Pharmacies are bracing themselves for a surge in demand after the first weight-loss pill went on sale in the UK today
But pharmacists are concerned that a tablet will be easier for criminals to counterfeit, leading to a ‘dangerous and growing’ black market for weight-loss medicines
Manufacturer Novo Nordisk said its Wegovy pill is being introduced through regulated private providers as part of a ‘planned UK rollout’ to ensure consistent supply across the market
It follows the once-daily pill being granted a licence in June by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight management in adults with obesity, or who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) said the Wegovy pill would be ‘truly transformational’ for pharmacies
She said that the new pill is likely to attract new patients who have previously been deterred by the thought of injecting themselves, unlocking that ‘pent-up demand’
Dr Hannbeck added: ‘Ahead of the launch date, pharmacists across the country are already seeing significant interest from patients, and many pharmacies have placed large orders with the medicine wholesalers to ensure patients who need it can access it
‘The pill format will be easier and more convenient for patients, so will likely improve adherence and consistency of treatment
‘Yet it is essential that GLP-1 treatments should only ever be part of a weight-loss journey that includes a healthy diet and increased exercise.’
Meanwhile, a snap survey of 310 pharmacies by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) found that more than three quarters (76%) expect to start significant numbers of new patients on the pill while almost half (49%) had received an increased number of queries from patients wanting to start treatment
However, 97% of those surveyed were concerned that the new form of treatment would result in an increase of fake or unlicensed weight-loss pills being sold on the black market, causing a risk to patient safety
Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, said: ‘This is a significant day, and pharmacies are bracing themselves for a surge in demand for this new form of weight-loss treatment
‘However, as this survey shows, pharmacies are concerned about a dangerous and growing black market for weight-loss medicines, with the tablet form of medication likely to be easier for criminals to counterfeit
Lilly launches home delivery service for privately prescribed medicines
Wegovy weight-loss pills: everything pharmacists need to know
Regulators warn pharmacies against advertising weight-loss pills
Wegovy weight loss pill first to get approval in the UK
‘Patients should be wary of sites offering medicines at a cost that is too good to be true or providers who are not offering consultations before prescribing.’
This comes after public health minister Sharon Hodgson acknowledged that it will be easier to mass-produce counterfeit weight-loss pills than injections, and that she did not know if conversations has started with the medicines regulator about dealing with the issue
The NPA urged the government to use pharmacies to speed up the ‘extremely slow’ NHS rollout of weight-management treatment, with the majority of patients still receiving the treatment privately through pharmacies
Boots Online Doctor is offering the Wegovy pill at £79 for new customers prescribed the lowest dose (1.5mg) and £99 for existing customers
Customers will be able to access the service from 12 July in 62 Boots stores across the UK, with the service being rolled out to an additional 25 stores in the coming weeks
Boots said it had received ‘strong interest’ prior to the pill’s launch, with thousands of people completing consultations so they can be one of the first to receive the new oral medication
Dr Anju Verma, clinical lead for weight loss at Boots Online Doctor, said: ‘Weight management is not a one-size-fits-all, and expanding the range of clinically proven options at different price points allows treatment decisions to be tailored more closely to an individual’s preferences, lifestyle and clinical needs
‘It’s important to remember that weight-loss medications are not a quick fix
‘Whether taken as a pill or an injection, the best outcomes are achieved when treatment is combined with healthy lifestyle changes, appropriate clinical assessment, patient education and ongoing medical supervision.’
Digital provider SheMed will begin offering oral Wegovy tomorrow at £69 for the first month with ongoing monthly prices based on dosage: £154 for 1.5mg, £179 for 4mg, £219 for 9mg, and £269 for 25mg
Superdrug is offering the lowest dose for £99 a month, or £79 for new customers
Pharmacies were recently warned they could face enforcement action if they advertise prescription-only medicines or newly licensed weight-loss pills
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) issued a joint statement stressing that prescription-only medicines or treatments cannot be advertised to the public
Want news like this straight to your inbox?
Register for full access to the site and our bulletins
