Wegovy is now available as a once-daily oral tablet made by Novo Nordisk to help with weight loss. It's a prescription medication for adults who have obesity or are overweight and have at least one weight-related health issue and it's also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with known heart disease.

Wegovy tablets contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps you feel full and reduces your appetite. Unlike the injectable version, the tablet is taken once daily and doesn't require refrigeration, making it a convenient option for many people.

In clinical studies, participants taking Wegovy tablets achieved an average weight loss of 16.6% over 64 weeks when they adhered to treatment, with one-third of participants achieving at least 20% weight loss. These results are comparable to the injectable form of Wegovy.

The tablet is available in different strengths (1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg) with a gradual dose escalation plan. For the best results, Wegovy tablets should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

• Full Prescribing Information: For complete details, including the Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, please review the FDA-approved Wegovy® Prescribing Information.
• Manufacturer Resources: Additional patient support and safety data can be found on the official Wegovy® (semaglutide) website.
• Reporting Side Effects: You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take your Wegovy® tablet first thing upon waking on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet whole with a small sip of plain water only (no more than 4 ounces or 120 mL).
Wait 30 Minutes: Do not eat, drink anything else (including coffee or tea), or take other oral medications for at least 30 minutes after your dose.
Swallow Whole: Never crush, cut, chew, or dissolve the tablet, as this can prevent the medication from working correctly.

The main ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This means it mimics the action of natural hormones that regulate appetite and food intake in the body. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness, leading to decreased food intake and, consequently, weight loss. Semaglutide is administered via injection and is designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for the management of obesity or overweight in adults with certain weight-related medical conditions.

Wegovy® tablets (oral semaglutide) may cause side effects as your body adjusts to the medication. Most are gastrointestinal and tend to occur during dose increases.
Common Side Effects
Nausea and Vomiting: Often manageable by eating smaller meals and avoiding fatty foods Wegovy Official Site.
Digestive Issues: Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and bloating FDA Label.
General Malaise: Fatigue, dizziness, and headache Mayo Clinic.
Reflux: Heartburn or frequent belching.
Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)
Thyroid Tumors: A Boxed Warning exists for thyroid C-cell tumors; report any neck lumps or hoarseness immediately.
Pancreatitis: Severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back.
Gallbladder Problems: Upper stomach pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
Kidney Injury: Often caused by dehydration from severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, especially if used with other diabetes medications.
Vision Changes: Specifically for patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Depression: Any sudden changes in mood or suicidal thoughts.

Wegovy comes with several warnings that users should be aware of. Firstly, it has been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis, so patients experiencing severe abdominal pain should seek medical attention. Additionally, there's a potential risk of thyroid tumors, particularly in those with a history of thyroid cancer or a genetic predisposition. Patients should also be cautious about hypoglycemia, as Wegovy may lower blood sugar levels. Kidney function should be monitored regularly, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before using Wegovy due to its unknown effects in these populations.