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The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has said prescribers should not feel “pushed toward any specific medicine or dose”, following UK approval of a 7.2mg dose of Wegovy (semaglutide; Novo Nordisk).
On 11 January 2026, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) licensed the new dosage of Wegovy, which is three times higher than the previously available 2.4mg dose for weight loss.
Approval of the higher dose was based on the findings of the ‘STEP UP’ clinical trial, results of which were published in November 2025.
The findings revealed weight loss of up to 20.7% in patients on Wegovy 7.2mg who did not reached their therapeutic goals after being on the 2.4mg maintenance dose for at least four weeks.
Currently, the 7.2mg dose of Wegovy is available as three injections of 2.4mg. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk has also submitted a 7.2mg single-dose device to the MHRA that would deliver the full dose in one injection.
If approved, Novo Nordisk said the higher dose would be expected to come to market in 2026.
However, the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has raised concerns over the MHRA’s approval.
Jay Badenhorst, director of pharmacy at the PDA, told The Pharmaceutical Journal: “We are concerned about the growing pressure prescribers face during consultations, especially in areas of high public demand such as weight‑management medicines.
“The MHRA approval of a higher‑dose Wegovy could increase expectations from patients or service providers, but prescribing must always be based solely on clinical judgement and patient safety.
“Prescribers need the time, support and professional autonomy to make the right decision for each patient, without feeling pushed toward any specific medicine or dose.”
Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, also commented: “Pharmacists should remain alert to the risks associated with patients seeking higher‑strength pens or attempting to escalate doses outside their prescribed regimen.
“Ensuring robust prescribing and dispensing processes, careful checking of prescribed strengths and reinforcement of clinical guidance are essential to maintaining patient safety. Pharmacists also have a role in reminding patients never to obtain products from unregulated sources.
“Weight‑loss medicines should only be prescribed following a thorough medical consultation and used under ongoing clinical supervision. Doses are increased gradually, according to individual clinical need and tolerability, rather than patient preference,” she added.
Graham Thoms, chief executive of pharmacy weight-loss service provider Pharmadoctor, said the company was currently reviewing the new licence and deciding whether to update its weight management service to provide it.
However, he told The Pharmaceutical Journal: “I suspect the requirement to purchase three pens of Wegovy 2.4mg would be price prohibitive for most patients.”
Sehar Shahid, member of the National Pharmacy Association board, who operates a weight-loss clinic, said: “Some patients may be inclined to purchase the 7.2mg dose if it’s more cost effective than purchasing a 3 months supply of 2.4mg, so we’ll need to manage the risk of not using as prescribed.
“This is a significant increase in the dose strength for Wegovy, so patients need to be supported correctly on side effects and pharmacists must make sure to supply only to people for whom this much higher dose is clinically appropriate,” she added.
The 2.4mg dose currently costs around £200 per pen. Online pharmacy MedExpress currently lists the 2.4mg dose at £199.99; however, its website states that a 7.2mg dose at £279.99 is “coming soon”.
Another online provider, Juniper, told patients in a blog post published in December 2025: “Wegovy 7.2mg now delivers weight-loss outcomes (20.7%) almost identical to Mounjaro 15mg (20.9%), making it a cost-effective alternative amid rising Mounjaro prices.”
Mounjaro (semaglutide; Eli Lilly) list prices increased from 1 September 2025 for private prescriptions in the UK, which caused many patients to switch to Wegovy or alternatives.
On 14 January 2026, the General Pharmaceutical Council published an updated inspection framework, including specific guidance relating to weight-loss medications, online pharmacies, prescribing and incentives.
