FDA Approves Oral Wegovy for Weight Loss
Novo Nordisk announced the FDA's approval of its oral Wegovy pill, an oral semaglutide medication, in a news release.
The oral Wegovy pill is considered a potential game-changer in weight-loss treatments, offering a more accessible form that is cheaper to produce and doesn't require refrigeration. It's also suitable for individuals who cannot or prefer not to take GLP-1 medications via injection, which is currently the most common method.
According to Novo Nordisk, a 64-week clinical trial involving over 300 participants indicated that individuals with obesity or overweight who took the oral Wegovy pill once daily experienced an average weight loss of 16.6% of their body weight among those who completed the trial. This is a similar result to those who took the injectable form of Wegovy, launched in 2021, on a weekly basis.
The trial also revealed that individuals taking the pill experienced similar side effects to those on injectables, including gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Novo Nordisk competitor Eli Lilly is also developing its version of a GLP-1 pill, orforglipron, and is also expected to be approved by the FDA.
Who is Wegovy For?
The oral Wegovy pill is expected to be prescribed to individuals who are overweight and those with obesity, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 or higher.
According to the CDC, obesity is a chronic condition affecting 1 in 5 children and 2 in 5 adults in the U.S.
Typically, the oral Wegovy pill is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Health tracking apps like Shotlee can help monitor progress.
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In certain instances, Wegovy may also be prescribed to specific patients to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Dosage and Switching Information
According to Novo Nordisk, some individuals already using Wegovy 2.4 mg injections may be able to switch to taking the 25 mg daily Wegovy pill after stopping use and starting the pill a week later.
Individuals taking the 25 mg Wegovy tablet can also switch to Wegovy injectables by starting a weekly dose the day after stopping the pill.
Anyone considering switching between dosages and different forms of Wegovy should consult their doctor before making any changes.
Dosage and Storage
- Both the oral and injectable Wegovy contain semaglutide.
- The oral Wegovy pill will be available in starting doses of 1.5 mg, whereas the injectables are available in 2.4 mg doses.
- The oral Wegovy pill also requires a 30-minute waiting period after consumption before eating.
- Injectable forms of Wegovy must be stored in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Pill forms of Wegovy don't require refrigeration.
Cost and Availability
Novo Nordisk said it will offer the oral Wegovy pill starting at about $149 for a month-long supply without insurance.
With insurance, the co-pay for the oral Wegovy pill could be about $25 or less.
According to Novo Nordisk, the oral Wegovy pill is slated to be in pharmacies by early January 2026, with manufacturing already underway in North Carolina.
The oral Wegovy pill will be available via prescription.