant NHS service what assessment and support are available before committing to a private programme. Do not assume that a particular brand or private plan can automatically be continued under an NHS prescription.

For private care, establish whether the quoted fee covers an appointment, a medicine supply or a membership. Ask what happens if the clinician refers you elsewhere or declines supply. A payment or a product listing is not proof of eligibility.

If care moves between providers, ask who will hold the records, request tests and issue any further prescription. Arrange continuity before a supply or review is due.

07 / The guide

How should I compare Wegovy service costs?

Get a dated quote for the exact product and complete service. Consultation, supply, delivery and review arrangements can be priced separately.

Compare the same quantity, strength and care period. A headline price does not show what happens if the plan changes, a further assessment is required or you decide not to continue. Ask for the cancellation and refund terms before paying.

For ongoing care, separate one-off assessment costs from recurring charges. Keep a copy of the quote with its date and inclusions. A higher fee does not prove better care, and a low starting offer does not establish the long-term cost.

08 / The guide

How do I check the pharmacy or prescribing service?

Verify the pharmacy and identify the clinician. A website, review score or branded package does not establish registration or suitability.

Check a pharmacy in Great Britain on the GPhC register, or one in Northern Ireland on the PSNI register. Match the premises details and confirm that the website belongs to that business. A prescriber or clinic may have separate professional and service registration.

Ask how your information is kept secure, how to contact the clinical team and how complaints are handled. Avoid pressure to conceal health information or bypass the checks required for a medicine. You should be able to request an explanation before agreeing to a service.

How to choose a safe online pharmacy →

Guidance: GPhC: pharmacy register · PSNI: Northern Ireland pharmacy register

A few more answers

Common wegovy (semaglutide) questions