New Wegovy Pill Explained: A Complete Guide to Wegovy Tablets
Wegovy oral tablets are a prescription-only weight loss treatment containing semaglutide. While Wegovy injections have been available in the UK since September 2023¹, the tablet version has so far only been approved in the US.
In this guide, you’ll find out:
- How the Wegovy pill works
- When it may become available in the UK
- The difference between the Wegovy pill and the Wegovy injection
What Is the New Wegovy Pill?
Wegovy tablets are an oral version of the weight loss injection and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide.
Semaglutide works by mimicking your natural hormones responsible for controlling hunger. Because it mimics the hormones that regulate appetite, it can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing your calorie intake.
The Wegovy pills are currently available in the US in 4 strengths:
- 1.5mg
- 4mg
- 9mg
- 25mg
When Will Wegovy Tablets Be Available in the UK?
Wegovy tablets have been approved for use in the US and launched in early 2026.² In phase 3 clinical trials, oral semaglutide was shown to support weight loss, with a safety profile similar to injectable semaglutide.³
Before they can become available in the UK, they need to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). A UK approval decision is expected later in 2026, although timelines may change.
Once available, the pills will be licensed in the UK for both weight loss and maintenance.
Where Can I Buy the Wegovy Pill in the UK?
If approved for use in the UK, the Wegovy tablet will be available as a prescription-only medicine.
This means you will need to complete a medical consultation first. A qualified prescriber will review your answers to check whether it is safe and suitable for you.
If appropriate, treatment may be supplied by a registered UK pharmacy such as The Independent Pharmacy, following approval.
Wegovy Pill (Semaglutide Tablet)
Wegovy tablets contain semaglutide, a medicine that has been clinically proven to support weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. If you'd like to be notified when it becomes available in the UK, you can sign up above or on the treatment page for updates.
How Much Does the New Wegovy Pill Cost?
In the US, the Wegovy tablet costs approximately $150 per month.
If approved in the UK, pricing details will be shared closer to launch. We expect the cost of a month’s supply of the tablet to be similar to a month’s supply of the injectable pen, although this has not yet been confirmed.
Wegovy Pill NHS Eligibility
Wegovy injections up to 2.4mg are available on the NHS for eligible patients under current NICE guidance.
Higher doses, such as Wegovy 7.2mg, are still being assessed and are not yet available.
If approved in the UK, NHS access to the Wegovy tablet would depend on NICE guidance at the time.
Wegovy (0.25mg - 2.4mg) Weight Loss Injections
You can buy Wegovy Weight Loss Injections after taking a free, three minute consultation. Click through to view the treatment page, and then click Start Assessment, to see if Wegovy could be right for you.
How Does the Wegovy Pill Work?
As mentioned above, Wegovy contains semaglutide, which mimics a hormone (known as GLP-1) that’s naturally released by the body when you eat. By triggering the same receptor in the brain as the GLP-1 hormone, this may reduce calorie intake when combined with lifestyle changes.
Like the Wegovy injection, the tablet is started at a low dose and increased gradually. This helps your body adjust and can reduce side effects.
If you are new to Wegovy, you will usually begin on the lowest dose and increase it over time as advised by your clinician.
How Do You Take the Wegovy Pill?
- Take your Wegovy pill first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Swallow it whole with up to 100ml of water. Do not take it with more than this amount.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other medicines.
Important: Only take the tablet with up to 100ml of water. Taking it with more than this can reduce how much of the treatment your body absorbs, which may make it less effective.
Can I Switch From Wegovy Injections to the Wegovy Pill?
Switching from the Wegovy injection to the tablet may be possible, but this should always be discussed with your prescriber first.
Although the injection and tablet contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, they are absorbed differently by the body.
The injection is given just under the skin (a subcutaneous injection). This means the full prescribed dose enters your bloodstream.
The tablet is swallowed. Some of the medicine is broken down during digestion, which is why the tablet strengths are higher than the injection.
Because of this difference, the doses are not directly interchangeable.
If you are already using the Wegovy injectable pen and are thinking about switching, speak to a clinician first. They can advise you on the correct dose and make sure the change is safe for you.
How Effective Is the New Wegovy Pill?
In the OASIS 4 clinical trial, oral semaglutide was shown to support weight loss in adults with obesity. Participants experienced an average weight reduction of around 14% over the study period, with approximately one in four people losing 20% or more of their starting body weight.³
Who Is the New Wegovy Pill Suitable For?
If approved in the UK, the Wegovy tablet may be prescribed for adults with:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above
- A BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related health condition
You should not use Wegovy if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What Is the Difference Between the Wegovy Pill and the Wegovy Injection?
The main difference is how the medicine is taken and absorbed by the body.
| Wegovy Tablet | Wegovy Injection |
|---|---|
| Taken once daily | Taken once weekly |
| Swallowed with water | Injected just under the skin |
| Some of the medicine is broken down during digestion | The full prescribed dose is delivered directly into the bloodstream |
| Higher tablet strengths are needed to allow for digestion | Lower strengths are used because the dosage is delivered directly to the bloodstream |
Is the Wegovy Pill as Effective as Wegovy Injections?
In the 71-week OASIS 4 clinical trial, participants taking oral semaglutide experienced average weight loss of around 14%. In comparison, injectable semaglutide has been associated with average weight loss of around 15% in clinical studies.³
Wegovy Pill Alternatives
If the Wegovy tablet is not suitable for you, other weight loss treatments may be considered. These include:
- Wegovy injections
- Mounjaro injections
- Orlistat capsules
- Xenical capsules
- Orlos
- Nevolat
- Alli
If you’d like to talk to our expert clinicians about the weight loss treatment for you, please get in contact.
FAQs
How do I store Wegovy pills?
Keep your Wegovy tablets in the original packaging. They can be kept at room temperature at 20–25°C in a dry place. Keep out of reach of children.
What Wegovy pill dosages and strengths are available?
Wegovy pills come in the following dosages:
- 1.5mg
- 4mg
- 9mg
- 25mg
Typically, you’ll start with a 1.5mg once-daily dose and increase your dose every 30 days, so your body has time to get used to the treatment. The correct dose for you will depend on your health and lifestyle.
How do I switch from Wegovy injections to the Wegovy pill?
The Wegovy pill and Wegovy injection both contain semaglutide and work by activating GLP-1 receptors to help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
However, there are differences in dosing and absorption which mean the switch needs to be done under the guidance of a prescriber. When the time comes, if you’d like to switch, get in touch with our clinical team.
What if I miss a dose of the Wegovy pill?
If you miss a dose, skip that day’s dose and take the next day’s dose as normal.
What happens if you take too much Wegovy?
Taking more Wegovy than prescribed may increase your risk of side effects. You can find out how to manage these symptoms. These can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Constipation
In some cases, symptoms may be more severe or last longer than expected.
If you think you have taken too much, seek medical advice.
Always follow the dose prescribed by your clinician and do not increase your dose without medical guidance.
What should I avoid while using Wegovy?
Wegovy works best with a healthy, balanced diet.
It’s best to avoid:
- High-fat, greasy foods
- Spicy foods
- High-sugar foods and drinks
- Caffeine
- Excessive alcohol
Instead, try:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Lean proteins like chicken or tofu
- Drinking plenty of water
What other drugs will affect Wegovy?
Wegovy works partly by slowing down how your stomach empties and this can affect how well other medicines are absorbed by your body.
Wegovy may affect the effectiveness of oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Speak to your prescriber before taking any weight loss medication.
While Wegovy doesn’t appear to reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill, side effects like vomiting and diarrhoea can reduce how well it is absorbed. So use extra protection (like condoms) if you’re experiencing side effects.
Wegovy should not be taken if you are:
- Pregnant
- Trying to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding
In Conclusion
The oral form of Wegovy represents a potential alternative to weekly injections, pending UK approval.
If you’re considering weight loss treatment, our UK-registered clinicians can help you understand the options currently available and whether they’re suitable for you.
If you’d like to talk to our trusted pharmacists about Wegovy pills or Wegovy injections, you can get in touch here or start your weight loss assessment.
References
- UK Health Security Agency. Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: everything you need to know. GOV.UK. 2023 Sep 4. Available from: https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/04/accessing-wegovy-for-weight-loss-everything-you-need-to-know/ (Accessed 25 February 2026).
- Dyer O. Pill version of obesity jab is approved in US, with UK decision pending. BMJ. 2026;392:s2. Available from: https://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s2 (Accessed 25 February 2026).
- Wharton S, Lingvay I, Bogdanski P, et al. Oral semaglutide 25 mg in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2025;393:1077-1087. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2500969. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2500969
Sources
- Knop FK, et al. Oral semaglutide 50 mg taken once per day in adults with overweight or obesity (OASIS 1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2023;402:xxx-xxx. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01185-6/abstract (Accessed 25 February 2026).
- UK Health Security Agency. GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know. GOV.UK. 2024. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know (Accessed 25 February 2026).
- Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) prescribing information. Plainsboro, NJ: Novo Nordisk Inc.; 2025. Available from: https://www.wegovy.com (Accessed 25 February 2026).
- NHS Inform. Semaglutide. NHS Inform. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot (Accessed 25 February 2026).
