What’s the process for getting a new Wegovy prescription if you run out?

Contact your clinic or GP well before the final dose in your pen so there’s time to process repeats and navigate any supply constraints. Pharmacies may need to order specific strengths, so keep a one-week buffer where possible. Don’t swap products yourself; your prescriber will confirm the correct pen strength and timing so your weekly schedule stays continuous. Pathways for repeats can differ slightly between England, Scotland, and Wales — your team will advise the local route.

Planning ahead for repeat prescriptions

NICE TA875 and NHS England’s 2025 weight-management framework both stress the importance of planning ahead to maintain steady access to Wegovy (semaglutide). Because each pen contains several weeks of doses, it’s easy to underestimate how long supply and authorisation steps take. Most NHS and SMC services recommend requesting a new prescription when you have at least one week of medicine remaining. This gives your prescriber time to review progress, confirm the next dose stage, and allow the pharmacy to order stock if needed. Unlike daily medicines, Wegovy supply can be affected by distribution schedules, so early requests help avoid gaps.

How repeat prescriptions are approved

In the UK, Wegovy can only be continued through approved NHS weight-management services or qualified private clinics following NICE TA875. Each repeat prescription requires a quick clinical review to confirm that treatment remains appropriate. This review usually checks:

• Tolerability: how well you’ve handled the most recent dose step.

• Effectiveness: weight trend and appetite control.

• Safety: blood pressure, pulse, and any side effects.

These checks are designed to make sure the medicine is working safely and effectively, not to create delay. Once the prescriber confirms that the plan is stable, a new prescription is sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy.

What to do if supply is delayed

Occasionally, pharmacies face temporary stock shortages for certain strengths, particularly 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg pens. MHRA and NHS alerts have noted this risk during periods of high demand. If your local pharmacy cannot fulfil the prescription immediately, they can usually order it within a few days or suggest an alternative branch. NHS advice is not to switch to another GLP-1 medicine on your own, as formulations differ. Always check with your clinician before making changes, especially if you are mid-escalation on the dose ladder.

If you are likely to run short before the next pen arrives, contact your clinic — they can advise whether to delay your next injection or issue a short-term alternative. The general rule is not to double up or use leftover pens from older strengths. NICE TA875 recommends following the established weekly interval even if a dose is missed, resuming as soon as the correct pen becomes available.

Differences across UK nations

While clinical guidance is consistent, prescription routes vary slightly between England, Scotland, and Wales.

• England: Wegovy is commissioned through NHS specialist weight-management services under local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). Repeat prescriptions are issued after review, usually electronically through the GP or hospital team.

• Scotland: The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) approved Wegovy with similar criteria, but some health boards distribute it through hospital outpatient clinics.

• Wales: The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) and AWTTC allow repeat supplies via secondary care or shared-care agreements.

These regional differences affect where repeat requests are processed, not whether patients can continue treatment. Your clinical team will explain the local pathway when you start.

Tips for smooth renewals

Keeping your medication schedule consistent is easier with a few simple habits:

• Mark your final dose date on the pen carton or in your phone calendar.

• Request repeats early, ideally when one full dose remains.

• Check local pharmacy stock ahead of time, especially when changing strengths.

• Keep records of dose dates and batch numbers in your logbook.

Some people have found it helpful to set a reminder on the same day they inject — this prevents forgetting until the last week. NHS pharmacists often advise storing your last empty pen as a prompt to order the next one.

How follow-up fits into repeat authorisation

Repeat prescriptions are linked to follow-up reviews. NICE and NHS frameworks require periodic assessments — usually every three to four months — before issuing the next supply. At these appointments, clinicians confirm progress, review side effects, and decide whether the current dose should continue or be adjusted. If progress is good, prescriptions may be renewed for several pens at a time. If concerns arise, the prescriber can delay escalation or request further monitoring. This process ensures safety and maintains access to treatment for those showing meaningful benefit.

If you move or change providers

When transferring between clinics, always inform both your old and new teams before your current supply runs out. NICE TA875 notes that prescription continuity requires shared documentation of start date, dose level, and recent review findings. Bringing your injection log and pen label helps the new team resume treatment quickly. NHS electronic records usually transfer within a few days, but keeping copies of your most recent notes prevents unnecessary gaps.

What to avoid

Do not try to extend a pen’s life beyond its expiry or six-week in-use period. MHRA safety guidance states that medicine stored too long or at incorrect temperatures can lose potency. Avoid purchasing pens from unverified online sources — counterfeit or improperly stored products pose serious health risks. Only your prescribing service or registered pharmacy can confirm authenticity.

The essential point

Request your new Wegovy prescription early — ideally when one weekly dose remains. Each repeat requires a short clinical review, and supply times can vary between regions. Never swap pens or products without professional advice. NICE, NHS, MHRA, and SMC guidance all agree: forward planning and consistent contact with your clinic keep treatment continuous, safe, and effective.