Scott Weaver
Updated at: November 27, 2024 · 6 min read
Wegovy Shortage UK: Explaining the Short Supply of the Weight Loss Injection Pen
Update: At the time of writing there was a short supply of this medication. Please note that supply may have changed since. For the latest information please refer to the manufacturer website.
Are you currently a weight loss patient who has been prescribed Wegovy? If so, we have some important updates to share regarding the weight loss injection.
Wegovy Shortage 2024
Currently, there's a global shortage of glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) like Wegovy (Forbes, 2023). But don't worry, UK Meds are on hand to guide you through it.
Key Takeaways
Increased Demand is Driving the Shortage
The global shortage of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Wegovy, is due to rising demand driven by its popularity as an effective weight loss solution. Media coverage has further fuelled interest, leading to supply chain challenges that may persist through 2024.
Support and Alternatives are Available
If you’re affected by the Wegovy shortage, consult your healthcare provider to explore alternative weight loss treatments or management plans. UK Meds offers online consultations to guide patients towards suitable solutions while working with suppliers to secure stock.
Stopping Wegovy is Safe but May Impact Weight Maintenance
Suddenly stopping Wegovy won’t cause withdrawal symptoms or side effects. However, without continued treatment or lifestyle adjustments, weight regain is possible. Sustainable practices such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and setting weight loss goals can help maintain progress.
Why is there a shortage of Wegovy?
Increased Demand
The shortage is due in part to the increased demand for the drug semaglutide, known by its brand names Ozempic and Wegovy (both now available in the UK).
Media Coverage
Thanks to widespread media coverage, more people are discovering the benefits of GLP-1 treatments for weight loss.
As a result, many are turning to Wegovy (Semaglutide), and this sudden surge in demand has outpaced the supply.
When will the supply issues improve?
An Update from Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk, the company behind Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy, has said that Wegovy supply chain challenges will continue to persist throughout 2024. We're actively collaborating with Novo Nordisk to secure more stock for our patients and are doing all we can to ensure a continuous supply of medication for those patients who need it.
Update from Novo Nordisk as of 26/11/2024
The global shortage situation for Wegovy seems to be improving as of the latest update by Novo Nordisk:
We are happy to share that the status for each dose of Wegovy® is now reflected on the FDA shortage website as, “Available.”
This update is a result of our significant investment in capacity and ongoing communication with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our intentional approach to gradually increase supply into the U.S. market is working and all dose strengths of Wegovy® are being shipped regularly to wholesalers.
Which drugs are impacted by the short supply of GLP-1 RA medications?
The current shortages are expected to impact the availability of all GLP-1 RA medications, including:
Saxenda
Ozempic
Wegovy
Byetta
Victoza
Trulicity
Bydureon
Rybelsus
What can I do if the Wegovy shortage affects me?
If you're a Wegovy user and the shortage affects you, don't worry; UK Meds is here to support you. You can still complete an online weight loss consultation with us as you would normally. However, due to the shortages, it might be necessary to consider a different weight loss medication or management plan.
Consult your doctor or healthcare professional to discuss your options prior to starting any treatment as they can advise you on the most appropriate medication for your individual requirements.
Stay informed by signing up for email alerts, and rest assured that UK Meds is doing all we can to ensure a constant supply of all medications that our patients need.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the UK Meds team. Your well-being is our priority.
Wegovy Shortage FAQs
Our customers have been in touch asking some common questions about the Wegovy shortage, including:
Should I reduce the dose of Wegovy I take to make it last longer?
We would recommend taking the dose of the Wegovy injection that your prescriber recommended. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you are unsure about the most appropriate dose of Wegovy to take.
Does stopping Wegovy treatment suddenly cause any side effects?
Stopping treatment with Wegovy weight loss injections suddenly will not cause any side effects, so you shouldn’t worry if you find that you’ve run out of your supply of the medication. Wegovy is not an addictive medication so you will not experience withdrawal symptoms. You should consult your healthcare provider or doctor if your supply of Wegovy has run out and you require a suitable alternative weight loss treatment.
Should I expect the price of Wegovy to change whilst there is a shorter supply of the medication?
Yes, during this time, the price of Wegovy may change based on the supply of the medication available in the market currently. UK Meds customers can rest assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure that you receive a fair price.
Will I put weight back on if I stop taking Wegovy?
If you don't actively take steps to maintain your weight loss you may regain weight that you have lost since starting treatment with Wegovy. Simple lifestyle choices can help you to sustain weight loss including:
Limiting consumption of less healthy foods (NIH, 2022)
Participating in physical activities that you enjoy (Hall and Kahan, 2018)
Eating at the right times of the day (Kim, J., 2020)
Intermittent fasting (Welton et al, 2020)
Getting good sleep (Kline et al, 2021)
Monitoring the macronutrients and calories that you eat (Willoughby et al, 2018)
Plant-based diets (Turner-McGrievy et al, 2017)
Staying well hydrated (Thornton, S., 2016)
Set weight loss goals to keep you on track (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2023)
It is important to note that the above are only suggestions and that not all strategies will be appropriate for you. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best way to lose weight sustainably and safely for your individual needs.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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