Wegovy (semaglutide) tablets are now available, marking a significant milestone in obesity management. The therapy is the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight loss. For patients who have been hesitant to start GLP therapies because of a dislike of needles, this is excellent news. Like its injectable counterpart, the tablet works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to help regulate your appetite and food intake.

How effective is the pill?
The Wegovy pill has been studied in one small trial (N=307), where it led to an average weight loss of 13.6% over 64 weeks. An analysis that estimated the pill's efficacy if every subject had adhered perfectly to therapy found that it caused 17% weight loss. For comparison, the Wegovy injection causes average weight loss of 13-16% over 68 weeks, depending on the study.

What are the side effects?
Side effects of the pill are similar to the injection and include nausea (47%), vomiting (31%), constipation (20%), stomach upset (18%), diarrhea (18%), headache (12%), and burping (10%). One side effect that is unique to the pill is dysesthesia (sensitive skin, hyperesthesia, and skin burning sensations), which occurs in about 5% of patients.

How is it taken?
The pill is taken once daily on an empty stomach in the morning with water. Patients should not eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards. The dose is titrated in the following manner: 1.5 mg for 30 days, 4 mg for 30 days, 9 mg for 30 days, and 25 mg thereafter.

Pricing
Wegovy pills and injections are available from Novocare Pharmacy at the prices below. Insurance companies that cover GLP-1 weight-loss injections will likely also cover the pill.

Wegovy Tablet Pricing

• 1.5 mg: $149/month
• 4 mg: $149/month for new patients (otherwise $199/month)
• 9 mg and 25 mg: $299/month

Wegovy Injection Pricing

• 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg: $199/month for new patients (otherwise $349/month)
• 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg: $349/month