Wegovy Obesity Pill Hits Pharmacy Shelves

The eagerly anticipated oral version of Wegovy, a well-known treatment for obesity, has made its debut in pharmacies.

As of this week, pharmacies nationwide have started dispensing the initial dosage of the Wegovy pill, with additional dosage options set to become available shortly.

On December 22, the Food and Drug Administration granted approval for this medication to be used in managing obesity, in addition to its role in lowering the likelihood of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke for those with excessive weight.

This oral medication follows the successful Wegovy injection, which saw enormous demand and even encountered supply shortages due to its popularity.

In clinical evaluations, the pill showed similar effectiveness in weight reduction as the injection. Data revealed that a 25 mg dose of Wegovy resulted in a mean weight loss of 13.6% over 64 weeks. In contrast, participants on a placebo experienced an average weight drop of 2.2%. Individuals adhering to the pill regimen, reducing calorie intake, and engaging in physical activity observed a weight decrease of 16.6%.

To ensure optimal absorption of the pill, it must be ingested on an empty stomach with no food intake for at least 30 minutes thereafter. Side effects mirror those of its injectable counterpart, predominantly nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Novo Nordisk has announced a price of $149 monthly for patients purchasing without insurance, although this applies only to the initial dosage. Higher dosage purchasing can reach up to $299 monthly.

The price on insurance plans, known as the list price, remains consistent with the Wegovy injection at $1,349 per month.

GoodRx, a resource for finding medication discounts, projects expanded insurance coverage for obesity treatments by 2025. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk indicates that those with insurance might secure their Wegovy pill supplies for as little as $25 per month.

While Wegovy is the inaugural obesity pill to receive FDA approval, Novo Nordisk has previously launched Rybelsus, a treatment for Type 2 diabetes utilizing the same active compound, semaglutide, albeit in differing doses.

In related news, Eli Lilly has applied for FDA approval of its alternative obesity medication tablet, following its Zepbound injection. Their request for priority review could mean a decision may arrive soon.