Key facts about Foundayo
What is Foundayo?
Foundayo is the brand name medication for the drug orforglipron. It is a once-daily small molecule (non-peptide) oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist available as an oral tablet. It was FDA-approved on April 1, 2026 and is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.
What dosages is Foundayo available in?
Foundayo is available as 0.8 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg, and 17.2 mg oral tablets. Treatment is typically initiated at a lower dose and titrated upward over time as directed by your healthcare provider.
What is Foundayo used for?
Foundayo is indicated for adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), or adults who are overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) and also have at least one weight-related medical problem such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease, to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term. It should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How does Foundayo work?
Foundayo works by activating GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors in the body. As a once-daily oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, it mimics the action of the naturally occurring incretin hormone GLP-1, which is released after eating. By activating GLP-1 receptors, Foundayo helps reduce appetite and food intake, slows stomach emptying, and promotes a feeling of fullness, all of which contribute to weight loss over time. Unlike peptide-based GLP-1 drugs (such as injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide), orforglipron is a non-peptide small molecule that is fully absorbed orally without requiring fasting or specific fluid restrictions.
How do I take Foundayo?
Foundayo is taken by mouth once a day, at any time of day, with or without food — there are no food or water restrictions. Swallow tablets whole; do not break, crush, or chew them. Take exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but do not take 2 doses in the same day. If you miss 7 or more consecutive days, contact your healthcare provider before restarting. Treatment should always be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Is it safe for me to take Foundayo?
Foundayo is a safe and effective treatment when used for its FDA-approved indication. However, like all medications, it may cause unwanted side effects. Always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable for you.
Do not use Foundayo if you or any family member have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you have had a serious allergic reaction to orforglipron.
Foundayo should not be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Foundayo is safe and effective for use in children. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of pancreatitis, kidney or liver problems, gastroparesis, diabetic retinopathy, or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Foundayo Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Foundayo include:
- nausea
- constipation
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- indigestion
- stomach (abdominal) pain
- headache
- swollen belly
- feeling tired
- belching
- heartburn
- gas
- hair loss
Foundayo Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are less common but can occur with Foundayo. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Thyroid tumors including thyroid cancer: Watch for a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Severe stomach pain that will not go away, with or without nausea or vomiting.
- Severe stomach problems: Stomach problems that are severe or will not go away.
- Dehydration and kidney problems: Caused by diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Drink fluids to reduce risk.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Risk is higher if used alongside insulin or sulfonylurea medicines. Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, confusion, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
Serious allergic reactions:
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; severe rash; fainting; very rapid heartbeat.
- Changes in vision (in patients with type 2 diabetes).
- Gallbladder problems: Pain in the upper abdomen, fever, jaundice, or clay-colored stools.
- Aspiration risk: Increased chance of food or liquid entering the lungs during surgery or procedures using anaesthesia or deep sedation.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Foundayo
Foundayo may affect the way some medicines work, and some medicines may affect the way Foundayo works. Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Key interactions to be aware of:
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): Foundayo may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills. An alternative or additional method of contraception should be used for 30 days after starting Foundayo and for 30 days after each dose increase.
- Insulin and sulfonylureas: Concomitant use may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dose of these medicines.
- Other GLP-1 receptor agonists: Foundayo should not be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines (e.g., semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide).
Who makes Foundayo?
Eli Lilly and Company
Is Foundayo safe in pregnancy?
Foundayo is not recommended during pregnancy. Foundayo may harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Foundayo, contact your healthcare provider immediately. A Pregnancy Exposure Registry exists for women who take Foundayo during pregnancy — you can enrol by contacting Eli Lilly at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).
Breastfeeding is also not recommended during treatment with Foundayo, as it is not known whether orforglipron passes into breast milk or its effects on a nursing infant.
