Wegovy pill has launched in the USA – what you need to know
Robert Price | Last update: 23rd January 2026
It’s happened! The first GLP-1 pill has arrived.
The Wegovy pill has now officially launched in the United States. This is a big moment for those of us who would like, or need, the benefits of GLP-1 weight loss treatments without the jabs.
For now the pill is available in the US only, but it looks like a UK launch will happen sometime this year.
Have a read of our update
So what’s happening in the US then?
The Wegovy pill was released in the US earlier this month. It’s available nationwide and patients can access it through all the major pharmacy chains online and in store.
This is the first GLP-1 weight-loss treatment designed specifically as a pill, rather than a jab. It’s a big change for anyone who struggles with needles or weekly jab routines.
Does the pill actually work?
Yes, and it’s pretty impressive.
The clinical trials showed that people taking the 25mg daily maintenance dose lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight over 64 weeks. That’s slightly higher than the ~15% average weight loss typically seen with injectable Wegovy.
So convenience hasn’t come at the expense of effectiveness.
How much is it?
The maker of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, have priced the daily pills lower than their jab equivalents:
- Starter dose (1.5mg): $149 per month (around £118)
- Maintenance dose (25mg): $299 per month (around £236)
That’s a dramatic contrast to jabs prices in the US, which often exceed $1,000 per month.
When is coming to the UK?
We will have to wait a little longer, unfortunately.
The pill is currently under review by our Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
What we know so far:
- Most likely UK launch: Late 2026
- Possible earlier approval: Some analysts suggest early–mid 2026, depending on regulatory timelines
- Private vs NHS: As with injectable Wegovy, the pill is expected to be available privately first, with NHS access following only after review by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
This will mean online pharmacies, private clinics and pharmacies are likely to offer it well before the NHS does.
How are the pills taken?
Unlike the weekly jabs the pill demands strict daily timing to work properly:
- Take it immediately after waking
- On a completely empty stomach
- With no more than 120ml of water
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other medication
This routine is crucial because it ensures the pills are effective. This is because the absorption of the treatment is less effective in the stomach, compared to the jabs.
SlimrChat Takeaway
The arrival of the Wegovy pill in the US signals the start of the new phase in weight loss treatments. Pills should eventually be effective and more accessible than the jabs.
SlimrChat will continue tracking approvals, pricing and UK pharmacy availability as time goes on. And we will continue to update you on what’s happening with other new weight loss treatments.