Daily Wegovy Pill for Weight Loss Launches in US Pharmacies
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Novo Nordisk officially launched the pill version of its blockbuster weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in the United States on Monday, marking a significant shift in obesity treatment. As the first oral GLP-1 medication approved by the FDA for weight loss, the daily pill offers a needle-free alternative to the popular weekly injections that have dominated the market in recent years.
The launch follows a pricing agreement between Novo Nordisk and the Trump administration aimed at increasing affordability,. For patients paying out of pocket, the 1.5 mg starter dose is priced at $149 per month. However, as patients titrate up to higher maintenance doses, the monthly cash price rises to $299. For those with commercial insurance coverage, the cost could drop as low as $25 a month through savings programs.
The medication is now stocked at major pharmacy chains such as CVS and Costco, as well as through select telehealth providers like Ro and Weight Watchers. Novo Nordisk hopes this broader availability will improve access for the estimated 98% of Americans with obesity who are not currently receiving prescription treatment.
Clinical trials indicate the oral formulation is highly effective. In studies, the Wegovy pill demonstrated an average weight loss of roughly 14% over 64 weeks, compared to roughly 17% for patients who strictly adhered to the treatment regimen,. Like the injectable version, the pill is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.
However, the pill comes with strict administration guidelines. To ensure proper absorption, patients must take the tablet on an empty stomach with a small sip of water and wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications.
The arrival of the Wegovy pill gives Novo Nordisk a temporary head start in the oral market, but competition is looming. Rival manufacturer Eli Lilly is currently seeking FDA approval for its own oral obesity candidate, orforglipron, which could be approved by the summer,. Unlike Wegovy, Lilly’s pill does not require food or water restrictions.
As the market expands, patients now have more choices than ever to manage obesity, moving beyond injections to daily oral options.
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Wegovy Pill for Weight Loss
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