How to switch Wegovy providers in the UK

Jump to: Why people switch Wegovy providers | Before you switch | The switching process | What to expect | Choosing a new provider | Common mistakes to avoid | Frequently asked questions | Take home message

Switching Wegovy providers in the UK typically takes 5-7 days and won’t affect your weight loss progress if you plan the transition properly.

The most common reasons people switch include cost differences between providers, inadequate clinical support, supply issues, or simply wanting more comprehensive care alongside their medication.

If you’ve been taking Wegovy and your current provider isn’t meeting your needs, you have every right to move to a service that better supports your goals.

You should time your switch to avoid a gap in treatment longer than 14 days, which could require restarting at a lower dose.¹

This guide covers everything you need to know about switching Wegovy providers in the UK, including the paperwork you’ll need, how to time your transition, and what to look for in a new provider.

Why people switch Wegovy providers

People switch Wegovy providers for several reasons, and understanding yours will help you choose the right new service.

Cost concerns: Wegovy pricing varies significantly between providers, ranging from around £99 to over £300 per month, depending on your dose and the level of support included. Some providers charge per pen, while others offer all-inclusive monthly pricing.

Lack of clinical support: Many medication-only providers provide minimal guidance beyond the prescription. If you’re experiencing side effects or struggling with the lifestyle changes needed to maximise your results, you might benefit from a provider with registered dietitians or nutritionists on staff.

Supply issues: Wegovy has experienced supply shortages since its UK launch. Some providers manage stock better than others, and consistent supply is crucial for maintaining your progress.

Wanting comprehensive care: Research shows that combining Wegovy with proper behavioural support leads to better outcomes. Our published research in JMIR Formative Research found that participants receiving semaglutide with comprehensive support achieved 19.1% average weight loss at 12 months.²

Poor communication: If you’re struggling to get responses from your current provider or feel unsupported when you have questions, that’s a valid reason to look elsewhere.

Before you switch: what you need to prepare

Switching providers requires some preparation to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential documentation

• Current prescription details: Your current dose (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg) and how long you’ve been on it
• Treatment history: When you started Wegovy and how you progressed through the doses
• Weight records: Your starting weight and current weight, plus any measurements if available
• Medical history: Any relevant health conditions, particularly thyroid issues, pancreatitis history, or gallbladder problems
• Side effects record: Any side effects you’ve experienced and how they were managed

Timing your switch

The most important factor is avoiding a treatment gap longer than 14 days.

If you miss Wegovy doses for more than two weeks, you may need to restart at the lowest dose (0.25 mg) and work your way back up.¹ This is because your body loses its tolerance to the medication, and jumping back to a higher dose can cause significant side effects like severe nausea and vomiting.

Plan your switch like this:

1. Take your last injection with your current provider
2. Start the application process with your new provider immediately
3. Aim to receive your new prescription within 7-10 days
4. Your next injection should be no more than 14 days after your last one

Most new providers can process your application and deliver medication within 5-7 working days, giving you a comfortable buffer.

The switching process: step by step

Here’s what the switching process typically looks like:

Step 1: Research new providers (1-2 days)

Before committing to a new provider, compare your options. Consider:

• Monthly costs at your current dose
• What’s included (medication only vs comprehensive support)
• Clinical team qualifications
• Reviews and reputation
• Supply reliability

Step 2: Complete the new provider’s assessment (1 day)

Most providers require an online health assessment. Be honest and thorough, as this protects your safety. You’ll typically need to provide:

• Basic health information
• Current medications
• Your Wegovy treatment history
• Weight and height
• Relevant medical history

Step 3: Clinical review (1-3 days)

A prescriber will review your application. They may contact you with questions or request additional information. Some providers offer video consultations; others review applications remotely.

Step 4: Prescription and delivery (2-3 days)

Once approved, your prescription is processed and medication dispatched. Most UK providers offer next-day or 2-day delivery.

Step 5: Continue treatment

Take your next injection on schedule. If you’ve timed everything correctly, you’ll continue at your current dose without interruption.

What to expect during the transition

If you switch within 14 days

You should continue at your current dose with no issues. Your weight loss progress won’t be affected, and you shouldn’t experience any additional side effects.

If there’s a gap longer than 14 days

Your new provider will likely recommend restarting at a lower dose. This isn’t ideal, but it’s necessary for your safety.

Semaglutide has a half-life of about 7 days, meaning the drug concentration in your body drops by half each week after your last injection.³ After two weeks, levels are significantly reduced, and your body needs time to readjust.

Restarting the dose escalation typically follows this pattern:

• Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg
• Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg
• Weeks 9-12: 1 mg
• Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg
• Week 17 onwards: 2.4 mg (maintenance dose)

This means a gap of more than two weeks could set you back several months in reaching your maintenance dose. That’s why planning your switch carefully is so important.

Your weight during the transition

A short gap of a few days shouldn’t significantly impact your weight. However, you may notice your appetite returning slightly as medication levels drop.

This is temporary and normal. Focus on the habits you’ve been building: eating protein-rich meals, staying hydrated, and being mindful of portion sizes.

Choosing a new Wegovy provider

When evaluating new providers, consider these factors:

Level of support

Providers generally fall into two categories:

Medication-only providers: These offer Wegovy with basic clinical oversight. You’ll receive your prescription and some general guidance, but limited ongoing support. Costs are typically lower, ranging from £99 to £240 per pen, depending on the dose.

Comprehensive programmes: These combine medication with behavioural support, often including access to dietitians, nutritionists, or health coaches. Costs are higher, but they include everything in a single monthly fee.

Research consistently shows that people who receive proper support alongside GLP-1 medications achieve better long-term results.² Without building sustainable habits, weight regain after stopping medication is common.

Clinical credentials

Check that your provider:

• Is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) if they’re a pharmacy
• Has qualified prescribers (doctors, pharmacist independent prescribers, or nurse prescribers)
• Follows appropriate clinical protocols for weight loss

Cost comparison

Wegovy pricing varies based on dose and provider. Here’s what to expect:

When comparing costs, check what’s included. A lower per-pen price may not include the support you need to succeed long-term.

Supply reliability

Ask potential providers about their supply situation. Questions to consider:

• Have they experienced recent shortages?
• What happens if your dose is unavailable?
• Do they have contingency plans for supply issues?

Common mistakes to avoid when switching

1. Leaving the switch too late

Don’t wait until you’ve taken your last pen to start looking for a new provider. Begin researching and applying at least two weeks before you need your next prescription.

2. Not disclosing your full history

Be completely honest with your new provider about your treatment history, including any side effects or concerns. This helps them provide appropriate care and avoids delays in your application.

3. Trying to stockpile medication

Some people try to order from multiple providers simultaneously to build up stock. This is both unethical and potentially dangerous, as it can lead to medication being unavailable for others and may flag you for prescription fraud.

4. Stopping medication abruptly

If you’re unhappy with your current provider, don’t just stop taking Wegovy while you sort out a new prescription. The gap could mean restarting from scratch.

5. Choosing based on price alone

The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Consider the support you’re receiving and whether you’re likely to maintain your results over the long term.

6. Not cancelling your old subscription properly

Make sure you formally cancel with your previous provider to avoid being charged for medication you won’t receive or need.

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch Wegovy providers mid-treatment?

Yes, you can switch at any point during your treatment. There’s no medical reason you need to stay with your original provider. Just ensure you time the switch to avoid a gap longer than 14 days.

Will I need to restart at a lower dose with a new provider?

Not if you switch smoothly within 14 days of your last injection. Your new provider should continue you at your current dose. However, they may ask for evidence of your treatment history.

What happens if there’s a gap in my Wegovy treatment?

If you miss doses for more than 14 days, you’ll likely need to restart at 0.25 mg and work your way back up through the dose escalation schedule.¹ This is to minimise side effects, as your body loses its tolerance to the medication.

Can I transfer my prescription to a new provider?

Private prescriptions don’t transfer between providers in the same way NHS prescriptions might. Your new provider will issue a fresh prescription based on their own clinical assessment.

How do I get my medical records from my current provider?

Under GDPR, you have the right to request your medical records. Contact your current provider’s customer service team and ask for a copy of your treatment records. They should provide this within one month.

What if my new provider wants me to restart at a lower dose even though I switched within 14 days?

This shouldn’t happen if you’ve provided accurate information about your treatment history. If a provider insists on restarting you without medical justification, ask them to explain their reasoning. You may want to consider a different provider.

Can I switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro with a new provider?

Yes, some people switch between different GLP-1 medications. This requires clinical oversight as the medications have different dosing schedules. Your new provider will assess whether this is appropriate for you.

What should I do if I experience side effects during the transition?

Contact your new provider’s clinical team. Most side effects are manageable with dietary adjustments and proper guidance. Common issues like nausea, constipation, or fatigue usually improve with time and the right support.

Is it normal to feel anxious about switching providers?

Yes, especially if you’ve had good results with your current treatment. Remember that the medication works the same way regardless of who prescribes it. What matters is choosing a provider who will support you properly.

Take home message

Switching Wegovy providers is straightforward if you plan ahead and time your transition to avoid a gap longer than 14 days.

The key steps are:

• Start researching new providers before your current prescription runs out
• Gather your treatment history and documentation
• Apply to your new provider immediately after your last injection
• Aim to receive your new prescription within 7-10 days

When choosing a new provider, consider not just the cost but the level of support available. Research shows that combining Wegovy with comprehensive behavioural support leads to significantly better outcomes than medication alone.²

References

1. Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) injection prescribing information. Available at: https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/dosing-administration/wegovy-dosing.html
2. Richards R, et al. (2025). A Remotely Delivered, Semaglutide-Supported Weight Management Program: 12-Month Outcomes From a Retrospective Service Evaluation. JMIR Formative Research, 9(1), e72577
3. Blundell J, et al. (2017). Effects of once-weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2017;19(9):1242-1251