Wegovy is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) used widely for weight loss. Until recently, this medication was only available by injection, but it is now available in pill form. So, which one is right for you: Wegovy pills or injection?
Both the Wegovy injection and the pill contain semaglutide as their active ingredient. Treatment also begins with a low dose that is gradually increased every 4 weeks until the maximum weight-loss dose is reached.
However, they differ in how they’re taken, how they’re absorbed in your body, and how they fit into everyday routines. This guide will discuss the key differences between Wegovy pills and injections and which option to consider.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management. It contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar.
Wegovy works by mimicking GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body that is released by the gut after meals. GLP-1 slows stomach emptying and signals the brain to increase feelings of fullness, all helping to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite.
Wegovy is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
It is prescribed for adults with obesity or for those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. A licensed healthcare provider determines whether Wegovy is appropriate based on medical history, BMI, and individual weight loss goals.
Wegovy Pills vs Wegovy Injection: What Is the Difference
While both Wegovy injections and pills contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, they differ in how you take them, how your body absorbs them, and how they are incorporated into daily life.
The injection form delivers semaglutide just under the skin (subcutaneously) using a single-use, prefilled pen. It’s injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. With injection, the medication bypasses the digestive system, and absorption is consistent and predictable, allowing most of the dose to reach the bloodstream.
Wegovy pill, on the other hand, is taken by mouth and absorbed through the digestive tract. Only a very small portion of the medication goes to the bloodstream. To improve absorption, the pill must be taken under strict instructions, which can affect how easily it fits into your routine.
While both forms follow a gradual dose-increase schedule to help minimize side effects, the frequency is different. Wegovy injections are taken once weekly, usually starting at a low dose and increasing every 4 weeks until the maintenance dose is reached.
The pill form is taken daily, allowing the medication to build up gradually in the body. It also follows a step-up dosing plan, with increases spaced about 30 days apart to help your body adjust.
Another difference between Wegovy pills and injections comes down to timing and flexibility. Wegovy injections can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, as long as you stay consistent with your weekly injection day.
Oral Wegovy requires a more structured routine. It must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, not more than 4 oz, and a waiting period of 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications.
Wegovy Pills vs. Injection: How Do They Work?
Wegovy pills and injections contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, which means they promote weight loss through the same biological process. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) naturally produced in the body.
GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar by increasing insulin release from the pancreas while reducing glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. Semaglutide also acts on GLP-1 receptors in the brain and digestive system, signaling fullness and reducing appetite. In addition, it slows stomach emptying, helping food stay in the stomach longer. Together, these effects help you feel full faster, eat less, and support gradual, sustainable weight loss.
Wegovy Pills vs. Injection: Dosages
Wegovy injections and pills follow different dosing schedules. For adults and adolescents 12 years and older, the Wegovy injection usually starts at 0.25 mg once a week for the first 4 weeks. If tolerated, the dose is gradually increased every 4 weeks until the maintenance dose is reached. The maximum injection dose is 2.4 mg weekly, though some people may remain at 1.7 mg weekly if higher doses cause side effects.
The Wegovy injection dosing schedule may look like this:
- Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg once weekly (starting dose)
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg once weekly
- Weeks 9–12: 1 mg once weekly
- Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg once weekly
- Week 17 and beyond: 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg once weekly (maintenance)
For adults taking the Wegovy pill, the dosage begins at 1.5 mg daily for the first 30 days. The dose is then increased every 30 days until the maintenance dose is reached. The maximum daily Wegovy pill dose is 25 mg.
Here’s how the Wegovy pill dosing schedule looks:
- Days 1–30: 1.5 mg daily (starting dose)
- Days 31–60: 4 mg daily
- Days 61–90: 9 mg daily
- Day 91 and beyond: 25 mg daily (maintenance)
Both forms rely on gradual titration, but the weekly injection offers fewer doses to remember, while the pill requires consistent daily timing for optimal absorption.
Wegovy Pills vs. Injection: Which Is More Effective for Weight Loss?
While both Wegovy injections and the new Wegovy pill are highly effective for weight loss, injections may be slightly more effective than oral Wegovy due to better absorption and consistent dosing, according to studies.
In clinical trials, people using Wegovy injections for 68 weeks (around a year and a half) lost an average of nearly 15% of their body weight, roughly 34 pounds.
Meanwhile, those taking the oral semaglutide (Wegovy pill) for 64 weeks (about a year and three months) lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight (about 31 pounds).
Wegovy Pills vs Injection Side Effects
The side effects of Wegovy, whether taken as a pill or an injection, are similar and mostly involve mild to moderate digestive discomfort. Clinical trials have shown that the most commonly reported side effects include
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
These side effects are most common during dose increases and often improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
What Happens if You Miss a Dose of Wegovy?
It’s important to take Wegovy as prescribed, but missing a dose once in a while can happen. How you handle a missed Wegovy dose depends on whether you’re taking the injection or the pill and how soon your next dose is due.
For Wegovy injections:
- If your next scheduled dose is more than 48 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
- If your next dose is within 48 hours, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Avoid taking two doses within 48 hours of each other.
- If you miss injections for more than two weeks, contact your healthcare provider. They may have you resume your usual schedule or restart at a lower dose to reduce side effects.
For Wegovy pills:
- Simply skip the missed dose and take your next pill at the usual time. Do not take extra pills to make up for a missed dose.
If you find yourself frequently forgetting doses, consider using medication reminder apps, phone alarms, and visual cues, as well as your pharmacist’s tips, to make remembering your medication easier.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between Wegovy injections and the pill depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and how your body responds to the medication.
If you value flexibility and want a routine that doesn’t require strict timing with meals, the weekly injection may be a better fit. Its predictable absorption and consistent dosing make it easier to manage for many people, especially if you travel often or have a busy schedule.
If you prefer avoiding needles and don’t mind following a structured morning routine, the oral pill could be a suitable option. It requires taking the medication on an empty stomach with water and waiting before eating, but it allows for daily control. It may feel less intimidating for those who dislike injections.
Other factors to consider include your medical history, weight loss goals, and how you tolerate medications. A healthcare provider can help guide your decision, adjust doses safely, and monitor progress to ensure you achieve the best results.
FAQs About Wegovy Pills vs. Injection
Is Wegovy available in pill form in the U.S.?
Yes, Wegovy is now available as a once-daily pill in the U.S., following FDA approval in early January 2026. This oral option provides a needle-free alternative to the weekly injection and is taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water (4 oz).
Are Wegovy injections more effective than pills?
Clinical studies suggest that Wegovy injections may be slightly more effective than the pill form due to more consistent absorption and dosing. In trials, people taking the weekly injection lost an average of nearly 15% of their body weight, while those on the oral pill lost around 13.6%. Individual results may vary based on lifestyle, adherence, and tolerance.
Can I get a Wegovy pill prescription online?
Yes—you can get a Wegovy prescription online. At NP2GO, our licensed providers offer virtual visits for $99 every 3 months and can prescribe Wegovy pills in 3‑month supplies when appropriate.
Which is cheaper, Wegovy pills or injections?
The new Wegovy pill can be cheaper than the injection, especially at lower doses, with cash prices starting around $149-$199/month for the pill versus $1,000-plus per month for the injection, though the manufacturer offers discount prices.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey with NP2GO
By now, you’ve seen how Wegovy pills and injections compare. While they’re taken differently, both forms of semaglutide work the same way—by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to help reduce appetite, slow digestion, and support meaningful weight loss. They also share similar side effects and use gradual dose increases to help your body adjust safely.
The key differences come down to how often you take them, how they fit into your routine, and how much weight loss you’re aiming for. The pill is taken daily with strict timing, while injections are taken weekly with more flexibility. Injections may also lead to slightly greater weight loss for some people due to more consistent absorption.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, NP2GO makes it simple. Schedule a virtual visit for just $99 every 3 months, and our licensed providers will help you choose the best Wegovy option and prescribe your medication in 3-month supplies when appropriate.
Take control of your weight loss journey today—book your NP2GO visit and get started.