The Wegovy Pill: UK Availability, Results and 2026 Guide

The Wegovy pill is a once-daily oral version of semaglutide (25mg) developed by Novo Nordisk specifically for the treatment of obesity. As of January 2026, it is currently undergoing regulatory assessment by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), with a final decision expected by late 2026.

In the United States, the pill launched in January 2026. Clinical trials, specifically the OASIS-4 study, show that it offers weight loss results comparable to the weekly injectable version, with an average weight loss of approximately 16.6% over 64 weeks.

Many patients using weight loss treatments in the UK wonder if there is an effective alternative to weekly injections. This guide covers everything you need to know about the new oral semaglutide tablet, including how it works, its expected release date in the UK and how it compares to the current injectable options.

Key Takeaways

• Active Ingredient: The pill uses semaglutide, the same GLP-1 receptor agonist found in the Wegovy injection and Ozempic.

• Effectiveness: Studies confirm the 25mg daily pill helps patients lose around 16.6% of their body weight, similar to the injection.

• UK Status: It is not yet available to buy in the UK; however, it is currently being reviewed by the MHRA for safety and effectiveness.

• Convenience: It is a daily tablet, that removes the need for needles, fridges, and sharps bins.

What is the Wegovy Pill?

The Wegovy pill is a high-dose daily tablet containing semaglutide designed specifically to treat obesity and help with weight management. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which regulates hunger signals in the brain and helps you feel full after eating.

Some people may have heard of Rybelsus, which is another pill containing semaglutide. The main difference between Rybelsus and this new Wegovy pill is in their strengths and approved uses. 

Rybelsus is currently licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and comes in doses up to 14mg. The new Wegovy pill contains a higher dose of 25mg or 50mg and is formulated specifically for weight loss. This oral version allows people who are afraid of needles or find injections difficult to access the same benefits as the injectable version without the stress of self-injecting.

When will Wegovy Pill be available in the UK?

It is thought that the Wegovy pill will become available in the UK towards the end of 2026, pending approval from the MHRA.

While the pill was launched in the US in January 2026 following FDA approval, the regulatory process in the UK takes a little longer. The MHRA needs to review the safety data to ensure it is suitable for British patients. Once the MHRA gives the green light, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will also need to review it to decide if it should be available on the NHS. 

If you are looking for semaglutide in the UK, the weekly Wegovy injection remains the primary licensed option available via private prescription or specialist NHS weight management services.

Wegovy Pill vs. Injection: Which is better?

Choosing between the pill and the injection depends on your personal preference for daily routines versus weekly treatments. Both contain the same active ingredient, but they deliver it into your body differently.

Efficacy (OASIS-4 Results)

The oral pill is just as effective as the standard injection. The OASIS-4 clinical trial showed that adults taking the 25mg pill lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight over 64 weeks [1]. This is very similar to the results seen with the standard 2.4mg weekly injection.

The OASIS-1 trial showed that a higher 50mg oral dose could result in up to 15.1% body weight loss (or 17.4% if patients are strict with their treatment) over 68 weeks [2]. This proves that oral medication can be just as effective as injections when used correctly.

Side Effects

The side effects of the pill are very similar to the injection, with the most common issues being gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain

These side effects are usually mild and tend to be temporary, improving as your body gets used to the medicine. Because the pill passes through your digestive system daily (first-pass metabolism), some users in trials reported slightly higher rates of nausea compared to the injection, but this varies from person to person.

Convenience

The most significant advantage of the oral format is that it eliminates the need for needles, pens, or sharps bins.

The Wegovy injection must be kept in the fridge before use, which can make travel difficult. The pill can be kept in a cupboard at room temperature, making it much easier to take with you on holiday or store discreetly at home.

UK Pricing and NHS Eligibility (2026 Update)

Pricing for the Wegovy pill in the UK has not yet been confirmed, but US pricing can provide a rough estimate.

Private Prescription Costs

At launch in the US, prices for the pill start at roughly $149 (approx. £115) to $299 (approx. £230) per month. The pill will likely be priced similarly in the UK. For context, Wegovy injections from UK Meds range from £110 to £220, depending on strength.

NHS Availability

NHS availability will likely lag behind the private market by 6 to 9 months.

After the MHRA approves the drug, NICE must conduct an appraisal to determine whether the pill is cost-effective for the NHS. If approved, it would likely be reserved for patients with a high body mass index (BMI), usually over 35, or over 30 with a weight-related health condition such as hypertension or high cholesterol.

How to take the Wegovy Weight Loss Pill

You must take the Wegovy pill on an empty stomach immediately after waking to ensure it works properly.

The absorption of oral semaglutide relies on SNAC technology to enhance bioavailability; however, it is very sensitive to food and drink. To ensure your body absorbs the full dose:

1. Take the pill with a sip of water (no more than 120ml or 4oz).

2. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating breakfast, drinking coffee, or taking any other oral medications.

3. Do not chew or crush the tablet. Swallow it whole.

If you eat too soon after taking it, the medicine may not work as well.

Comparison: Pill vs. Injections (2026)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from the injection to the pill?

Yes, clinical guidelines generally allow patients to switch from the injection to the pill under the supervision of a doctor. 

If you are struggling with the injection routine or side effects, you should speak to your prescriber about your options when the pill becomes available. Switching usually requires careful dose increases (known as titration) to avoid stomach upset.

Is it the same as Rybelsus?

Both medicines contain semaglutide, but they are used differently.

Rybelsus is licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is available in lower strengths (up to 14mg). The Wegovy pill is formulated specifically for weight loss and comes in a higher-strength (25mg) formulation to achieve better results.

Why is the 2026 UK launch delayed?

The UK launch is later than the US launch because the MHRA conducts its own independent review of the drug to ensure it meets high safety and quality standards. 

This process is essential to guarantee that the medicine is safe for the public before it reaches pharmacies in the UK.

Current Available Options in the UK

While patients wait for the Wegovy pill to be approved in the UK, there are several effective treatments already available for weight management, including:

Wegovy Injection (Semaglutide)

This is the injectable version of the pill that is available for weight loss in the UK.

• How it works: It uses the same active ingredient as the pill (semaglutide) but is delivered via a weekly self-injection pen.

• Results: The STEP 1 trial showed patients lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks [3].

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro is another weekly injection considered the most potent option currently on the market.

• How it works: Unlike Wegovy, which mimics one hormone (GLP-1), Mounjaro mimics two (GLP-1 and GIP), acting as a dual agonist.

• Results: The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed that patients on the highest dose achieved up to 22.5% body weight loss [4].

Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)

Rybelsus is currently the only form of semaglutide available as a daily tablet in the UK.

• Important Note: Rybelsus is currently licensed only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the UK, although some prescribers may offer it off-label for weight loss if appropriate.

Orlistat (Xenical)

If you prefer a non-hormonal oral tablet, Orlistat is a popular choice.

• How it works: Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor which works in your stomach to prevent about one-third of the fat from the food you eat from being digested and absorbed.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of the Wegovy pill could be a massive shift in the future of weight loss medications. For years, the most effective treatments have only been available as injections. An effective oral option will make weight management accessible to thousands of people who have previously avoided treatment due to the use of needles. Despite this, existing weekly injections are still highly effective options for weight loss that are approved in the UK.

Sources

[1] OASIS-4 Trial (2026): Efficacy and safety of once-daily oral semaglutide 25 mg in adults with overweight or obesity.

[2] OASIS-1 Trial (2023): Knop FK, et al. Oral semaglutide 50 mg taken once per day in adults with overweight or obesity (OASIS 1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet.

[3] STEP 1 Trial (2021): Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine.

[4] SURMOUNT-1 Trial (2022): Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine.