WEGOVY TABLETS NOW AVAILABLE
The introduction of an oral GLP option marks a new era in weight-loss therapy
Straight Healthcare
January 2026
January 2026
The introduction of the Wegovy (semaglutide) tablet marks a significant milestone in obesity management, offering the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight loss. Patients who dislike injecting themselves now have a proven GLP option. Like its injectable counterpart, the tablet works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite and food intake.
In trials, Wegovy injections caused an average of 13-16% weight loss over 68 or more weeks, depending on the study. 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. Notedly, Novo Nordisk has been advertising 17% weight loss with the pill in what it calls a "trial-product estimand" that estimates the pill's efficacy if every subject had adhered perfectly to therapy. This outcome is biased because it excludes patients who stopped the medication due to adverse events, lack of effectiveness, or a combination of the two. The pill's side effects are mainly gastrointestinal and similar to the shot. One side effect unique to the pill is dysesthesia (sensitive skin, hyperesthesia, and skin burning sensations), which was reported by 5% of subjects. The pill is taken once daily on an empty stomach in the morning with water, and patients should not eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards. This may not be as convenient as the once-weekly injection for some patients.
Current pricing for each therapy is outlined below. It's likely GLP therapy prices will continue to decline, as Eli Lilly is set to release its own pill in the near future.
Wegovy injection
Wegovy pills
In trials, Wegovy injections caused an average of 13-16% weight loss over 68 or more weeks, depending on the study. 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. Notedly, Novo Nordisk has been advertising 17% weight loss with the pill in what it calls a "trial-product estimand" that estimates the pill's efficacy if every subject had adhered perfectly to therapy. This outcome is biased because it excludes patients who stopped the medication due to adverse events, lack of effectiveness, or a combination of the two. The pill's side effects are mainly gastrointestinal and similar to the shot. One side effect unique to the pill is dysesthesia (sensitive skin, hyperesthesia, and skin burning sensations), which was reported by 5% of subjects. The pill is taken once daily on an empty stomach in the morning with water, and patients should not eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards. This may not be as convenient as the once-weekly injection for some patients.
Current pricing for each therapy is outlined below. It's likely GLP therapy prices will continue to decline, as Eli Lilly is set to release its own pill in the near future.
Wegovy injection
- 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
Wegovy pills
- 1.5 mg: $149/month
- 4 mg: $149/month for new patients, otherwise $199/month
- 9 mg and 25 mg: $299/month
