wegovy pill

TL;DR:

FDA approved the Wegovy pill on 22 December 2025.
U.S. pharmacies began stocking it on 5 January 2026.
Trials show about 16% weight loss at 64 weeks with diet and exercise.
Self-pay starts near $149 per month in the U.S., with insurance support for many.
UK and EU decisions are pending in 2026.

The FDA approved the first Wegovy pill on 22 December 2025. Novo Nordisk began broad U.S. availability on 5 January 2026. This is the first oral GLP-1 medicine approved for weight loss in adults, moving a popular therapy from a weekly shot to a daily tablet.

Novo Nordisk and major pharmacy and telehealth partners say the pill is on shelves nationwide, including CVS and Costco, and through platforms like Ro and WeightWatchers’ Med+. The company positions the pill as an easier on-ramp for people who avoid injections.

How the Wegovy pill works

The pill contains semaglutide. It activates GLP-1 receptors that help control appetite and reduce hunger. The oral tablet uses an absorption enhancer so the drug can be taken by mouth.

Efficacy in trials

In the OASIS program, oral semaglutide 25 mg once daily led to about 16.6% mean weight loss at 64 weeks in adherent adults without diabetes, combined with diet and exercise. A third of adherent participants lost at least 20% of body weight.

The FDA label notes that average drug exposure with the 25 mg pill in people without diabetes is similar to the 2.4 mg weekly injection, though variability is higher with the pill. This helps explain why daily instructions matter.

Who is it for

In the U.S., the pill is approved for adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition, used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is also indicated to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease.

Dosing and how to take it

The branded pill is a once-daily tablet taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water. Absorption improves when you wait before food or other medicines.

Checklist: taking the Wegovy pill

Take once daily after an overnight fast.
Swallow with about 50 to 120 mL water.
Wait after dosing before eating, drinking, or taking other pills.
Be consistent with timing.
If you miss a dose, follow the patient guide or ask your clinician.

The FDA label explains that taking the pill with less water and allowing a longer post-dose fasting period increased absorption in studies. Your clinician will start and adjust your dose. If you do not tolerate the pill or do not get the desired effect, switching to the injection is an option.

Safety and side effects

Common effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These are often mild to moderate and ease with time. Serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues from dehydration, and rare hypoglycemia, especially with certain diabetes drugs. People with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 should not use semaglutide. Read the Medication Guide and speak with a clinician before starting.

Drug and disease cautions

Semaglutide slows stomach emptying, which can affect how other oral drugs are absorbed. The label also discusses diabetic retinopathy signals in some trials. Tell your care team all medicines and your eye history.

Price, coverage, and access

Novo Nordisk and several outlets report self-pay pricing that starts near $149 per month for lower doses, with higher doses up to about $299 per month. Many insured patients may pay less with savings programs. Availability includes large chains and telehealth providers. Check your pharmacy benefits and any prior authorization rules.

If you need help starting, Novo Nordisk lists coverage resources and program details on the official Wegovy site and partner pages.

Pill vs injection

Convenience: A daily pill removes needles, which many prefer.
Consistency: The pill requires daily adherence and fasting rules. The injection is weekly, which some find easier.
Exposure: In people without diabetes, average blood levels are comparable across the 25 mg pill and 2.4 mg weekly shot, but pill exposure varies more. In people with type 2 diabetes, average exposure is lower with the pill, so some may need the injection to get the same effect.

How it compares to rivals

Eli Lilly’s injectable tirzepatide products compete head-to-head with Wegovy injections. Lilly and others are developing their own pills. The U.S. launch of an oral GLP-1 raises competitive pressure and could pull prices down over time.

Global rollout and what’s next

As of 6 January 2026, only the U.S. has approved the Wegovy pill. The UK regulator says it is reviewing Novo Nordisk’s 25 mg oral submission and expects a decision by the end of 2026. EU filings are also under review. Timelines depend on each agency and local supply.

EU regulators recently backed a higher 7.2 mg Wegovy injection dose, with a final decision pending. Oral approval paths in Europe and the UK are separate. Watch for supply updates and local coverage rules if you are outside the U.S.

Practical tips before you start

Check your BMI and any weight-related conditions with a clinician.
Review your medicines, including thyroid pills, since semaglutide can change absorption.
Discuss contraception and pregnancy plans.
Plan for diet, movement, and sleep changes.
Set up reminders, pill organizers, or calendar alerts for daily dosing.

Small starter plan

Week 1 to 2, focus on hydration and protein at each meal. Track nausea triggers.
Week 3 to 4, add two 20-minute brisk walks or equivalent.
Week 5+, add resistance work two days per week. Adjust with your clinician’s advice.

Common mistakes to avoid

Eating too soon after the pill. Wait as directed to improve absorption.
Stopping early due to mild nausea. Ask about dose adjustments first.
Mixing with other weight loss pills without medical advice.
Buying from social media or unlicensed sellers. Counterfeits are a real risk.

Why it matters

Moving Wegovy to a pill lowers a big barrier, giving more people access to an effective, guideline-backed tool. It could speed treatment starts, widen adherence, and create new coverage options. For countries outside the U.S., the oral option may expand supply and choice once regulators finish their reviews.