Two groups set to qualify for new Wegovy weight loss pills on NHS

Two groups set to qualify for new Wegovy weight loss pills on NHS The pills could be offered as an alternative to weight loss injections Two groups of people in the UK could be eligible for an innovative weight loss treatment. Those who qualify may be able to get Wegovy in the form of a pill rather than an injection. The UK's first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss and weight management was given the green light by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on June 11. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring gut hormone that controls blood sugar levels and appetite. The use of GLP-1 inhibitors, or receptor agonists, has soared in popularity in recent years due to their demonstrated effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and aiding weight loss. Available in injectable form, some of these medications can be prescribed via the NHS. However, this update means that patients will be able to take a tablet rather than get an injection. According to an update on GOV.UK , two groups of people could be eligible for the pill. These include adults in the UK who are: - Living with obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above - Or those who are overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related comorbidity Your BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters squared). You can use the online NHS BMI calculator here. However, while this tablet is approved for use in the UK, it is not available currently via the NHS. As with all new treatments, decisions on NHS use will follow established processes, including an evaluation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The initial dose for the semaglutide tablet will be 1.5 mg once daily, stepping up to 4 mg, 9 mg and 25 mg with a minimum duration of one month at each dose level. Patients currently being treated privately with a 2.4 mg semaglutide injection once weekly can be switched directly to semaglutide 25 mg tablets once daily. Julian Beach, executive director of healthcare quality and access at the MHRA, commented: "Having met the MHRA's rigorous standards of safety, quality and effectiveness, the semaglutide tablet has been approved in the UK for weight loss and weight management. As with all GLP-1 receptor agonists, this is a prescription-only medication." The most frequently reported side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting. According to GOV.UK, the MHRA keeps the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide under close review. Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing a side effect from this medication has been urged to speak to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either via the website here or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.