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Understanding Obesity & The Weight Loss Challenge
Treatments, Support, and Long-Term Success
Oral Wegovy Tablets
The active ingredient, semaglutide, has been used safely for several years in tablet form to treat type 2 diabetes. Clinical studies of oral Wegovy have shown a similar side-effect profile to the injectable version.
As with injectable Wegovy, the most common side effects are nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea and constipation, particularly during dose increases.
Yes. In the OASIS-4 clinical trial, patients taking oral Wegovy achieved an average weight loss of 13.6% of their body weight, provided they were able to follow the treatment regimen consistently.
Current evidence suggests that weight loss is broadly comparable with injectable Wegovy. However, unlike the injectable form, oral Wegovy has not yet demonstrated a reduction in cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke for people living with obesity.
Unlike the weekly injection, the tablets are taken once every morning.
Wegovy tablets must be taken correctly to ensure they are absorbed properly:
- Take the tablet on an empty stomach (usually first thing in the morning).
- Swallow it with a small glass of plain water (tap or still mineral water).
- Do not take tea, coffee, juice or any other drinks at the same time.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than water, or taking any other medications.
This routine may require some planning if you already take medicines such as levothyroxine or alendronic acid, which also need to be taken on an empty stomach. If this applies to you, we will be happy to advise you on the best way to schedule your medication.
Yes. If you are already taking Wegovy and your weight is stable, switching to the equivalent tablet dose is generally straightforward.
At present, there are no published studies looking at switching directly from Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to oral Wegovy, so we would discuss this on an individual basis if appropriate.
For many patients, yes.
- Patients taking Wegovy 2.4 mg injections could save approximately £48 per month by switching to tablets.
- Patients taking 1.0–1.7 mg injections may save around £20–30 per month.
We are always happy to meet with you in clinic or talk by phone or email to discuss whether switching is suitable for you.
If you are doing well on Mounjaro, we would not usually recommend switching to oral Wegovy simply because tablets are available. However, if you are taking Wegovy injections, dislike injections, or are looking to reduce the cost of treatment, oral Wegovy could be a good alternative. We are always here to help you decide which option is best for you.
If you are interested in switching to oral Wegovy, or you would simply like to discuss whether it is the right option for you, please contact the clinic. We would be delighted to review your current treatment, answer any questions and help you decide which option is best suited to your needs.