What it's approved for
- Chronic weight management, with diet and exercise, in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition
- Check the current label for any added uses since approval
How it works
It mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone released after meals. It slows stomach emptying, lowers appetite and helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high.
Wegovy pill has a half-life of about 1 week for the injection, so steady levels take 4 to 5 weeks.
The same medicine is sold as Rybelsus. See Wegovy pill vs Rybelsus.
Dose steps on the label
Increase every 30 days per the label schedule. Maintenance: 25 mg once daily.
What the main trial found
Cost snapshot
| Option | Per month | Per year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mg and 4 mg tablets (self-pay) | $149 | $1,788 | Self-pay |
| 9 mg and 25 mg tablets (self-pay) | $299 | $3,588 | Self-pay |
Compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly. All savings options.
Everything about Wegovy pill
Dosage
Every dose step, timing and the maximum
OpenSide effects
How common each one is vs placebo
OpenCost and savings
List price, self-pay and savings cards
OpenInsurance coverage
Prior authorization and appeals
OpenMissed dose
What the label says to do
OpenStorage
Fridge, room temperature and travel
OpenHow to take it
Step by step, from the label
OpenWarnings
Boxed warning and who shouldn't use it
OpenExplainer · 0:23
Read the transcript
- After you eat, your gut releases a hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 medicines copy it, but last much longer in the body.
- It slows how fast your stomach empties, so you feel full sooner and stay full for longer.
- It also acts on appetite centers in the brain, which quiets hunger and constant thoughts about food.
- When blood sugar is high, it helps the pancreas release insulin. Tirzepatide also acts on a second gut hormone, GIP.
Compare Wegovy pill
Common questions
What is Wegovy pill?
Wegovy pill is oral semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist (tablet) made by Novo Nordisk. It's a once daily tablet.
What is the starting dose of Wegovy pill?
The label starts at 1.5 mg, 30 days first. Increase every 30 days per the label schedule.
What is the highest dose of Wegovy pill?
The highest dose on the label is 25 mg once daily.
How much weight do people lose on Wegovy pill?
In OASIS 4, people on 25 mg lost an average of 13.6% of body weight over 64 weeks, vs 2.2% on placebo. Results vary widely.
What if I miss a dose of Wegovy pill?
If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose the following day. Don't take two tablets to make up for it.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error