What is the new Wegovy pill?
The Wegovy tablet contains semaglutide, which belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
It works by copying the effects of a natural hormone in your body that helps control appetite. This hormone sends signals to your brain to let you know when you’re full. By acting on these appetite centers, Wegovy can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce how much you eat.
The tablet works in the same way as the Wegovy injection, the only difference is how the medicine is taken.
Wegovy tablets have been approved by the FDA (the US medicines regulator) and have been available in the US since the start of 2026. Approval in the UK is expected later this year, following review by the MHRA, the UK’s medicines regulator and equivalent to the FDA.
Who is producing the new Wegovy pills?
The new Wegovy tablets are being developed by Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that made Wegovy injections.
In the UK, there are currently no MHRA-licensed Wegovy tablets available to prescribe. Be cautious of online adverts or websites claiming to sell ‘Wegovy pills’. Always access GLP1 medicines through regulated healthcare providers and licensed UK pharmacies to ensure they are safe and genuine.
What does the research say about the efficacy of Wegovy pills over injections?
The results from the clinical trials are very similar.
The Wegovy injection showed slightly higher average weight loss (15% compared to 14%), but overall, the results were very close.
Because these were two separate studies, they weren’t directly compared head-to-head. However, both forms of Wegovy led to substantial and clinically meaningful weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
Wegovy Injection vs Wegovy tablets: What do the clinical trials show?
When will the Wegovy pill be available from Phlo Clinic?
Wegovy tablets (oral semaglutide) have already been approved in the US, but in the UK they are still being reviewed by the medicines regulator, the MHRA.
This review process is an important step to make sure the medication is safe and effective for patients in the UK.
Once the MHRA approves it, clinics will be able to prescribe it. Until then, it isn’t available to order in the UK.
How much will the Wegovy pills cost and is it expected to be more or less than the injections?
At the moment, there is no confirmed price for Wegovy tablets in the UK. The cost, once approved, will depend on the price that is set by the manufacturer.
Why would I choose to take the Wegovy tablet over the Wegovy injections?
Both the Wegovy pill and the injection contain the same active medicine (Semaglutide) and work to help with weight loss, some people may prefer the pill for a few practical reasons:
- No needles – good for people who dislike injections. For many people, needle fear or discomfort is a real thing. The tablet offers a needle-free option, so there’s no need to inject yourself each week, which can make the treatment feel less intimidating and easier to start.
- Daily routine and convenience – Taking a tablet each morning may feel more straightforward for some people because it fits with everyday habits (like brushing your teeth or having breakfast). Some people find this daily ritual easier to stick with than a weekly injection that’s easy to forget.
- No special storage or injection set up – Tablets don’t need to be refrigerated or require special injection equipment, making them more convenient if you’re travelling or prefer simpler handling.
- Personal preference and lifestyle – Everyone’s comfort levels and routines differ. Some people simply prefer pills over injections, and having an oral option means more choice and flexibility.
Early patient data from the US show that a significant number of people choosing the Wegovy pill are new to GLP1 treatments, suggesting that the oral format is helping attract people who might not have tried the injections before.
That doesn’t mean the tablet is ‘better’ - but it does make treatment possible for people who might otherwise avoid it simply because of the injection itself.
How does the dosage work with Wegovy pills?
The Wegovy pill needs to be taken daily on an empty stomach with water, and you must wait about 30 minutes before eating or taking other medicines.
In the US, Wegovy tablets are available in 4 different strengths: 1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg and 25mg.
Just like the Wegovy injection, treatment usually starts at the lowest dose. Your dose will then gradually increase over time, depending on how well you’re tolerating the medication and how your body responds. This gradual increase helps to reduce side effects and allows your body to adjust.
It’s important to know that the tablet doses are not the same as the injection doses. That’s because tablets are absorbed differently in the body compared to injections.
Are there different side effects that come with the Wegovy pills over the normal injections?
Wegovy, like any medicine, can cause side effects in some. For most people, these are mild and settle over time as the body adjusts. They are more likely to occur when you first take Wegovy and after any dose increases.
According to the US prescribing information, the side effects are those associated with the active ingredient semaglutide. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain.
The new Wegovy tablet offers an alternative way to take semaglutide, with clinical trial results showing weight loss outcomes very similar to the weekly injection.
While it has already been approved in the US, UK patients will need to wait for MHRA approval before it becomes available to prescribe. Until then, Wegovy injections remain the licensed and regulated option in the UK.
For some people, a daily tablet may feel more convenient or less intimidating than a weekly injection. For others, the injection will continue to suit their routine just fine. The most important thing is choosing a treatment that fits your lifestyle, health history, and long-term goals.
If you’re considering Wegovy treatment, our clinical team can help you understand your options and decide what’s right for you.
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