The Fast Facts
- As of January 2026, Wegovy (semaglutide) is now available in an oral pill form.
- To take the pill, you will need to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
- To get a consultation about the GLP-1 pill, you can visit LifeMD, Weight Watchers, or Ro to talk with a healthcare professional.
On January 5, 2026, Novo Nordisk announced it had launched an oral tablet version of its injectable GLP-1 weight-loss medication, Wegovy (semaglutide).
The GLP-1 pill is still prescription-only, but the new form of the pill can make it more easily accessible and easier to take than the once-weekly or once-monthly injection.
In this article, we lay out all the facts about the new GLP-1 pill, where you can get a consultation and prescription for it, and any side effects you need to know about.
The Wegovy pill is another option for the injectable GLP-1 medication. Though Rybelsus has been on the market since 2019, its primary use is to help manage blood sugar levels in adults who have type 2 diabetes.
This oral GLP-1 pill can be a helpful alternative to those who are looking to take a GLP-1 to aid in weight loss, but do not like needles. The dosage of the pill and the injection increase the longer you use it; however, the strength and a few other key points make the Wegovy pill different from the injection.
The short answer is: kind of. Both the injection and the pill contain the same main ingredient, semaglutide; however, there are a few key differences.
Because of the new pill formulation, people who are breastfeeding are advised not to take this pill. In particular,
Novo Nordisk’s pill Rybelsus has the same warning, as the pill also contains SNAC. While there are currently no studies on the presence of SNAC in human breast milk, there has been a study on rats that shows that there is a concentrated substance of SNAC in the rats’ breast milk.
“When a substance is present in animal milk, it is likely that the substance will be present in human milk,” the FDA says. “Because of the unknown potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant due to the possible accumulation of SNAC from breastfeeding… advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.”
The GLP-1 pill must also be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water. You must wait to eat, drink, or even ingest other medications for at least 30 minutes after taking the Wegovy pill. This ensures the pill has time to enter the stomach without anything obstructing the absorption.
Otherwise, the pill is also an aid to weight loss. It’s still suggested to stick to a reduced-calorie diet and daily movement to help lose and keep off the unwanted weight.
Comparing the GLP-1 pill and injection
| Type of GLP-1 | Doses available | How to take | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy pill | 1.5 mg; 4 mg; 9 mg; 25 mg | • take on an empty stomach • swallow with a glass of water • wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medication | store in a cool, dry place |
| Wegovy injection | 0.25 mg; 0.5 mg; 1 mg; 1.7 mg; 2.4 mg | • must be injected on the same day, same time every week • inject once a week in the upper arm, thigh, or stomach | must be kept in the refrigerator |
Medical PerspectiveNow that there is a pill available for weight loss, if people choose to switch from injection to pill, what is the process of doing so? Are there any adverse effects or things to consider about the switch?
Switching from injectable semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) to the oral Wegovy pill is straightforward under medical supervision. Consult your prescriber to determine the starting dose based on your current injectable level, then wait 7 full days after your last injection before beginning the pill, with titration as needed to minimize side effects.
Side effects mirror the injectable, primarily GI issues like nausea, but may intensify temporarily during the switch. Reversion to injections is easy if needed.
Learn more about types and strengths of semaglutide doses.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
The lowest dose of the GLP-1 pill, 1.5 mg, can cost $149 per month. It can go up to $299 per month for 9 mg or 25 mg. The Wegovy injections cost $349 per month, from the lowest to the highest dose.
Both the Wegovy pill and injection are eligible for insurance; however, coverage varies by insurance plan, whether you meet the eligibility criteria, and the pharmacy you use, and it may require prior authorization from your insurance.
If the pill is covered, you may still have to pay a high out-of-pocket cost. Novo Nordisk, however, does have savings cards that can help reduce the self-pay cost.
| Type of GLP-1 | List price | Cash-pay price |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy pill | $1,349.02 | starts at $149 per month |
| Wegovy injection | $1,349.02 | starts at $349 per month |
| Rybelsus pill | $1,027.51 | not available |
Like most other GLP-1s, you can get the Wegovy pill through telehealth platforms or from your healthcare professional. From there, you can pick up your prescription from your local pharmacy or get home delivery if it’s available.
Here are a few options that offer consultations and are able to prescribe the GLP-1 pill.
- Despite side effects, people continue taking Ozempic for weight loss
- FDA blocks Hims & Hers compounded version of the new Wegovy pill
- Serena Williams, new GLP-1 ads, and weight loss
- A new study finds that stopping GLP-1s may lead to weight regain in less than 2 years
- FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
- WHO issues guidelines for the use of GLP-1 drugs to treat obesity
Wegovy is now available in a pill form, in addition to injections. Though they are similar in formulation, there are some key differences to keep in mind. The cash-pay rate for the GLP-1 pill is more affordable than the Wegovy injections; however, the price can still vary based on insurance, pharmacy, and more.
Yes, there are two types of GLP-1s available as pills. However, both have different FDA-approved functions.
Rybelsus is a pill that helps manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. The new Wegovy pill can aid weight loss when combined with exercise and nutrition.
Both pills are only available through prescription, and people must meet eligibility criteria before receiving the prescription.
In a study from 2025, the authors compared the Wegovy pill and injection and found that their effectiveness was comparable. While the Wegovy pill showed a greater reduction in blood sugar, the Wegovy injection showed a greater reduction in weight.
The authors say, though, that “there were no statistically significant reductions in HbA1C or weight between the two formulations.”
Yes, you can. However, you must consult your prescriber to determine the starting dose based on your current injectable level. Then, you must wait 7 full days after your last injection before beginning the pill. It’s important to stay in contact with your healthcare professional, so you can both monitor your symptoms while you change over.