Wegovy® pill

What is the Wegovy pill?

Wegovy pill is a medicine containing the active substance semaglutide in tablet form from pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. No new active substance has been approved, but an additional dosage form of Wegovy: in addition to the well-known Wegovy injection, Wegovy is now also available as an orally administered tablet. Both forms contain semaglutide, but differ, among other things, in dosage, titration schedule, and administration instructions.

The European approval of the oral tablet form (in strengths of 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg) for weight management in adults has been established in an extension of the existing Wegovy marketing authorization by the EMA (Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, CHMP).

Wegovy pill is registered for the treatment of overweight and obesity in adults, as an adjunct to a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity. Within The Body Clinic, a doctor assesses during the consultation whether treatment with medication is suitable within a medical trajectory. More information about our medical approach can be found in our treatment program.

Semaglutide (oral)

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the body's own satiety hormone GLP-1, which slows gastric emptying and reduces feelings of hunger. This naturally leads to eating less, making weight loss easier. In oral form (Wegovy pill), semaglutide is taken daily as a tablet. Its absorption into the body depends on the correct timing of intake: food, drinks, and concurrently taken medication can influence how much semaglutide is absorbed.

Wegovy pill for overweight and obesity

Wegovy pill is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise in adults with obesity, or with overweight in combination with at least one weight-related comorbidity. The goal of treatment is sustainable weight loss and reducing health risks associated with overweight.

Wegovy pill price

The price is determined by the pharmacy and may vary by strength and dosage. Inquire with your pharmacy or health insurer for current information. Within The Body Clinic, a doctor assesses during the consultation whether treatment with medication is appropriate within a medical trajectory. More information can be found in our treatment program.

Who is the Wegovy pill suitable for?

Wegovy pill can be prescribed to adults with: obesity (BMI ≥ 30); overweight (BMI ≥ 27) in combination with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes; always in combination with an adjusted diet and increased exercise. Wegovy pill is not intended for type 1 diabetes or as a cosmetic agent for a healthy weight. Whether the admission conditions are met does not automatically mean that the drug is medically suitable in an individual situation; that will be assessed during the consultation.

Wegovy pill prescription

Wegovy pill is only available by prescription. A BIG-registered doctor assesses whether the medicine is medically suitable and responsible for your situation. Within The Body Clinic, a doctor assesses during the consultation whether treatment with medication is suitable within a medical trajectory. More information can be found in our treatment program..

Wegovy pill reimbursement

Reimbursement for medication for overweight varies per situation and health insurer and is generally only possible with a medical indication that meets specific conditions. Inquire with your pharmacy or insurer about the current conditions.

How the Wegovy pill works

Wegovy pill contains semaglutide, which is similar to the body's own GLP-1 hormone. Summarized action:

• slows gastric emptying;
• reduces feelings of hunger;
• increases feelings of fullness after eating;
• supports weight loss in combination with diet and exercise. The effect gradually builds up, while the dosage is gradually increased under the guidance of a doctor.

Research results (OASIS 4) In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled OASIS 4 study, 307 adults without diabetes with obesity or overweight (with at least one weight-related comorbidity) were studied, in addition to lifestyle counseling on diet and exercise. After 64 weeks:

These figures are average outcomes from a controlled clinical study and do not indicate how an individual's weight will develop under treatment.

The substances contained in Wegovy pill

Wegovy pill is available in tablet form, in strengths of 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg. According to official product information, it contains: Active substance: semaglutide. Excipients: including sodium salcaprozate (an absorption enhancer); complete overview listed in the package leaflet.

How to use Wegovy pill?

• Always use as prescribed.
• Take the tablet once a day, on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours without food).
• Well before the first meal, drink, or other medication of the day.
• With a small glass of water (max. 120 ml).
• Swallow tablet whole; do not break or chew.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, and taking other medication.
• The dosage will be gradually increased to the target dose in consultation with your doctor.

Tips for use

• Take Wegovy pill daily at the same time (a fixed time is not mandatory, but morning after an overnight fast is practical for many people).
• No double dose if a tablet is forgotten.
• Do not stop without consulting your doctor.
• Consult when combining with other medication.

Side effects of Wegovy pill

Possible side effects

• Very common: nausea, diarrhea.
• Common: vomiting, constipation, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, dyspepsia
• Uncommon: flatulence, fatigue, dizziness, altered skin sensation (dysesthesia)
• Rare: gallstones, kidney problems, allergic reaction.

Serious side effects – consult a doctor immediately

• severe abdominal pain (with or without vomiting);
• signs of gallbladder or liver problems;
• severe or prolonged nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat;
• sudden worsening of vision (in retinopathy).

Consult the package leaflet for a complete overview.

Wegovy pill and Interactions with other medications

Because Wegovy pill is taken orally and its absorption depends on the correct timing of intake, interactions with other medications are particularly relevant. In any case, discuss the use of:

• levothyroxine and other thyroid medications;
• warfarin and other coumarin derivatives;
• insulin or sulfonylurea derivatives;
• other orally administered medications (due to the empty-stomach intake requirement);
• other semaglutide or GLP-1-containing preparations.

Contraindications

Wegovy pill must not be used:

• in case of allergy to semaglutide or excipients;
• in type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis;
• in persons younger than 18 years.

Extra caution and careful medical consideration are required for:

• previous pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas);
• gastroparesis and severe gastrointestinal disorders;
• diabetic retinopathy;
• a planned surgery under general anesthesia or deep sedation;
• gastrointestinal problems or use in combination with other medications.

Wegovy pill during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and desire to conceive

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended. Always discuss your situation with your doctor before starting or continuing with Wegovy pill.

Pregnancy

semaglutide must not be used during pregnancy. If a pregnancy is confirmed, treatment must be stopped.

Desire to conceive

Due to the long half-life of semaglutide, it is advised to discontinue treatment at least two months before a planned pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Use during breastfeeding is not recommended. Specifically for the tablet form, studies have not detected measurable amounts of semaglutide itself in breast milk, but sodium salcaprozate (the absorption enhancer in the tablet) and some of its breakdown products have been found. Therefore, a risk to the child cannot be ruled out.