Jump to: Was Ozempic prescribed inappropriately? | How do you get an Ozempic prescription? | Are there other weight-loss injections available to buy in the UK? | Is it safe to order weight-loss injections online? | Why should I buy Wegovy from Second Nature?
As of 2024, Ozempic is no longer available in the UK as a weight-loss injection. The UK Government has placed restrictions on prescribing Ozempic for weight loss after shortages meant people living with type 2 diabetes were unable to get prescribed the drug.
Instead, the same drug (semaglutide) has been approved for weight loss under the brand name ‘Wegovy’.
In 2024, a new weight-loss drug called Mounjaro (tirzepatide) also launched. Second Nature has both a Wegovy weight-loss programme and also a Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
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Was Ozempic prescribed inappropriately in 2023?
In 2023, an investigation by The Guardian found that some online retailers were prescribing Ozempic for people with a ‘healthy’ BMI who were looking to slim down.
The investigation found that some online prescription forms were easy to bypass, with reporters simply lying about their BMI to obtain the prescription.
There was one instance where a reporter obtained a prescription despite entering a healthy BMI of 20 on their application.
Off-label use of medications is considered quite normal under the appropriate circumstances. If a healthcare professional or pharmacist believes that a patient will benefit by using a medication outside its approved use, this is OK.
The issue with Ozempic seemed to be due to the unprecedented demand for the weight-loss jab made famous by online forums reporting its weight-loss benefit and various celebrities touting its use.
How do you get an Ozempic prescription in the UK?
To receive an Ozempic prescription in the UK, here are some of the criteria you need to meet:
- Have poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
- Treatment with metformin is considered inappropriate
- Have a BMI of 30 or over
- Have no diagnosis or family history of thyroid cancer
- Have no diagnosis or family history of pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis
Ozempic is no longer prescribed for individuals looking to lose weight who don’t have type 2 diabetes.
Are there other weight-loss injections available to buy in the UK?
The two main alternatives are Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Wegovy is the same drug as Ozempic but is available in higher doses and approved for weight loss, unlike Ozempic, which is only approved for type 2 diabetes.
Mounjaro has been approved for weight loss, and broadly the current clinical trials have shown better results than Wegovy.
Is it safe to order a Wegovy or Mounjaro prescription online?
All online prescribers have to follow strict regulations in the UK to provide medications for delivery.
All pharmacies in Great Britain, including those providing internet services, must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and meet their standards for registered pharmacies.
Prescribers may partner with providers like Second Nature to distribute their products.
All partners must follow strict regulations and have sufficient insurance coverage to advertise and sell medication.
However, illegal websites do operate beyond these regulations; here are some tips to ensure you’re buying prescription medicines from reliable sources:
- If you’re purchasing your medication through a prescriber’s partner, like Second Nature, make sure the prescribing pharmacy information is provided
- Be wary of online pharmacies that offer prescription drugs without a prescription or at a significantly lower price than other pharmacies
- Check if the online pharmacy is licensed and located in the United Kingdom
- Make sure that the online pharmacy has a licensed pharmacist available to answer your questions
Why should I buy Wegovy or Mounjaro from Second Nature?
Second Nature currently provides Mounjaro as part of our Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
Why should you choose Second Nature over other medication providers if you’ve decided to try Mounjaro (assuming you’re eligible)?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programmes focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.
