Wegovy® pill: Exploring the benefits, side effects, and cost

The world of weight loss medications has shifted quickly over the past few years. Ozempic® has become a household name, and its counterpart, Wegovy®—the version of semaglutide approved specifically for weight loss—has become a go-to option for people looking for medically assisted weight management. Until recently, both were only available as once-weekly injections.

That changed in late 2025, when the Wegovy® pill received FDA approval and became widely available at pharmacies nationwide. The new once-daily tablet offers another way to take semaglutide for weight loss. The active ingredient hasn’t changed, and neither has how it works in the body. The pill helps lower appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar, which can lead to gradual weight loss when paired with healthy lifestyle changes. 

What has changed is the routine: daily oral dosing instead of a weekly shot.

So how does the pill actually compare to the injection, and to other GLP-1 options already on the market?

Let’s go through how the Wegovy® pill works, how it stacks up against the injectable version (and other GLP-1s), and what the dosing routine looks like. 

We’ll also take a look at whether potential weight loss and side effects have changed. And, we’ll go through some cost and insurance considerations to help you find the right medication for you. Whether you’re weighing a daily pill versus a weekly injection—or just trying to understand what’s new—this breaks it down clearly.

What is Wegovy^®?

First, let’s go through what Wegovy is for people who aren’t familiar with the medication. Both versions of Wegovy are prescription medications made with semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist and also the same active ingredient as in Ozempic. 

GLP-1, which stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone your body naturally produces after you eat. This hormone lowers appetite, slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, and helps regulate blood sugar after you eat. The semaglutide in Wegovy^® mimics this natural hormone, giving each of these processes a boost so that you are less hungry, potentially leading to weight loss.

Wegovy^® was first approved for weight loss in 2021 as an injection, and clinical trials showed that people could lose an average of nearly 15% of body weight over 68 weeks. Naturally, some people were hesitant about giving themselves a weekly injection, though the needle is quite small and most only report moderate discomfort.

Now, with the pill option available, even more people have access to this treatment—particularly those who weren’t comfortable with self-injections. How does the Wegovy pill work? Let’s take a close look.

What is the Wegovy® pill?

The Wegovy^® pill is an oral form of semaglutide. It works the same way as injectable Wegovy, but you take it once a day. Each oral dose contains more semaglutide to account for the fact that the digestive system is a less efficient route of absorption than injection.

The Wegovy injection starts at .25 mg and goes up to 2.4 mg. The pill follows a gradual dose-escalation schedule to minimize side effects. The dose typically increases every four weeks, but results and side effects are taken into account. Here are the doses:

• 1.5 mg (starting dose)
• 4 mg
• 9 mg
• 25 mg 

How is the Wegovy^® pill taken?

Taking the Wegovy® pill requires specific timing and conditions to help your body absorb the medication properly. Only a small portion of the medication is absorbed when taken by mouth, so how you take it makes a real difference.

Here’s how to take it correctly:

1. Take it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. The medication is absorbed in the stomach. Food can interfere with this process and reduce how much of the drug is absorbed.
   
2. Swallow it with up to 4 ounces (about half a cup) of plain water only. The tablet is co-formulated with SNAC, an absorption enhancer that helps semaglutide pass through the stomach lining. Larger amounts of water or other beverages can dilute this process and lower drug exposure.
   
3. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else, or taking other medications. Studies show that a longer post-dose fasting period improves absorption. Taking food or other medications too soon may reduce how much semaglutide your body absorbs.
   
4. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or split it. The tablet is designed to erode in a specific way to allow proper absorption in the stomach. Altering it may prevent the medication from working as intended.

What is SNAC and how does it help absorption?

Wegovy® pills use a specialized absorption enhancer called SNAC (sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl] amino) caprylate). This ingredient temporarily modifies the stomach environment so semaglutide can cross the stomach lining.

Clinical studies show that how you take oral semaglutide really matters. 

• Using a small amount of water—no more than 4 ounces, and ideally closer to 1 to 2 ounces—leads to better absorption than drinking a full glass. 
• Waiting longer before eating also increases how much of the medication your body absorbs.
• Drinking more water, eating too soon, or otherwise interrupting that window can significantly reduce absorption. 

That’s why the dosing instructions are so specific—they’re designed to protect absorption in a digestive system that already makes uptake challenging.

Wegovy^® pill: Dosage and personalization

The Wegovy pill will be started at the lowest dose and increased based on results and side effects. This step-by-step dose increase is called titration and is the way all GLP-1 medications are taken. Titration helps your body adjust to the medication and lowers the risk of side effects, such as nausea.

The typical dosing schedule looks like this, but your provider will take into consideration your results and side effects. The goal is to keep you losing steady weight (1 to 2 pounds per week) with the fewest side effects. Here’s what it might look like:

Time on treatment	Daily dose
Days 1–30	1.5 mg
Days 31–60	4 mg
Days 61–90	9 mg
Day 91 and onward	25 mg

What to do if you miss a dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time the next day. 

Signs you may need a dose adjustment

Not everyone follows the exact same path with Wegovy^®. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find what works best for your body.

Your provider might slow down dose increases if:

• You’re experiencing side effects that are difficult to manage
• Nausea, vomiting, or other digestive issues aren’t improving
• Side effects are interfering with your daily life

Your provider might consider alternatives if:

• The highest dose still doesn’t agree with you (they might switch you to the weekly injection instead)
• You’ve reached a weight-loss plateau and haven’t seen meaningful changes after several months at your target dose
• Other health conditions require a different approach

What affects your personal dosing?

Several factors influence how Wegovy^® is personalized for you:

• Starting weight and health conditions
• Side effect sensitivity
• Other medications you’re taking
• How your body responds to each dose level

How much weight can I lose taking the Wegovy^® pill?

Let’s review what studies show, how lifestyle plays a role, when results typically appear, and how the pill compares to the injectable version.

Remember that weight loss results vary from person to person. Clinical studies provide helpful averages, but outcomes depend on factors such as starting weight, consistency, diet, and activity level. 

Average weight loss based on studies

In a major 64-week study, people taking the Wegovy® pill at a 25 mg once-daily dose, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, lost an average of about 14% of their starting body weight. To put that in real terms: if you start at 200 pounds, that’s roughly 27 pounds lost over the course of the study. 

These results represent an average. Some lost more weight, while others lost less. In the study:

• 76% of participants achieved at least 5% weight loss
• 47% lost 15% or more of their body weight
• Results continued building steadily throughout the study period

These results suggest that the Wegovy® pill may deliver weight loss results that aren’t far off from the most effective injectable medications. At their highest doses, studies show:

• Wegovy® (2.4 mg): about 15% average body weight lost
  
• Zepbound® (15 mg):  about 21% average body weight lost

Those are meaningful numbers, but lifestyle changes also matter.

Here’s something the clinical trials make very clear: everyone in these studies also followed a reduced-calorie diet and increased their physical activity. The medication helps control your appetite, but it works best when you’re also making healthier choices about what you eat and how much you move.

Wegovy® pill weight loss results: How long will it take?

Weight loss with the Wegovy® pill happens gradually. The medication is started at a lower dose and increased over time so your body can adjust, which means early changes on the scale may be small or slow.

As the dose increases and use stays consistent, weight loss typically becomes more noticeable. Rather than driving rapid drops in weight, the Wegovy® pill is designed to support steady, sustainable progress—often similar to a healthy pace of about 1 to 2 pounds per week, though results vary.

In the largest study of oral semaglutide, people lost an average of about 14% of their starting body weight over roughly 64 weeks. That weight loss built up over time, reflecting how the medication works with consistent daily use and supportive lifestyle changes.

How does the Wegovy pill compare to injectable Wegovy?

Both the Wegovy® pill and the once-weekly Wegovy® injection contain semaglutide. The main difference is how the medication is delivered and how often it’s taken. Let’s take a look at them side by side: 

Feature	Wegovy® pill	Wegovy® injection
Active ingredient	Semaglutide	Semaglutide
How it’s taken	Once daily tablet	Once-weekly injection
Typical studied dose	25 mg daily	2.4 mg weekly
Average weight loss in trials	14%	15%
Timing requirements	Taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of plain water; wait at least 30 minutes before eating	No timing restrictions
Convenience trade-off	No injections, but stricter daily instructions	Injection required, but only once per week
Best for	People who prefer a pill and don’t mind daily routines	People who prefer fewer doses and simpler timing

In clinical studies, the Wegovy® pill and the once-weekly injection produce similar average weight loss. The better option often comes down to personal preference, lifestyle, tolerability, and guidance from a healthcare provider—not effectiveness alone.

Wegovy^® pill: Tips for best weight loss results

Following the recommended Wegovy^® pill instructions helps your body absorb the medication properly and may reduce side effects. Because the pill uses SNAC technology, timing and conditions matter more than with many other medications.

• Take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with up to 4 ounces of plain water only
  
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else, or taking other oral medications
  
• Swallow the tablet whole—do not crush, chew, cut, or split it, as this can interfere with absorption
  
• Keep pills in the original bottle, tightly closed, to protect them from moisture
  
• Skip missed doses and take your next scheduled dose the following day

Staying consistent with how you take the pill each morning helps the medication work as intended.

If side effects last more than a few weeks, or if taking the pill as directed feels difficult, talk with your healthcare provider. They can slow dose increases, pause adjustments, or help find a dosing plan that fits your routine more comfortably.

Wegovy^® pill: Cost and insurance considerations 

The Wegovy^® pill has a list price of about $1,349 per month without insurance, which rarely covers it, but there are ways to save. Here’s some information both with and without insurance:

Does insurance cover the Wegovy^® pill?

Insurance coverage for the Wegovy® pill varies and is still quite uncommon.

Here’s how coverage currently works for most people:

• Private insurance: Coverage depends on the plan. Some employer-sponsored and individual health plans cover weight loss medications like the Wegovy® pill, while many don’t. Where coverage exists, plans often require prior authorization and other documentation.
  
• Medicare: Under current Medicare Part D rules, medications prescribed solely for weight loss are not covered.
  
• Medicaid: Coverage varies by state. Some state Medicaid programs cover certain weight loss medications with prior authorization; others limit or exclude coverage entirely.

Recent policy discussions: In 2025 and 2026, the White House and federal health officials highlighted weight loss medications as part of broader healthcare cost and access discussions. 

This has included announcements around price negotiations for drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound and statements about potential coverage expansion under Medicare and Medicaid as part of ongoing drug pricing reforms. But these discussions don’t yet translate into universal coverage—they signal evolving policy, not a nationwide requirement.

Because insurance policies and federal rules continue to develop, the best way to determine coverage is to check directly with your insurer or benefits administrator.

What does the Wegovy^® pill cost without insurance? 

If you’re paying without insurance, one of the most affordable ways to fill a Wegovy® pill prescription is through Novo Nordisk’s NovoCare® Pharmacy or a retail pharmacy that partners with NovoCare. This option gives people access to the manufacturer’s set pricing for each dose.

Through these pharmacies, early doses of the Wegovy® pill are priced lower, which can make the first few months more affordable. As your dose increases, the monthly cost typically rises.

Dosing for the Wegovy® pill starts at the lowest dose and increases gradually, usually about once every 4 weeks. Your clinician will work with you to find the dose that supports steady weight loss—often around 1 to 2 pounds per week—while minimizing side effects.

Because pricing varies by dose, your out-of-pocket cost may change as you move up. Knowing when dose increases are scheduled can help you anticipate shifts in monthly cost and plan refills accordingly, especially if you’re paying cash. Here’s a look at the current dose prices:

Dose	Self-pay cash price
1.5 mg	$149 per month
4 mg	$149 per month through April 15, 2026 $199 per month after April 15, 2026
9 mg	$299 per month
25 mg (maximum dose)	$299 per month

You can also fill your prescription at other pharmacies, but it’s good to check GoodRx, which tracks self-pay pricing and often includes coupons. The prices below reflect the NovoCare® Pharmacy self-pay option.

Retailer / pharmacy	Cash price (est.)	Insider tip
Costco	$149 – $299	No membership is needed for the pharmacy. Call ahead to confirm pricing at your location.
Walmart	$149 – $299	Ask the pharmacist about in-store cash-price adjustments if you’re not using insurance.
CVS / Walgreens	$149 – $299	Always present a coupon (GoodRx or SingleCare) before checkout — prices often drop only after it’s applied.
Amazon Pharmacy	$149 – $299	Convenient for home delivery. Check turnaround times and coupon eligibility before ordering.

Prices are estimates and may vary by location. Compare NovoCare pricing with local pharmacy cash prices to find the best deal for you.

Wegovy^® pill vs. injection: Cost and insurance considerations

At the list-price level, the Wegovy^® injection costs the same as the pill. Across all injection doses—from the starter pens to the highest dose—the list price is about $1,349 per month.

The difference usually isn’t the sticker price. It’s how coverage and savings apply. Insurance plans, savings offers, and self-pay programs may work differently for the pill versus the injection, which can affect what you actually pay each month.

Payment scenario	Wegovy® pill (oral semaglutide)	Wegovy® injection (semaglutide)
List price	$1,349/month	$1,349/month
With insurance coverage	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
With Wegovy® Savings Offer	As low as $25/month (max $100 savings/month)	As low as $25/month (max $100 savings/month)
NovoCare Pharmacy pricing (self-pay)	$149–$299/month	$199–$349/month

That’s why it’s worth reviewing both options before deciding which form makes the most sense for you. For a deeper dive, check out our Wegovy^® cost breakdown.

Wegovy^® pill: Side effects and safety

Since the Wegovy^® pill and the injection both use the same active ingredient, semaglutide, the side effects are generally the same. 

Most side effects tend to happen when first starting the medication or when the dose increases. That’s why treatment starts low and builds gradually. As doses go up, side effects often ease with time, and the full effect of the medication is typically reached at the maintenance dose.

Common side effects

Most side effects with Wegovy^® are related to digestion. This isn’t unusual, since semaglutide works in part by slowing how quickly food moves through your stomach.

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache

These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve over time as your body gets used to the medication. The gradual dose increases help minimize these effects, too.

Serious side effects and warnings

While most side effects are manageable, there are some more severe risks to be aware of:

• Pancreatitis: Persistent, severe abdominal pain that may radiate to your back or occur with vomiting can signal inflammation of the pancreas. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms develop.
• Gallbladder problems: Upper right abdominal pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) may indicate gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. Contact a healthcare provider promptly.
• Hypoglycemia: If you are also taking insulin or certain diabetes medications, blood sugar levels may drop too low. Symptoms can include shaking, sweating, dizziness, or confusion. Seek medical care if symptoms are severe or do not improve.
• Kidney strain: Significant nausea, vomiting, or dehydration can affect kidney function. Swelling, unusual fatigue, or decreased urination may be warning signs. Speak with your healthcare provider right away.
• Severe allergic reactions: Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or widespread hives may indicate a serious allergic reaction. Call emergency services immediately.
• Vision disturbances: Sudden or worsening vision changes require prompt medical evaluation.
• Thyroid tumors or cancer: Symptoms such as a lump in the neck, swelling, or persistent hoarseness require immediate medical attention.(This risk has only been observed in animal studies.)

For more details, check out our guide on Wegovy^® side effects.

Who shouldn’t take the Wegovy^® pill?

Wegovy^® pills aren’t right for everyone, and there are specific situations where they could pose risks. According to prescribing information, you should avoid Wegovy® pills if any of the following apply to you:

• You or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or MEN 2
• You’ve had allergic reactions to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy^® injection or Wegovy^® pills
• You’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Talk to your doctor before starting Wegovy^® pills if you have a history of:

• Pancreatitis or kidney problems: GLP-1 medications may increase these risks, so be sure to discuss any history of pancreatitis or kidney issues with your provider.
• Severe gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like gastroparesis may be worsened by Wegovy^® pills, which slow digestion.
• Type 2 diabetes with diabetic retinopathy: Discuss this history with your provider before starting treatment.
• Depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues: Your healthcare provider should be aware of any mental health history.
• Upcoming surgery or procedures using anesthesia or deep sedation: Discuss the timing of your medication with your provider.

FAQs: Other questions about using the Wegovy^® pill for weight loss

By this point, you’ve probably got a good sense of how the Wegovy^® pill works but a few practical questions tend to come up for almost everyone. From cost and coverage to day-to-day details, this section covers the things people usually want clarified before moving forward.

How much is the Wegovy^® pill without insurance?

The list price is around $1,349 per month. For those paying out of pocket, Novo Nordisk offers a discounted option: from $149 to $299, depending on dose.

When did the Wegovy^® pill become available?

The Wegovy^® pill received FDA approval on December 22, 2025, and is now widely available at pharmacies nationwide. 

Where can I get the Wegovy^® pill?

The Wegovy^® pill is available by prescription through licensed healthcare providers, including through telehealth. Once prescribed, it can be filled through pharmacies that carry Wegovy^® tablets, including NovoCare^® Pharmacy, which offers home delivery and support services.

If you qualify for Noom Med, you’ll be connected with a clinician who can evaluate whether the Wegovy® pill is right for you and prescribe it. You’ll then fill your prescription through your pharmacy of choice.

What’s the difference in how you take the Wegovy^® pill vs. injection?

The Wegovy^® pill requires daily dosing on an empty stomach with a 30-minute wait before eating or taking other medications. The injection is given once weekly under the skin and can be taken any time of day, with or without food.

How long does it take to lose 20 pounds with Wegovy^®?

Weight loss timing varies. In studies of the Wegovy® pill, people started at an average weight of about 235 pounds and lost about 14% of their body weight over 64 weeks, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. For someone at 235 pounds, losing 20 pounds equals roughly 8 to 9% of body weight.

Based on general guidance that sustainable weight loss averages about 1 to 2 pounds per week, losing 20 pounds could take around 10 to 20 weeks. But remember, Wegovy® follows a gradual dose-escalation schedule, and results build over time. Starting weight, dose progression, lifestyle habits, and individual response can all affect how quickly that milestone is reached.

Are Wegovy^® pills as effective as injections?

Yes, research shows comparable results. Wegovy^® pills achieved about 14% average weight loss in studies, while Wegovy^® injections show about 15%. Both require consistent use with lifestyle changes for the best outcomes.

Are Wegovy^® pill side effects different from injection side effects?

Both forms of Wegovy® use the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and tend to cause similar side effects—most commonly nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach discomfort, especially during dose escalation. Because the pill is taken by mouth, it doesn’t cause injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or irritation, which can occur with the injectable form. Otherwise, the overall side effect profile is largely the same.

Can I switch from Wegovy^® injections to the pill?

Yes, your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate starting dose based on what you were taking before.

The bottom line: The Wegovy^® pill is an effective option for weight loss

The Wegovy® pill offers a new way to use semaglutide for weight loss. Taken once each morning on an empty stomach, the pill delivers the same active medication as injectable Wegovy®, helping lower appetite, slow digestion, and support gradual weight loss over time.

In studies, people taking the highest daily dose of the Wegovy® pill lost an average of about 14% of their starting body weight over roughly 64 weeks, when the medication was combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. That’s on par with the injection, which saw an average of 15% weight loss over a similar period. Side effects are similar for both forms and tend to be most noticeable during dose increases.

The Wegovy® pill isn’t a shortcut or a rapid-weight-loss solution. It’s a long-term treatment option designed for people who prefer a daily pill and are comfortable following the dosing routine. For those willing to commit to consistency—and pair medication with lifestyle changes—it provides another effective, evidence-based path to medically supported weight loss

If you’re considering GLP-1 medications like the Wegovy® pill, you can check whether you qualify for Noom Med. If eligible, you’ll be matched with a licensed clinician who can help determine the right medication for you and prescribe it when appropriate. 

From there, your journey is supported by a dedicated Care Team and Noom’s evidence-based behavior change program—designed to help you build sustainable habits, shift your mindset, and stay supported over the long term. You’ll also get access to guided exercise and resistance-training content, recipes, and other tools to support your weight-management goals.

Find out your options now.