Everything You Need to Know about the New Wegovy Pill
January 26, 2026
Wegovy, a once-weekly injection, has helped millions of people lose weight. Now, the medication, classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (GLP-1), is available for the first time as a pill. Seth Kipnis, M.D., medical director of bariatric and robotic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, says the Wegovy pill is a “game-changer” in the treatment of obesity.
“GLP-1 pills represent a pivotal moment in obesity medicine and a significant leap forward in patient accessibility and treatment adherence. It will reduce cost, remove the psychological and physical barrier of self-injection and normalize the medical treatment of obesity,” he says.
How the Wegovy Pill Works
The Wegovy pill works similarly to the injection. The main ingredient in the pill is semaglutide. Semaglutide mimics the hormone GLP-1, which signals the body when it is full. It also slows digestion and improves blood sugar control, reducing food cravings.
Dr. Kipnis says the Wegovy pill can help people lose weight when used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol and improve liver health.
Because the pill is absorbed differently than the injection, the pill's formula is different. “The pill uses a higher dose of semaglutide because it is absorbed through the stomach lining. Only a small portion of the medication makes it to the bloodstream,” says Dr. Kipnis.
Comparing the Wegovy Pill and Injection
Although both Wegovy pills and injections contain the same active ingredients, there are some significant differences. Some of the differences include:
- Storage: The Wegovy pills can be stored at room temperature, while the injection needs to be refrigerated.
- Frequency: Unlike the Wegovy injection, which is once a week, the pill needs to be taken daily.
- Administration: The oral pill must be taken on an empty stomach with up to four ounces of water. After taking the pill, you shouldn’t eat, drink or take oral medications for 30 minutes. The injections should be given in the upper arm, thigh or abdomen.
The pill may be ideal for people who don’t like the idea of injections, but Dr. Kipnis says that it’s not more convenient for everyone. “There are a lot of restrictions around the oral medication. It may be difficult for some people to take the pill at the same time every morning and follow the directions, which would make the medication less effective,” he says.
Additionally, studies have shown that some people may experience less weight loss with the pills as opposed to the injection. Additionally, because oral medication is absorbed differently, side effects may be more pronounced in some individuals.
Side Effects of the Wegovy Pill
Dr. Kipnis says that overall, the side effects of the pill and injection are similar, with gastrointestinal (GI) events such as nausea being most common. However, he says there are a few differences:
- More frequent gastrointestinal events: Clinical trial data showed higher rates of nausea (46.6%) and vomiting (30.9%) for the oral version.
- Lactation warning: Because the pill contains an absorption enhancer, which can pass through to breastmilk, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Wegovy oral medication. This is a specific contraindication for the pill, but not for the injection.
- Administration-related issues: The pill's effectiveness is highly dependent on strict adherence to the dosing instructions (empty stomach, waiting period). Failure to follow these rules could lead to reduced efficacy, which is not a concern with the injection.
Is the Wegovy Pill Right For You?
Although the introduction of the Wegovy pill provides people with additional weight loss management options, Dr. Kipnis notes that for some individuals, the injection may be a better option.
“People who dislike needles or are unable to keep medication refrigerated may have better luck with the oral medication, but many people may find the strict dosing regulations an issue,” he says.
Dr. Kipnis advises speaking with your provider about any side effects you experience, as many can be resolved. He also warns against trying to split Wegovy pills to reduce the cost. For the medication to be most effective, the tablet must remain intact. He also says taking the pill every other day or inconsistently will reduce the effectiveness.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our experts: Seth Kipnis, M.D.
- Make an appointment online with Dr. Kipnis or a doctor near you, or call 800-822-8905.
- Learn more about weight management options at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through Healthier You is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
