First-Ever Oral GLP-1 Wegovy® Weight-Loss Drug Hits U.S. Pharmacies

January 6, 2026

Raziya Begum

Wegovy® pill (oral semaglutide) is approved for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions, in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and enhanced physical activity. It is also approved for decreasing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including stroke and heart attack, in overweight/obese adults with established cardiovascular disease. This pill is the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved in the US and is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

Obesity is a complex, serious, and chronic disease influenced by various factors such as environmental, biological, and genetic factors. Wegovy® provides a long-term, science-based treatment option to support sustained weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. It is available in two formulations: oral tablets (1.5, 4, 9, and 25 mg strengths) and single-dose injection pens (0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7, 2.4 mg). The oral tablet regimen begins at 1.5 mg once daily for 30 days, with dose escalation to a maintenance dose of 25 mg once daily. It should be taken whole on an empty stomach with water before food or other medications. Wegovy® injection is given subcutaneously once weekly, starting at 0.25 mg and titrated every 4 weeks to a 2.4 mg maintenance dose. Blood glucose should be monitored in patients with diabetes before and during Wegovy® therapy.

This pill was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on the findings from the OASIS Phase 3 interventional clinical trial. This placebo-controlled, double-blind, and randomized, 64-week study evaluated the safety and efficacy of oral semaglutide. A total of 307 adults (≥18 years) with overweight/obesity and weight-related comorbidities without diabetes were enrolled from 22 sites across four countries (the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Poland). Participants were randomized 2:1 to receive either oral semaglutide 25 mg or a placebo once daily, alongside lifestyle interventions. Participants taking once-daily Wegovy® pill plus diet and exercise achieved an average weight loss of 13.6% compared to 2.4% with placebo. Among participants who remained on treatment, weight loss reached 16.6% versus 2.7% with placebo. Approximately 76% of patients taking the Wegovy® pill lost at least 5% of their body weight from a mean baseline weight of 235 pounds, compared with 31% of placebo recipients with a baseline weight of 231 pounds.

Common side effects of Wegovy® include bloating, dizziness, constipation, nausea, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. It may cause serious side effects like thyroid tumors. It should not be used in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or known hypersensitivity to semaglutide. Wegovy® may also cause severe, persistent stomach problems. Treatment should be discontinued, and immediate medical attention should be sought if signs of a serious allergic reaction occur, such as rapid heartbeat, swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or severe rash.

Ed Cinca, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Patient Solutions, Novo Nordisk, said that the Wegovy® pill offers a new option for individuals seeking weight treatment. As the first GLP-1 pill, it represents a major innovation that expands access through affordable pricing and multiple care options.

The Wegovy® pill is broadly available through >70,000 U.S. pharmacies, including Costco and CVS, as well as select telehealth providers such as GoodRx, NovoCare® Pharmacy, Weight Watchers, Ro & LifeMD, and more. A self-pay option allows eligible patients to start treatment at $149/month (about $5/day) for the 1.5 mg starter dose. Additional affordability programs are available for commercially insured patients.

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