The Wegovy pill – the first oral GLP-1 FDA-approved for the treatment of obesity, overweight with weight-related illnesses, and for reduction of risk of cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease, are finally here. The first pill version of the well-known injection Wegovy hit pharmacy shelves in January 2026 and offers an alternative to weekly injections while, perhaps, delivering similar results.
The efficacy of Wegovy pill depends on how it is taken – in order to work in the body the same way as the injections, the pill has a special coating and it is imperative that it be taken exactly as directed. Patients must take the pill first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (after an overnight fast); with 4 ounces of water or less; and they cannot eat, drink or take any other medication for 30 minutes. For some patients, particularly those with multiple medications, this may be a barrier to them taking Wegovy pill.
Patients currently using the injectable who are curious about switching to a pill should discuss it with their doctor. For some, they may find that the convenience of a once-a-week injection works best for them, especially because the medication is for a chronic condition meant to be taken long-term. Others may find a daily pill easier to incorporate into their routine.
Although Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) was FDA approved in 2019 for Type 2 diabetes, the doses are different than Wegovy pill. The new Wegovy pill is approved for weight management in adults who have obesity, overweight with weight-related comorbidities, and for the reduction of risk of cardiovascular events in people who have established cardiovascular disease (history of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease).
And we can’t discount the benefits outside of weight loss. Just as with the injections, research found improvements of cardiometabolic markers such as lipid levels, blood pressure, and kidney function.
Other than improved health for patients, the introduction of a GLP-1 pill is incredibly exciting because of its potential to expand the reach of weight and metabolic health care. For many, long-term care with a pill version of a medication is easier, especially if it has comparable efficacy. Long-term costs of care could also be lower with ease in manufacturing, transport, storage, and waste products of a pill versus an injectable.
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill is just the first oral option for weight management to hit the market. Eli Lilly is expected to introduce their GLP-1 pill pending FDA approval this year. Its version shows promising results for weight management and metabolic health, and can be taken with or without food. As I look ahead at the weight management landscape, I am hopeful for our patients as we provide life-changing health benefits to more people than ever.
If you’re interested in losing weight and unsure of where to start, please contact the Center For Weight Management at Stamford Health for a consultation.
Could I benefit from taking the Wegovy pill?
It’s important to emphasize that the recommendation to take Wegovy pill should come after a thorough medical evaluation, should be accompanied by healthy eating and exercise, and ongoing follow-up care by trusted medical providers. Like Wegovy injection, its pill counterpart has similar benefits – improvement in weight, glucose, cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk. Unlike the injection, Wegovy pill is taken by mouth and does not involve a needle; there is also no refrigeration. For patients who have an aversion to needles or cold storage is a practical concern, Wegovy pill is an excellent option.The efficacy of Wegovy pill depends on how it is taken – in order to work in the body the same way as the injections, the pill has a special coating and it is imperative that it be taken exactly as directed. Patients must take the pill first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (after an overnight fast); with 4 ounces of water or less; and they cannot eat, drink or take any other medication for 30 minutes. For some patients, particularly those with multiple medications, this may be a barrier to them taking Wegovy pill.
Patients currently using the injectable who are curious about switching to a pill should discuss it with their doctor. For some, they may find that the convenience of a once-a-week injection works best for them, especially because the medication is for a chronic condition meant to be taken long-term. Others may find a daily pill easier to incorporate into their routine.
How much is the new GLP-1 pill?
While insurance coverage varies and there are coupon cards that can help to reduce copays to $25 per month, out-of-pocket expenses range from $149 to $299 per month, depending on the dosage. Compared to injections, which range from $199-$499 per month depending on medication and dose, Wegovy pill may be a lower-cost alternative. Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Wegovy, said that the pills are available across the country at more than 70,000 pharmacies including brick-and-mortar and telehealth. We currently have the pill available in our Stamford Health Pharmacy.Although Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) was FDA approved in 2019 for Type 2 diabetes, the doses are different than Wegovy pill. The new Wegovy pill is approved for weight management in adults who have obesity, overweight with weight-related comorbidities, and for the reduction of risk of cardiovascular events in people who have established cardiovascular disease (history of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease).
Are the pills as effective as the injections?
The highest doses of the oral medication can be as effective as the injections, which is encouraging. The average total body weight loss for the pill is 13%; the average for the injection is 15%. About one-third of patients taking the pill lost over 20%, according to the studies.And we can’t discount the benefits outside of weight loss. Just as with the injections, research found improvements of cardiometabolic markers such as lipid levels, blood pressure, and kidney function.
Other than improved health for patients, the introduction of a GLP-1 pill is incredibly exciting because of its potential to expand the reach of weight and metabolic health care. For many, long-term care with a pill version of a medication is easier, especially if it has comparable efficacy. Long-term costs of care could also be lower with ease in manufacturing, transport, storage, and waste products of a pill versus an injectable.
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill is just the first oral option for weight management to hit the market. Eli Lilly is expected to introduce their GLP-1 pill pending FDA approval this year. Its version shows promising results for weight management and metabolic health, and can be taken with or without food. As I look ahead at the weight management landscape, I am hopeful for our patients as we provide life-changing health benefits to more people than ever.
If you’re interested in losing weight and unsure of where to start, please contact the Center For Weight Management at Stamford Health for a consultation.
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