Wegovy® delivery update in the UK: what patients need to know
A recent update from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) changes how Wegovy® (semaglutide) FlexTouch® pens can be transported to patients across the UK.
This is particularly relevant for those receiving treatment via online pharmacies or home delivery services.
What has changed?
Historically, Wegovy® required strict cold chain transport (2°C–8°C) throughout delivery.
Following regulatory approval from the MHRA, and earlier alignment with the European Medicines Agency, pharmacies can now:
Deliver Wegovy® at temperatures up to 30°C
For a maximum of 48 hours during transit
This flexibility applies only to the delivery stage, from pharmacy to patient.
Wegovy® is currently the first GLP-1 weight management treatment in the UK with this level of delivery allowance.
What this means in practice
1. Your delivery may not arrive cold
Your Wegovy® package may:
Arrive cool, at room temperature, or slightly warm
Not include ice packs
This is expected and remains safe, provided that:
The temperature has not exceeded 30°C
Delivery has occurred within a 48-hour window
A non-refrigerated delivery alone is not a cause for concern.
2. Understanding the 6-week room temperature window
Wegovy® can be stored:
In a refrigerator (2°C–8°C) before use
At room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 6 weeks after use has started
Importantly:
The 6-week period does not begin during delivery
It begins when:
You remove the pen from refrigeration for use, or
You intentionally store it at room temperature
3. What to do when your medication arrives
On receipt of your delivery:
Check that:
Packaging is intact
The pen is not excessively hot
There are no signs of leakage or damage
Then:
Store in the fridge (2°C–8°C) if not starting treatment immediately
Or keep below 30°C if already in use
When to contact your pharmacy
You should seek advice if:
The package feels excessively hot (particularly if exposure above 30°C is suspected)
Delivery has been significantly delayed beyond 48 hours
The medication appears unusual (e.g. cloudy, discoloured, or damaged)
It is not necessary to raise concerns solely because the medication was not cold on arrival.
Why this update has been introduced
This change supports:
More reliable home delivery
Reduced risk of failed or delayed shipments
Lower packaging requirements, including reduced use of ice packs
Improved access to treatment through distance-selling pharmacies
Important safety information
Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only medicine used within a clinically supervised weight management programme, alongside appropriate lifestyle support. Treatment should always be guided by a qualified healthcare professional.
Key points
Wegovy® can now be transported at up to 30°C for up to 48 hours
Refrigeration is not required during delivery
The 6-week room temperature period begins after use starts
A non-cold delivery is expected under current MHRA guidance
This is only applicable during the medication delivery phase
If you would like to learn more about Wegovy please click here.
