Americans seeking new options for weight management can now access Wegovy in pill form, which recently became available at pharmacies nationwide. The starter 1.5 milligram dose is currently on shelves, with higher doses scheduled to be released later in the week, as stated by Novo Nordisk.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the semaglutide-based pill for obesity on December 22, and it is also cleared to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients who are obese or overweight. The pill mirrors the effectiveness of the Wegovy injection, which has been on the market since 2021 and faced supply shortages until early 2025. Clinical trials showed that patients taking the 25-milligram pill lost an average of 13.6 to 14 percent of their body weight over 64 weeks, compared with roughly 2 percent for placebo groups.
Patients should take the pill with water on an empty stomach and wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medications to allow the medicine to be properly absorbed. Common side effects, similar to the injection, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Novo Nordisk set the starter 1.5 mg dose at $149 per month for direct-to-consumer purchases. The 4 mg dose costs $149 per month until April 15, after which it rises to $199. Higher doses, including 9 mg and 25 mg, are priced at $299 per month. Insurance coverage may reduce costs to as little as $25 per month.
The pill is produced entirely in Novo Nordisk’s North Carolina facilities, which the company said are capable of meeting demand. Pharmacies such as CVS and Costco, telehealth providers including Ro and LifeMD, and NovoCare Pharmacy will carry the medication.
Eli Lilly is pursuing FDA approval for its oral obesity medication, orforglipron, with a decision expected by summer 2026.
