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Wegovy (Oral Pill) Information
Please see below key information and frequently asked questions about the Wegovy Oral Pill. You can also find a link to the patient information leaflet for Wegovy here
The Wegovy Pill is a prescription GLP‑1 medication containing semaglutide, taken as a daily tablet to support medically supervised weight loss. It works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP‑1, which helps regulate appetite, reduce food noise and cravings, and increase feelings of fullness.It is designed to be used alongside nutrition, movement and lifestyle changes as part of a structured weight‑management programme.
Both treatments contain semaglutide and work in the same way, but they differ in how they are taken, stored and absorbed:Daily tablet vs weekly injectionTablets at room temperature; injections require refrigerationTablets must be taken on an empty stomach with specific timing; injections have no food or timing restrictionsTablets are absorbed through the digestive system; injections are absorbed under the skinClinical results (from separate trials):
Oral semaglutide 25mg: 16.6% average weight loss over 64 weeksWegovy injection 7.2mg: 20.7% over 72 weeks
These studies were conducted separately and are not direct comparisons. We can help you decide which option best suits your lifestyle and goals.
Your treatment begins with the lowest dose (1.5mg once daily) and increases gradually every 30 days, for example:
Days 1–30: 1.5mgDays 31–60: 4mgDays 61–90: 9mgDay 91 onward: 25mg (maintenance dose)
This gradual increase helps your body adjust and reduces the chance of side effects. Some people remain on lower doses for longer, which is completely fine.
The full therapeutic effect is usually seen at the 25mg maintenance dose.
To ensure proper absorption:
Take the tablet first thing in the morning on an empty stomachSwallow whole with up to 120ml of waterWait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else or taking other oral medicationsDo not split, crush or chew the tabletStore at room temperature
Taking it at the same time each day helps maintain a consistent routine.
No. Oral semaglutide must be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water.Food, coffee, tea and other drinks should be avoided for at least 30 minutes after taking your dose.
If you miss a dose, skip that day and take your next tablet as normal the following day.Do not take two tablets in one day.If you vomit shortly after taking your tablet, do not take an extra dose unless specifically advised by us. Continue with your usual schedule. If vomiting persists, contact us!
Side effects are most common when starting treatment or increasing the dose and often improve as your body adapts.
Very common side effects:
NauseaVomitingDiarrhoeaConstipationStomach painHeadachesFatigue
Less common (fewer than 1 in 100 people):
Faster heart rateLow blood sugarKidney stonesPancreatitis
Rare (fewer than 1 in 1,000 people):
Severe allergic reactionsAngioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat)
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling or severe stomach pain.
In a 64‑week clinical study, oral semaglutide 25mg resulted in an average weight loss of 16.6%, with around 30% of participants losing 20% or more of their body weight.Individual results vary.Many people notice appetite changes within the first few weeks, with weight loss becoming more visible as the dose increases. If progress feels slower than expected after several months, your clinician can review your treatment and discuss alternatives.
Injectable GLP‑1 medications have shown higher average weight‑loss results in clinical trials:
Oral Wegovy 25mg: 16.6% (64 weeks)Wegovy injection 7.2mg: 20.7% (72 weeks)Mounjaro 15mg: 22.5% (72 weeks)
These results come from separate studies and are not direct comparisons, but they suggest injectables may produce greater weight loss on average.
However, the most effective treatment is the one you can maintain consistently.
Switching is possible, but it’s important to understand how the two treatments differ.
Clinical trials suggest that injectable semaglutide may produce greater average weight loss than the tablet. For example:
Wegovy injection 7.2mg: 20.7% average weight loss over 72 weeksWegovy Pill 25mg: 16.6% average weight loss over 64 weeks
These results come from separate studies and are not direct comparisons.However, the tablet may be preferable if you:
Find injections difficultTravel frequentlyExperience injection‑site reactionsPrefer a needle‑free option
We can help you decide whether switching is right for you.
No. Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking treatment, stop the medication and contact us.
Alcohol is allowed, but it may worsen side effects such as nausea, dizziness or dehydration. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and stay hydrated.
Weight regain can occur after stopping treatment, especially if healthy eating and activity habits are not maintained. Wegovy supports weight loss while you’re taking it, but long‑term success relies on sustainable lifestyle changes.
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