Wegovy Oral Pill Product Information
How does the Wegovy pill work?
The active ingredient in the Wegovy pill is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone your body releases after eating that helps regulate appetite and manage blood sugar levels.
By mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, the Wegovy pill causes weight loss by:
- Reducing appetite and food cravings, helping you feel satiated with smaller portions of food.
- Slowing gastric emptying (the rate at which food leaves the stomach), which helps you feel fuller for longer after meals.
- Regulating blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion when glucose levels are high, preventing blood sugar spikes and food cravings.
How effective is the Wegovy pill?
In the Phase 3 OASIS-4 clinical trial, individuals taking 25mg of oral semaglutide daily for 64 weeks lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight. Around one in three participants also achieved 20% or more of body weight loss.
As well as body weight reduction, clinical trial findings also suggest improvements in health metrics commonly linked to being obese or overweight, such as blood sugar control and other markers associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health.
As with any weight management treatment, the weight loss results can vary based on starting weight, dose escalation, consistency with daily dosing, lifestyle changes and how well the medication is tolerated.
How do you take the Wegovy pill?
Wegovy pill should be taken once a day on an empty stomach with a small amount of water.
Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water or taking any other oral medication for at least 30 minutes after taking the Wegovy pill to avoid interfering with the absorption of the active ingredient from the pill.
Similar to Wegovy injectable pens, treatment typically begins at a lower dose that is gradually increased over time. This approach, known as dose titration, is designed to help your body adapt to the active ingredient and reduce the risk of experiencing side effects.
What is the difference between the Wegovy pill and the Wegovy injection?
The Wegovy pill and Wegovy injection both contain semaglutide and work by activating GLP-1 receptors that help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. However, there are differences in dosing, absorption and average weight-loss outcomes.
The Wegovy pill is a once-daily oral tablet, while the Wegovy injection is taken once weekly. Where injectable semaglutide is absorbed more consistently, clinical trials have shown that Wegovy injections generally lead to slightly greater average weight loss compared with oral semaglutide.
In studies, the Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide 25 mg) has been shown to produce average weight loss of around 16-17% over 64 weeks. Wegovy injections have demonstrated average weight loss of around 15-17%, with some patients achieving higher reductions depending on dose and duration of treatment.
The Wegovy pill offers a needle-free alternative and may suit those who prefer oral medication, while the injection provides the convenience of once-weekly dosing and more predictable absorption. Suitability depends on individual preference, response to treatment and clinical assessment.
Where can I buy the Wegovy pill?
The Wegovy pill is not yet available to buy in the UK, as it is currently awaiting regulatory approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Once approved for use in the UK, the Wegovy pill is expected to become available through regulated online pharmacies, including Pharmica.
You can sign up to be notified to receive updates as soon as the Wegovy pill becomes available in the UK market.
When is the Wegovy pill going to be available to buy in the UK?
In the UK, the Wegovy pill, also known as oral semaglutide, is currently under review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and other regulatory authorities as a prescription weight-loss treatment, with a decision expected later in 2026.
Novo Nordisk launched the Wegovy pill in the United States on 5 January 2026, following FDA approval as the first oral GLP-1 weight-loss medication. The Wegovy pill is available to eligible US patients as a once-daily alternative to GLP-1 injections. Subject to regulatory approval, the Wegovy pill may become available in the UK following completion of the MHRA review process.