Wegovy, a weight-loss medication by Novo Nordisk, is now available as a daily pill, replacing the previous weekly injection. This change was announced recently, making the drug more accessible to Americans seeking to lose weight.
Daily Pill Launch and Pricing
The starter dose of the Wegovy pill, which is 1.5 mg, costs $149 per month for patients paying cash. This price applies in part due to a recent agreement between Novo Nordisk and the Trump administration. By the end of the week, higher strengths of the pill, including 4 mg, will also be accessible, albeit at varying prices.
- 1.5 mg dose: $149/month
- 4 mg dose: $149/month until April 15, after which it will increase to $199/month
- 9 mg dose: $299/month
- 25 mg dose: $299/month
- Weekly injection: $349/month for self-pay consumers, with promotional pricing available
Insurance and Accessibility
For patients with insurance that covers obesity treatments, costs for the Wegovy pill can be as low as $25 per month under Novo Nordisk’s savings programs. The medication is widely available through pharmacies, telehealth providers, and NovoCare Pharmacy.
Health Benefits and FDA Approval
Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight management and to mitigate the risk of severe health issues like heart attack and stroke among overweight adults with heart disease. Clinical trials reveal that the oral form of Wegovy yields weight loss results similar to the injectable version, with an average weight reduction of 14% over 64 weeks, compared to 2% for placebo.
Comparative Effectiveness
Side effects of the Wegovy pill include gastrointestinal issues, which are common among GLP-1 medications. In clinical studies, 7% of participants experienced adverse effects severe enough to stop treatment, compared to 6% for the placebo group. The Wegovy pill should be taken on an empty stomach, avoiding food or other medications for 30 minutes after ingestion.
Emerging Competition
Rival pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is developing its own oral GLP-1 medication, orforglipron, expected to receive FDA approval by summer. Initial pricing is anticipated at $149 per month under the Trump agreement, but later doses could cost up to $399. Clinical trials suggest that orforglipron achieves an average weight loss of around 11% over 72 weeks.
Conclusion
The introduction of Wegovy as a daily pill marks a significant step in weight-loss medication accessibility, potentially providing a more convenient option for many patients. As the competition heats up, the landscape for obesity treatment is likely to evolve further, offering consumers more choices and potentially better pricing.
