Wegovy now comes in pill form — here's what to know

A pill form of Wegovy, a medication for weight management, has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is now available in pharmacies and through telehealth services across the United States.

How Does Wegovy Work?

Wegovy, previously available only as a weekly injection since 2021, contains semaglutide – the same active ingredient found in Ozempic. The drug mimics a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate both appetite and blood sugar levels.

Did You Know? The injectable version of Wegovy has been available by prescription in the U.S. since 2021.

Who is Wegovy For?

Both the pill and injectable forms of Wegovy are approved for adults with obesity, as well as those who are overweight and have weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure. The medication is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to promote weight loss and maintenance. Currently, only the injectable version is approved for use in children ages 12 and up with obesity; the pill is not yet approved for this age group.

Pill vs. Injection: Are They Equally Effective?

The primary difference between the Wegovy pill and the injection lies in how the drug enters the bloodstream. Injections deliver semaglutide directly into the blood, while the pill must first pass through the stomach and intestines. This process breaks down some of the active ingredient before it can be absorbed.

According to Dr. Chika Anekwe, obesity medicine clinical director at Massachusetts General Hospital and an instructor at Harvard Medical School, “only a small fraction [of the pill] reaches the bloodstream.” To compensate for this, the pill contains a much higher dose of semaglutide – up to 25 milligrams – compared to the 2.4 milligrams in the weekly injection.

Important Instructions for Taking the Wegovy Pill

The Wegovy pill requires specific instructions for optimal absorption. It must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning with a small amount of water, and patients must wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications, as outlined in the drug label. The injectable version does not have these restrictions.

Expert Insight: The differing administration requirements between the pill and injection forms of Wegovy highlight the trade-offs between convenience and ensuring the medication is properly absorbed and effective.

Clinical trial results suggest that both the pill and injection formulations offer comparable weight loss when taken as directed. In a study of the injectable semaglutide, participants lost an average of 14.4% of their body weight. Participants in a trial of the 25-mg pill lost an average of 13.9% of their body weight.

Are the Side Effects Similar?

Trials indicate that Wegovy pills and injectables have similar side effects, primarily gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. Approximately three-quarters of Wegovy users experience these mild-to-moderate symptoms, and around 7% to 10% discontinue use due to these effects.

Who Might Prefer the Pill or the Injection?

The choice between the pill and injection may depend on individual preferences. Dr. Anekwe suggests the pill may be preferable for those who dislike injections. The pill also offers convenience for individuals who lack consistent access to refrigeration, as it can be stored at room temperature, unlike the injectable form which requires refrigeration between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, the pill’s strict timing requirements – taking it on an empty stomach and waiting 30 minutes before consuming anything else – may be challenging for some to adhere to. Cost and insurance coverage may also influence the decision, with the pill potentially offering a lower out-of-pocket expense for those without insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both the Wegovy pill and the injectable form, and it is also found in Ozempic. It mimics a hormone in the body that helps control appetite and blood sugar levels.

Is the Wegovy pill approved for children?

No, the Wegovy pill is currently approved only for adults. The injectable version is approved for adolescents ages 12 and older with obesity.

What are the common side effects of Wegovy?

The most common side effects of both the pill and injectable forms of Wegovy are gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation.

As Wegovy becomes more widely available in pill form, will it become a more accessible option for those seeking weight management solutions?

Wegovy now comes in pill form — here’s what to know