Americans seeking to lose weight now have a new option – taking Wegovy as a daily pill, rather than a weekly injection, reports BritPanorama.
Patients with a prescription could obtain the starter 1.5 mg dose of the tablet as of Monday, with higher doses becoming available by the end of the week, according to manufacturer Novo Nordisk. The availability of Wegovy in pill form marks a significant advance in managing obesity through a GLP-1 medication. Eli Lilly is also expected to receive US Food and Drug Administration approval for its oral medication, orforglipron, by summer.
The launch of an oral option has raised several questions regarding accessibility and effectiveness. The tablet version can be found at various pharmacies, including CVS and Costco, as well as through telehealth providers like Ro and LifeMD.
Where can I get the Wegovy pill?
The tablet form of Wegovy is available at pharmacies and certain online health providers, including Weight Watchers and NovoCare Pharmacy.
Will it be hard to find?
After initial shortages of GLP-1 injections due to high demand, Novo Nordisk stated it is confident in its ability to meet the demand for the Wegovy tablet. The Danish company has invested in its manufacturing capabilities over the years, with production of the Wegovy pill entirely based in its North Carolina facilities.
How much will the pill cost?
The 1.5 mg starter dose of the pill costs $149 a month for patients paying cash, a price that is part of a recent deal Novo Nordisk made with the Trump administration. The same price applies for the 4 mg dose until April 15, after which it will increase to $199. The 9 mg and 25 mg doses will cost $299 monthly. Comparatively, the injectable version is priced at $349 for self-pay consumers, though new patients can access two months of the lowest two doses at $199 each until March.
Patients whose insurance plans cover the treatment for obesity might pay as little as $25 a month for either the pill or injection under a savings program offered by Novo Nordisk.
How is the pill different from the injection?
Both the pill and the injection utilize the active ingredient semaglutide and are approved for the same groups: individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or more who also have a weight-related health issue like high blood pressure. The primary difference lies in the method of intake — a daily pill must be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, while the injection is administered weekly.
The efficacy of the medicine depends on patients adhering to the instruction to wait 30 minutes before consuming any food or drink.
How much weight could I lose?
Clinical trials revealed that the Wegovy tablet and injection produced similar effects in terms of weight loss. The pill showed an average weight reduction of 14% over 64 weeks, while the injection recorded a 15% loss during its key trial.
Eli Lilly’s orforglipron produced an 11% weight loss over 72 weeks at its highest dose, while its injectable counterpart, Zepbound, achieved a weight loss of 21% at the highest dose.
What are the side effects of the Wegovy pill?
As with other medications in the GLP-1 class, the Wegovy pill may cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Clinical trials suggest comparable tolerability between the pill and injection.
Should I consider switching from the injection to the pill?
This decision depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Those who prefer a daily pill to a weekly injection and can manage waiting before food intake may find the tablet a suitable option. Others might choose the simplicity of a weekly injection. Dr. Jorge Moreno, a specialist at Yale Medicine, indicates that the pill may be a better fit for patients who have experienced tolerability issues with the injection.
Cost considerations should also factor into the decision, as insurance coverage for the pill remains uncertain. “I am hopeful with lower costs for the Wegovy pill, more insurances will opt to cover it,” said Moreno.
The arrival of Wegovy in pill form signifies a pivotal moment in weight management strategies, revealing a growing trend toward more accessible and patient-friendly treatment options.
