If you have been interested in Wegovy for weight loss but hesitant about self-injecting, there is now an alternative. Oral Wegovy (semaglutide tablets) received FDA approval in December 2025, making it the first GLP-1 medication in pill form approved specifically for weight management.
The Wegovy pill contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy injections (semaglutide) but is taken as a daily tablet rather than a weekly injection. Clinical trials demonstrate comparable weight loss results, offering a genuine needle-free option for patients who prefer oral medication.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Now available in US: The Wegovy pill launched on 5 January 2026, following FDA approval on 22 December 2025
- First of its kind: Wegovy tablets are the first oral semaglutide GLP-1 medication approved specifically for weight loss
- Proven effectiveness: Clinical trials show 13.6% average weight loss over 64 weeks
- Daily dosing: Take one pill each morning on an empty stomach, instead of weekly injections
- Four dose strengths: Available in 1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg and 25mg tablets
What is the Wegovy Pill?
The Wegovy pill is an oral formulation of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 22 December 2025 for the following indications:
- Chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher)
- Weight management in adults with overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher) who have at least one weight-related health condition
- Cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with established heart disease and either obesity or overweight
How Does the Wegovy Pill Work?
Oral Wegovy works identically to injectable Wegovy because both contain the same active ingredient: semaglutide. This medication mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that regulates appetite and food intake.
You can check Wegovy Pill v Wegovy Injection on the NowPatient Weight Loss Eligibility page.
The Science Behind Semaglutide
When you take the Wegovy pill, semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors throughout your body, producing several effects that support weight loss:
- Reduces appetite: Signals to the brain create feelings of fullness and reduce hunger
- Slows gastric emptying: Food moves more slowly through your stomach, helping you feel satisfied longer
- Improves blood sugar control: Stimulates insulin release and reduces glucagon secretion
- Reduces food cravings: May decrease reward-related eating and cravings for high-calorie foods
How Effective is the Wegovy Pill?
The Wegovy pill has demonstrated significant weight loss results in clinical trials. The primary evidence comes from the OASIS 4 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
OASIS 4 Clinical Trial Results (64 weeks)
| Outcome Measure | Wegovy Pill 25mg | Placebo |
| Average weight loss | 13.6% | 2.2% |
| Patients losing 5% or more | 76% | 31% |
| Patients losing 10% or more | 60% | 14% |
| Patients losing 15% or more | 47% | 6% |
| Patients losing 20% or more | 28% | 3% |
For someone weighing 100kg (220lbs), an average weight loss of 13.6% equals approximately 13.6kg (30lbs or 2 stone 2lbs).
Wegovy Pill vs Wegovy Injection
Both oral and injectable Wegovy contain semaglutide and produce clinically significant weight loss. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference and practical considerations.
| Feature | Wegovy Pill | Wegovy Injection |
| Administration | Daily tablet | Weekly injection |
| Average weight loss | 13.6% (64 weeks) | 14.9% (68 weeks) |
| Maximum dose | 25mg daily | 2.4mg weekly |
| Needle required | No | Yes (pre-filled pen) |
| Storage | Room temperature | Refrigerated (2-8°C) |
| Fasting required | Yes – 30 min before food | No |
When to Choose the Wegovy Pill
- You have a fear of needles (trypanophobia) or needle aversion
- You travel frequently and refrigeration is impractical
- You prefer daily medication routines to weekly ones
- You want to avoid potential injection site reactions
Wegovy Pill Dosing Schedule
Like injectable Wegovy, oral Wegovy follows a gradual dose escalation schedule. This approach helps minimise side effects by allowing your body to adjust to the medication.
| Phase | Dose | Duration | Tablet |
| Month 1 | 1.5mg once daily | 4 weeks | White, round |
| Month 2 | 4mg once daily | 4 weeks | White, round |
| Month 3 | 9mg once daily | 4 weeks | White, round |
| Month 4+ | 25mg once daily | Maintenance | White, oval |
How to Take the Wegovy Pill Correctly
Taking oral Wegovy correctly is essential for the medication to work effectively. The tablet must be taken under specific conditions to ensure proper absorption.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Take first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (at least 6 hours after your last food or drink)
- Swallow whole with a small sip of water – no more than 120ml (4oz or half a glass)
- Do not crush, chew, break or dissolve the tablet
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else, or taking other oral medications
- Store tablets in their original bottle at room temperature (below 30°C)
IMPORTANT: Why the 30-Minute Wait Matters
The Wegovy pill uses special technology called SNAC (salcaprozate sodium). SNAC is like a protective escort that shields the drug from your stomach’s defences just long enough for a small amount of semaglutide to slip through into your bloodstream. It’s not perfect, but it’s clever enough to turn an injection into a daily pill.
Wegovy Pill Side Effects
The side effects of oral Wegovy are similar to those experienced with injectable Wegovy. Most are gastrointestinal in nature and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
Common Side Effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach (abdominal) pain
- Headache
- Fatigue (tiredness)
Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)
- Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to your back
- Gallbladder problems: Upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
- Severe allergic reaction: Rash, itching, swelling of face/tongue, difficulty breathing
Wegovy Pill Cost & Availability
US Pricing (as of January 2026)
| Dose | Monthly Cost (Without Insurance) |
| 1.5mg (starter dose) | $149/month |
| 4mg | $149/month (until April 2026, then $199) |
| 9mg | $299/month |
| 25mg (maintenance dose) | $299/month |
With commercial insurance coverage, patients may pay as little as $25 per month through Novo Nordisk’s savings programme. You can check your eligibility for Wegovy Pills Drug Coupon on the NowPatient Copay & Drug Coupon page.
There is currently no Patient Assistance Program available for Wegovy Pills.
UK Availability
The Wegovy pill is not yet approved in the UK. Novo Nordisk has submitted oral semaglutide for obesity to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), with a decision expected in 2026. NowPatient will update patients when UK availability is confirmed.
Who Can Take the Wegovy Pill?
The Wegovy pill is approved for adults who meet specific clinical criteria. You may be eligible if you have:
- Obesity: BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher
- Overweight with comorbidities: BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea)
Who Should NOT Take Wegovy Pills
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Known allergy to semaglutide or any ingredient in Wegovy tablets
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding – stop Wegovy at least 2 months before planned pregnancy
- Under 18 years of age (oral Wegovy is not approved for paediatric use)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wegovy available as a pill?
Yes, the Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide) was FDA-approved on 22 December 2025 and became available in pharmacies on 5 January 2026. It is the first oral GLP-1 medication approved specifically for weight loss.
How much weight can you lose on the Wegovy pill?
Clinical trials showed that patients taking the 25mg Wegovy pill daily lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight over 64 weeks. For someone weighing 100kg (220lbs), this equals approximately 13.6kg (30lbs) of weight loss.
How much does the Wegovy pill cost?
In the US, the Wegovy pill costs $149-$299 per month depending on dosage without insurance. The starter dose (1.5mg) costs $149/month, while the maximum dose (25mg) costs $299/month. With insurance, patients may pay as little as $25/month.
Is the Wegovy pill as effective as injections?
The Wegovy pill produces similar weight loss to injections. The 25mg daily pill achieved 13.6% weight loss in trials, compared to 14.9% with 2.4mg weekly injections – a difference of only 1.3 percentage points.
Can I switch from Wegovy injections to the pill?
Yes, you can switch from injectable Wegovy to the pill. If you are currently taking Wegovy 2.4mg injections, you would stop the injection and start the 25mg pill one week later. Always consult your prescriber before making any changes.
When will the Wegovy pill be available in the UK?
Novo Nordisk has submitted oral semaglutide for obesity to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A decision is expected in 2026. NowPatient will notify registered patients when UK availability is confirmed.
References
- Wharton S, Lingvay I, Bogdanski P, et al. Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2025;393:1077-1087.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Highlights of Prescribing Information: Wegovy (semaglutide) tablets. December 2025.
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989-1002.
- Novo Nordisk. Wegovy pill, the first and only oral GLP-1 for weight loss in adults, now broadly available. Press Release. January 2026.
- Knop FK, Aroda VR, do Vale RD, et al. Oral semaglutide 50 mg taken once per day in adults with overweight or obesity (OASIS 1). Lancet. 2023;402:705-719.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
