The recent launch of a once-daily oral tablet form of Wegovy, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, has generated significant interest in the UK, with pharmacies reporting tens of thousands of orders. This new pill offers an alternative to the injectable version of the medication, which helps patients lose an average of 17 percent of their body weight over 64 weeks. It is expected to appeal to those who prefer not to use needles or find a daily pill more convenient than injections. Unlike the injectable form, the tablet does not require refrigeration.
However, Dr. Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical adviser at The Independent Pharmacy, has cautioned that individuals switching from Wegovy injections to the pill may make dangerous mistakes. He emphasized that patients should not assume a seamless transition and must consult a healthcare professional before changing treatments, even if they have been using the injectable form for some time. Current dosage, side effects, medical history, and other medications need to be reviewed.
According to the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, patients typically start on a 1.5mg dose of the injectable semaglutide and gradually increase it every 30 days to a maximum of 25mg to help the body adjust and minimize side effects. While patients on lower injection doses (0.5mg or 1mg) might switch to 9mg tablets, those on higher injection doses (1.7mg, 2.4mg, or 7.2mg) could be moved to 25mg tablets, subject to medical approval.
A common misconception, according to Dr. Grant, is that the doses of the tablet and injection are directly equivalent. He explained that injections deliver semaglutide directly into the bloodstream, while tablets are absorbed through the digestive system, leading to different absorption rates and potential variations in strength. Patients must communicate with their healthcare providers to ensure they receive the appropriate and safest dose.
The oral form of Wegovy is also reported to be slightly less effective than the injections, which have demonstrated weight loss of up to 20.7 percent. Dr. Grant strongly warned against combining both the pill and injections to