The MHRA approved the tablet form of the medication in June as an alternative to the injections but it is only now going on sale
10:40, 03 Jul 2026Updated 10:48, 03 Jul 2026
Wegovy tablets can be used instead of the injections(Image: Getty)
Millions of people will now be eligible to buy weight loss medication in tablet form as it went on sale in the UK for the first time. High Street chain Superdrug has announced people can buy the pills through its online service from Friday.
It said they would cost from £79 a month with points offers of up to £15 available to its loyalty card holders. Making the announcement it said it would be the first of the UK’s leading healthcare providers to offer the “cheapest and most comprehensive access” to the new oral weight loss service.
The medication will be exclusively available through Superdrug Online Doctor ahead of the launch of in-store services. It said the move would reinforce its commitment to accessibility, and helping eligible patients “access its latest weight management service as quickly and as flexibly as possible”.
It is now on sale online at Superdrug but will be coming to its pharmacies
Dr Clair Grainger, GP at Superdrug Online Doctor , said “Following regulatory approval, we’ve seen strong interest in our information register. With prescribing now underway, people can now complete their consultation and access treatment if clinically appropriate, whether that’s online, in pharmacy, or in clinic.”
She added: “Obesity is a complex medical issue, and any treatment will only be prescribed following a thorough clinical assessment against eligibility criteria.” However there are still strict rules around who can qualify for the potentially life-changing medication.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) gave its backing for the UK’s first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss and weight management in June. It said the semaglutide (Wegovy ) tablet could be prescribed to adults in the UK with obesity, but gave no date as to when it would be available to buy.
It also issued strict guidelines over use of the life-changing drug. It said users must follow a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity as well as follow rules around when to take the tablet.
How can I get the pills
The sale is available at Superdrug Online Doctor. Applicants must complete a full clinical assessment with a prescriber before it will be issued.
How much will they cost?
The oral weight loss service will start from £79 for new patients. However, Superdrug Health & Beautycard holders will also earn 5x points on their purchases worth up to £15.
When will they be available?
The oral weight loss service is available now by visiting Superdrug Online Doctor website. Alternatively speak to a local Superdrug pharmacy team for more information.
The oral weight loss service will also be available in more than 160 pharmacies, and over 85 nurse services.
Who qualifies?
To be eligible for the Wegovy tablet a patient must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. Alternatively they can be overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related comorbidity.
Those starting the semaglutide tablet will begin on 1.5 mg once daily, increasing to 4 mg, 9 mg and 25 mg with a minimum duration of one month at each dose level. Patients currently treated privately with a 2.4 mg semaglutide injection once weekly can be transitioned straight to semaglutide 25 mg tablets once daily.
How does it work?
The MHRA said: “Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which is released by the body after eating.
“Semaglutide acts on areas of the brain that regulate appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and decreasing food cravings. As a result, it can help people eat less and support weight reduction alongside appropriate diet and lifestyle measures.”
The MHRA stressed it was essential to follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet on how to take semaglutide tablets for weight loss and weight management treatment to be most effective. It said: “The semaglutide tablet should be taken whole on an empty stomach after fasting for at least 8 hours with a sip of water. After taking it, no food or drink should be taken for at least thirty minutes. Eating or drinking less than 30 minutes after taking a semaglutide tablet lowers its absorption.”
Are there any side effects?
The MHRA confirmed there are some potential side effects. It said: “The most common side effects of the medicine are gastrointestinal disorders including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting.” It said that, as with any medicine, it will keep the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide under close review.
It added: “Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.”