How to handle Wegovy if you switch healthcare providers

Ask for a medication summary with your start date, current dose, side-effect history, and any dose holds, and bring your pen and leaflet to the first appointment. Arrange the next prescription early so there’s no gap while records transfer. Pathways differ slightly between England, Scotland, and Wales, so your new team will confirm eligibility and timing locally. Keep your injection log — it speeds up safe continuity.

Why communication matters

Wegovy (semaglutide) requires structured follow-up, so good handover prevents gaps or dosing errors. NICE TA875 and NHS commissioning guidance both stress that ongoing weight-management support is part of treatment. When changing GP surgeries or moving between NHS and private care, clear records help your new clinician confirm when treatment began, your current dose, and any side-effect history. Even brief confusion about escalation can lead to restarts or side-effect flare-ups.

What to request before leaving

Ask for a short treatment summary listing:

• Start date and current dose.

  
  

• Any side effects or pauses.

  
  

• Current weight or BMI and latest review date.

  
  

Also request your prescription record and the last clinic letter. Having these avoids duplicate assessments and ensures your new provider continues seamlessly. For moves abroad, keep a printed copy of your last prescription and the carton label to confirm the formulation.

Avoiding dosing gaps

Wegovy depends on weekly, consistent injections. NICE TA875 notes that breaks longer than five weeks may require restarting at a lower dose. Before you relocate, confirm how your next supply will be issued. Within the UK, your new GP or weight-management service can continue prescribing once your digital record arrives through the GP2GP transfer system. For private-to-NHS switches, eligibility must be reconfirmed under NICE criteria before a new prescription is issued.

Regional differences

England commissions Wegovy through specialist NHS weight-management services under integrated-care boards. Scotland and Wales follow similar rules via SMC and AWTTC but may vary start dates or clinic capacity. Keeping your paperwork ensures your new provider can align you quickly with local protocols.

What to bring to your first appointment

Bring your current pen (even if empty), the leaflet, your injection log, and any clinic letters. Clinicians will confirm your dose, review recent side effects, and check diet and activity goals. This single visit usually re-establishes prescribing safely without restarting the whole escalation schedule.

Common pitfalls

Delays typically stem from missing records or uncertainty about dose stage. Some people assume any GP can issue Wegovy immediately, but NICE requires initiation and continuation within accredited weight-management services. Another error is restarting too high after a long gap. Clinicians generally repeat lower steps if more than five weeks have passed to reduce nausea risk. MHRA safety guidance supports this cautious approach.

Role of pharmacists and digital systems

Pharmacists can verify your last dispense date and alert clinicians if you’re due for review. Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) and Summary Care Record (SCR) links allow quick access to recent data. If transfer takes longer than expected, your injection log or a photo of your last pen label helps bridge information gaps. NHS-endorsed tracking apps can also remind you when to reorder pens.

Switching between NHS and private care

If you began privately, your NHS provider must confirm you still meet NICE TA875 eligibility — usually a qualifying BMI with related health factors. NHS clinics can’t automatically continue a private prescription without assessment. Moving the other way is simpler but still requires sharing recent dosing and review notes. Always confirm your new clinic participates in official data reporting so your results remain traceable under UK pharmacovigilance rules.

Keeping your own log

Personal records remain invaluable. Note each dose date, amount, and any side effects. NICE and NHS frameworks both highlight that self-tracking speeds up verification and supports safe follow-up. Many patients use their phone calendar or photo logs of pen boxes to avoid confusion during provider changes.

If a dose is missed during transfer

If your next injection is delayed fewer than five days, take it as soon as possible and resume the usual weekly schedule. If more than five days late, skip it and inject at the normal time next week — never double up. Breaks over five weeks should be reviewed before restarting, as re-titration may be necessary.

Understanding your rights

Under UK data-protection law and the NHS Constitution, you can request and share copies of your health records at any time. This includes electronic summaries, discharge letters, and prescription histories. When moving abroad, request a “fit-to-travel” or medication summary letter in English so overseas clinicians can verify your treatment.

Putting it all together

Switching providers during Wegovy treatment is straightforward with clear records and early planning. Obtain your summary, arrange the next supply before moving, and bring your pen and log to your new appointment. Knowing local commissioning differences helps avoid surprises, but the principles are universal: accurate information, consistent timing, and open communication keep treatment safe and uninterrupted. NICE, NHS, and MHRA guidance all reinforce the same message — continuity of care protects both progress and confidence.