Semaglutide
Also known as Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. Unlike most compounds on this page it is a fully approved, licensed medicine, sold in the UK under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. It is a prescription-only medicine and can be supplied legally only against a prescription, through a pharmacy.
Where to get it
Prescription-only medicine
Semaglutide is a licensed prescription-only medicine in the UK. The legal route is a prescriber and a registered pharmacy, so we do not list research suppliers for it.
What it has been studied for
- Large randomised controlled trials in type 2 diabetes
- Randomised trials in weight management
- Cardiovascular outcome trials
- Long-term safety across multi-year follow-up
Evidence level: Human trials. Human data exists, but read the details above before assuming it applies to you.
What happened in human trials
In the main weight trial (STEP 1), 44% had nausea, 32% diarrhoea and 25% vomiting, against 17%, 16% and 7% on placebo. 7% stopped because of side effects. Gallbladder problems and, very rarely, a sudden loss of sight in one eye (NAION) are recorded. Around 40% of the weight lost was lean tissue, including muscle.
UK legal status
Prescription-only medicine. It is unlawful to supply it without a prescription, and unlawful to advertise a prescription-only medicine to the public. Obtaining it outside the pharmacy system means no prescriber oversight and no guarantee of what is in the vial.
Handling
Licensed product is supplied in a manufactured pen, already in solution, with the dosing mechanism built in. It is not reconstituted and does not require a separate dosing pen. Refrigerated before first use. Supplied as a pre-filled licensed pen, not a vial.
Questions
Can I buy semaglutide without a prescription in the UK?
No. It is a prescription-only medicine. Legal supply runs through a prescriber and a registered pharmacy. Anything sold outside that route is being supplied unlawfully, and there is no assurance of its contents.
Do I need a dosing pen for semaglutide?
No. Licensed semaglutide comes in a manufactured pen with the dose mechanism built in. Refillable pens and 3ml cartridges are not used with the licensed product.
Why is this page here if you cannot help me get it?
Because it is one of the most searched compounds in this field and the honest answer is worth stating: it is a real, well-evidenced, licensed medicine, and the route to it is a doctor. We sell equipment and we are not a pharmacy.
Before you buy anything, run the four-question check for red flags that apply to you.