Wegovy Tablets
Wegovy tablets are a once-daily weight loss pill containing semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in the Wegovy injection. They’re already available in the US and are expected to arrive in the UK later in 2026.
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No needles or storage condition
Average 17% body weight loss in phase 3 trials
1 in 4 patients lost 20% or more of starting weight
Important: The Wegovy pill is not yet available in the UK. It is currently awaiting approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), with a UK launch expected in mid-2026. Join our waitlist and we will contact you the moment it becomes available.
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Wegovy Tablets Price
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How to use it
- Timing: Take your Wegovy tablet once a day in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Do not split, chew or dissolve Wegovy tablets.
- After 30 minutes, you can eat, drink, or take other medication.
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“The approval of oral semaglutide marks a significant milestone in the treatment of obesity in the UK. For the first time, patients have access to a clinically proven GLP-1 therapy in tablet form, broadening treatment options and removing a significant barrier for those who have been unable or unwilling to consider injectable therapy.”
Sunny Dhain – Clinical Director | MRPharmS | PGDip | GPhC registered pharmacist
What is the Wegovy tablet?
The Wegovy tablet contains semaglutide, the same clinically proven active ingredient as the Wegovy injection. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics a hormone the body naturally produces after eating to signal fullness and reduce appetite. Instead of a weekly injection, patients simply take a tablet each morning, with the dose gradually increasing up to a maximum of 25mg daily.
In clinical trials, patients taking oral semaglutide lost an average of 17% of their body weight over 71 weeks, with 1 in 4 participants losing 20% or more. These results closely rival the Wegovy injection, which produced approximately 21% average weight loss in comparable studies, making Wegovy weight loss pills one of the most effective oral weight loss pills ever brought to market.
How does the Wegovy tablet work?
When you eat, your intestines release a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1. This hormone sends signals to your brain and binds to GLP-1 receptors, triggering different responses: appetite is suppressed, the stomach empties more slowly, and insulin secretion increases in response to rising blood sugar.
This means that people taking it may:
- Feel fuller for longer
- Have fewer cravings throughout the day
In short, GLP-1 is your body’s natural mechanism for knowing when to stop eating and for managing blood glucose efficiently.
For people living with obesity, this system is often dysregulated. GLP-1 levels may be lower than normal, the signal weaker, and the feeling of fullness harder to reach. Research published in the journal Diabetes Care has shown that GLP-1 plays an important role in appetite and weight regulation, which is why medicines that copy GLP-1 have been developed for weight loss.
Semaglutide is a medicine that works in a similar way to natural GLP-1. It lasts longer in the body because it has been designed not to break down as quickly. This helps reduce appetite, slows how quickly food leaves the stomach, and supports better blood sugar control. Clinical data from the STEP 1 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021, demonstrated that injectable semaglutide produced an average weight loss of 20% over 68 weeks in adults with obesity.
How does the Wegovy tablet work in the Stomach?
Semaglutide is made from building blocks called amino acids. When taken by mouth, medicines like this are usually broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes before the body can absorb them. This is why most GLP-1 treatments have traditionally been given as injections, as they allow the medicine to bypass the digestive system.
The key development behind the Wegovy tablet is a helper ingredient called SNAC. Semaglutide is usually difficult to take as a tablet because it can be broken down in the stomach before the body absorbs it. SNAC helps protect semaglutide for long enough to be absorbed through the stomach lining. This allows the medicine to work as an oral tablet rather than needing to be injected. A 2018 study explained how SNAC helps semaglutide be absorbed through the stomach.
Because the body absorbs less semaglutide from a tablet than from an injection, oral doses are higher. Wegovy injections reach a maximum weekly dose of 7.2mg, while the tablet can increase to a maximum of 25mg daily. The aim is for both forms to deliver enough semaglutide into the bloodstream to have a similar effect.
Why has it taken so long to develop an oral GLP-1 tablet?
Semaglutide has usually been given as an injection because it is difficult for the body to absorb as a tablet. This is because the stomach can break it down before enough of the medicine reaches the bloodstream. This made injectable GLP-1 treatments the most practical option.
Researchers later developed a helper ingredient called SNAC, which helps protect semaglutide in the stomach and allows more of it to be absorbed. This technology was first used in Rybelsus, an oral semaglutide tablet for type 2 diabetes. Higher-dose oral semaglutide has since been studied for weight loss in clinical trials.
In the OASIS trials, oral semaglutide showed promising weight loss results. One trial using a 50mg dose reported average weight loss of 15.1% over 68 weeks. Another study of a 25mg dose reported average weight loss of around 14% over 71 weeks, with around 1 in 4 participants losing 20% or more of their starting body weight.
How effective is the Wegovy tablet?
The Wegovy tablet appears to be much more effective than previous weight loss tablets and may offer results that are closer to weight loss injections.
The evidence comes from the OASIS 4 clinical trial, which followed adults with overweight or obesity for 71 weeks. Participants did not have type 2 diabetes. Some were given oral semaglutide 25mg once a day, while others were given a placebo. Everyone in the study also received lifestyle support, such as advice on diet and physical activity.
Source: Wharton S, et al. N Engl J Med 2025;393:1077–1087
What It Means in Practice
Researchers also looked more closely at the OASIS 4 trial results to see how many people reached important weight loss goals, not just the average weight loss across the group. These findings give a clearer picture of how many participants achieved meaningful results.| Target Reached | Wegovy Tablet | Placebo |
| BMI below 30 | 43.0% | 10.5% |
| BMI below 27 | 26.6% | 5.9% |
| Met 2 or more low-risk targets for heart health | 85.7% | 74.4% |
| Met all 4 cardiometabolic targets | 22.8% | 11.6% |
Source: Le Roux CW, et al. OASIS 4 secondary analysis. ECO 2026, Istanbul
In other words, for many patients this is not just a weight loss treatment. It is a meaningful intervention for cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Wegovy Tablet vs Wegovy Injection?
Both treatments contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and work through the same mechanism. The key difference is how they are delivered and how the body absorbs them.
| Wegovy pill | Wegovy injection | |
|---|---|---|
| How taken | Daily tablet | Weekly injection |
| Needles required | None | Yes |
| Average weight lost | ~17% 25mg dose | ~20% 7.2mg dose |
| Lost 20% or more | 29.7% | 26.5% |
| Lost 15% or more | 50.0% | 44.9% |
| Physical function improvement | 55.3% | 51.2% |
| Available in UK | Launching mid-2026 | Available now |
Pill data: Wharton S, et al. N Engl J Med 2025;393:1077–1087 (OASIS 4). Injection data: Wilding JPH, et al. N Engl J Med 2021;384:989–1002 (STEP 1).
Wegovy Vs Mounjaro Vs Orlistat Vs Mysimba
Clinical Comparison Table
| Wegovy Pill | Mounjaro | Mysimba | Orlistat | |
| Active Ingredient(s) | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | Naltrexone & Bupropion | Orlistat |
| Mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist. Mimics fullness hormone to reduce appetite | Dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. Targets two hunger hormones simultaneously | Acts on brain regions controlling appetite and cravings | Blocks absorption of approximately one third of dietary fat |
| Administration | Once daily tablet | Once weekly injection | Twice daily tablet | Up to three times daily with meals |
| Average Weight Loss | ~17%-20% over 71 weeks | 15% to 22% over 72 weeks | ~8.1% over 56 weeks | ~3% to 5% over 12 months |
| Loss of 20% or more | 29.7% of patients | 63% of patients (15mg dose) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Key Trial | OASIS 4 (NEJM 2025) | SURMOUNT-1 (NEJM 2022) | COR programme trials | Multiple RCTs |
| NHS Availability | Pending MHRA approval | Yes (NICE approved Dec 2024) | No (private only) | Yes |
| Availability in UK | Mid-2026 | Now | Now | Now |
| Approx. monthy cost | ~£110 to £220 | ~£150 – £300 | ~£60 to £80 | ~£30 to £50 |
| Needles needed | No | Yes | No | No |
| Suitable for | BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with comorbidity | BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with comorbidity | BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with comorbidity | BMI 28+ |
Cross-trial comparisons should be interpreted with caution due to differences in study populations, trial design, and duration. Sources: OASIS 4 (Wharton et al, NEJM 2025), SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff et al, NEJM 2022), COR programme trials, NICE TA875/TA664.
How do I take the Wegovy tablet?
Wegovy tablets comes in four different strengths. 1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg and 25mg. It should be taken as follows:
- Once daily, every morning
- On an empty stomach — before eating, drinking or taking any other medication
- Swallowed whole with up to 100ml of water — more than this reduces absorption
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other medicines
Patients start on the lowest dose and increase it gradually every 30 days. This is not simply a precautionary measure. This gives the body time to adjust and helps reduce the chance of stomach-related side effects.
Can I Switch From the Wegovy Injection to the Wegovy tablet?
Yes, for the first time, licensed switching is expected to be possible once the Wegovy tablet receives UK approval, but it should always be done with guidance from a prescriber and not managed on your own.Important
Switching must always be done under prescriber supervision. There are currently no officially published dose equivalences for this switch. The table below is based on clinical principles and should not be used to self-manage a dose change.
| Phase | Wegovy injection once weekly | → | Wegovy pill once daily | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting dose | 0.25mg | → | 1.5mg | Restart titration |
| Step 2 | 0.5mg | → | 1.5mg | Continue 30 days |
| Step 3 | 1mg | → | 4mg | Continue 30 days |
| Step 4 | 1.7mg | → | 9mg | Continue 30 days |
| Maintenance | 2.4mg | → | 25mg | Target dose |
| Higher dose | 7.2mg | → | 25mg | Max pill dose |
Approximate equivalences based on clinical principles. No officially published switching protocol currently exists for the weight loss indication. Always consult your prescriber before making any dose changes.
Could there be a 50mg Wegovy tablet equivalent to 7.2mg Wegovy injections?
Novo Nordisk has studied a 50mg oral semaglutide tablet as a possible alternative to injectable weight loss treatments. In the OASIS 1 clinical trial, people taking oral semaglutide once daily lost an average of 15.1% of their body weight, compared with 2.4% in those taking a placebo.
The study also found that 85% of people taking oral semaglutide lost at least 5% of their body weight, compared with 26% of people taking placebo. Side effects, especially stomach-related symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea were more common with oral semaglutide but were usually mild to moderate.
Although the results were promising, it is not yet clear whether a 50mg tablet will become available in the UK. Future availability would depend on licensing, clinical guidance, and whether higher-dose tablets offer enough benefit compared with existing treatments.
Who are Wegovy tablets suitable for?
If approved in the UK, Wegovy tablets are expected to be prescribed for adults who meet one of the following criteria:
Standard eligibility
- A BMI of 30 or above, or
- A BMI of 27 or above alongside a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes
Minority ethnic backgrounds
Clinical guidelines recognise that people from certain minority ethnic groups carry a higher risk of weight-related health conditions at a lower BMI. For these patients, the thresholds are lower:
- A BMI of 27 or above, or
- A BMI of 25 or above alongside a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes
Wegovy Tablets Side Effects
The most common side effects of Wegovy tablets affect the stomach and digestion. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. They are similar to the side effects reported with Wegovy injections and often improve as your body gets used to the medicine. To help reduce side effects, the dose is increased gradually over time. This gives your body time to adjust and may make side effects less frequent or less severe. At The Family Chemist, every order of Wegovy tablets include a free side effect support pack. This includes oral rehydration sachets, anti-nausea treatment and a practical guide to help you manage common side effects during treatment.| Side Effect | How Common | How to Help |
| Nausea | Very common (more than 1 in 10) | Eat smaller meals, avoid fatty or spicy food, take the tablet at the same time each morning |
| Vomiting | Very common | Stay hydrated, use the oral rehydration sachets included in your support pack |
| Diarrhoea | Very common | Drink plenty of water, avoid high-fat meals, use rehydration sachets if needed |
| Constipation | Very common | Increase water intake and fibre, keep active |
| Stomach discomfort or pain | Very common | Eat slowly, avoid large meals, try peppermint tea |
| Headaches | Very common | Stay well hydrated, rest, use paracetamol if needed |
| Dizziness | Common (up to 1 in 10) | Rise slowly from sitting or lying, stay hydrated |
| Burping or flatulence | Common | Eat slowly, avoid carbonated drinks and cruciferous vegetables |
| Bloating or indigestion | Common | Eat smaller portions, avoid eating late at night |
| Reflux or heartburn | Common | Avoid lying down after eating, limit caffeine and alcohol |
| Fatigue | Common | Rest when needed, ensure adequate sleep and hydration |
| Hair loss | Common | Usually temporary and resolves with continued treatment |
| Gallstones | Common | Maintain a balanced diet, avoid rapid weight loss patterns |
Who cannot take Wegovy tablets?
Wegovy tablets are not suitable for everyone. A medical consultation is required before treatment can be prescribed, and a qualified clinician will assess whether it is appropriate for you individually. You should not take Wegovy tablets if any of the following apply: Medical conditions- You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer)
- You have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- You have a history of pancreatitis
- You have severe kidney or liver disease
- You have diabetic retinopathy (a complication of diabetes affecting the eyes)
- You have severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
- You are allergic to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in the tablet
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You are breastfeeding
- You are taking other GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, such as Wegovy injections, Ozempic, or Rybelsus
- You are taking insulin or certain diabetes medications, as dose adjustments may be required under medical supervision
- Wegovy tablets is not currently licensed for use in patients under 18 years of age
When will Wegovy tablets be available in the UK?
Wegovy tablets have already been approved and launched in the United States, where it became available to patients in early 2026. Before it can be prescribed in the UK, it must receive approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
A UK approval decision is expected in mid-2026, though timelines can change and are subject to the MHRA’s review process. Once approved, Wegovy weight loss pills will be available as a prescription-only medicine, meaning patients will need to complete a medical consultation before treatment can be supplied.
It is worth noting that UK approval does not automatically mean immediate availability everywhere. Rollout through online pharmacies and clinical services takes time, and demand for GLP-1 weight loss treatments in the UK has been consistently high. Registering on our waitlist ensures you will be among the first patients contacted when The Family Chemist is able to offer the Wegovy pill.
How much will Wegovy tablets cost?
Final UK pricing has not yet been confirmed. However, based on early pricing information from the United States, the Wegovy tablet may cost around $150 to $300 per month, depending on the dose. This is roughly £110 to £220 per month, although UK prices may differ.
After speaking with Novo Nordisk, we understand that the Wegovy tablet is expected to be priced similarly to the Wegovy injection when it launches in the UK. This means patients switching from injections to tablets, or starting treatment for the first time, may not see a major difference in monthly cost.
The Family Chemist aims to offer the Wegovy tablet at a competitive price, with no hidden consultation fees and the same simple process patients already use for Wegovy injections.
Join our waitlist and we will contact you with full pricing details as soon as they are confirmed, before the Wegovy tablet goes on general sale.
Can I switch from the Wegovy injection to the pill?
Switching will be possible and for the first time it will be a straightforward dose-for-dose substitution. Because the pill and injection are absorbed differently by the body, the transition should always be carried out under the guidance of a qualified prescriber who can advise on the appropriate starting dose.
Will the Wegovy pill be available on the NHS?
It is not yet clear whether the Wegovy pill will be available on the NHS following UK approval. If NICE does recommend it, access is likely to follow similar rules already in place for Wegovy injections. This means NHS access would only be considered if you have already tried other weight loss methods, have been referred to a specialist weight management service, and meet the NHS BMI criteria for treatment.
Accessing GLP-1 weight loss treatment through the NHS can be difficult. Waiting lists for specialist weight management services are long, referral criteria are strict, and many patients who are clinically eligible find themselves waiting months or years before treatment is offered. Private treatment is often faster and more straightforward for whose are suitable.
Through The Family Chemist, you can complete a short online consultation and, if suitable, begin treatment without a GP referral or a specialist waiting list. Wegovy injections are available now, and you can join our waitlist to hear when the Wegovy pill becomes available in the UK.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next tablet as normal the following morning. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do Wegovy tablets affect the contraceptive pill?
Wegovy does not appear to directly reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception. However, side effects such as vomiting or diarrhoea occurring shortly after taking the contraceptive pill may affect its absorption. Additional contraceptive precautions are recommended if these side effects are present.
What should I avoid while taking Wegovy tablets?
For best results, patients are advised to avoid foods that are high in fat, greasy, very spicy, as well as excessive alcohol and high-sugar drinks. Smaller, more frequent meals and staying hydrated are recommended as it can help reduce side effects and support your weight loss journey.
How do I store Wegovy tablets?
- Keep the tablets at room temperature,
- Store in a dry place. You may not want to keep them in the bathroom if it gets too hot and steamy
- Keep the pills in the original bottle they came in, with the cap tightly closed
- Wegovy tablets comes in a child-resistant bottle. Keep out of reach of children
Sources
Semaglutide (2024) National Library of Medicine [accessed 20th May 2026]
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1): a gut hormone of potential interest in the treatment of diabetes (1998) National Library of Medicine [accessed 20th May 2026]
Development and validation of a questionnaire to evaluate patient satisfaction with diabetes disease management (2000) Diabetes Care [accessed 20th May 2026]
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (2021) The New England Journal of Medicine [accessed 10th May 2026]
Transcellular stomach absorption of a derivatized glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (2018) Science Translational Medicine [accessed 20th May 2026]
(OASIS 1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial (2023) The Lancet [accessed 20th May 2026]
Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (2025) The New England Journal of Medicine [accessed 20th May 2026]
Wegovy® (semaglutide) Pill: Your Complete Guide to Wegovy Pill (2026) Novo Nordisk] [accessed 20th May 2026]
Medically
reviewed by
Sunny Dhain (MPharm, PGDip, IP, MRPharmS)
GPhC Number: 2073665
Last reviewed: 20th May 2026
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