Taking a closer look at Wegovy tablets and Wegovy injections

What are the similarities between Wegovy tablets and Wegovy injections?

Both treatments use the same active ingredient, semaglutide, which mimics the GLP-1 hormone in our bodies. GLP-1 supports the regulation of blood sugar and helps to reduce cravings by controlling blood sugar spikes. It also supports the body to feel fuller for longer by slowing the speed at which food leaves the stomach. This can lead to a reduction in how much food is consumed and support weight loss.  

As with Wegovy injections, Wegovy tablets are licensed for weight loss and weight management in adults with obesity who have a BMI of 30 or above, or are overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have at least one weight-related health condition.    

Both are prescription-only medicines, and are only available to patients who meet strict suitability criteria which is determined by a registered clinician during a consultation.

What are the differences between Wegovy tablets and Wegovy injections?

A key difference between Wegovy tablets and Wegovy injections is the route of administration. The tablets are taken orally each day while the injections are administered subcutaneously just beneath the skin once a week. Each has specific directions for administration and you should carefully read the patient information leaflet before use.

Wegovy tablets

Each tablet should be taken whole after 8 hours of fasting (first thing in the morning is usually best), so it’s absorbed on an empty stomach. It can be taken with a sip of water, but you shouldn’t consume any food or drink for at least 30 minutes after taking it. This can lower its absorption and reduce its effectiveness. Wegovy tablets can be stored at room temperature with the same precautions as other medicines such as keeping out of sight and reach of children.

Wegovy injections

The Wegovy injection can be administered before or after food, at a time of day that suits. It should however be administered at the same time of day each week. Wegovy injections should be refrigerated (between 2-8ºC) before opening. During use, the injection pen can be stored at a temperature below 30ºC or in the fridge. It should be kept out of sight and reach of children.

What do clinical studies say about weight-loss results?

Clinical trials have shown that both Wegovy tablets and Wegovy injections can support people categorised as living with overweight or obesity to lose weight when combined with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise.  

In OASIS 4, Wegovy tablets were associated with average weight loss of 16.6% over 64 weeks when used alongside lifestyle support. In STEP UP 3b, Wegovy injections at the studied dose were associated with average weight loss of 20.7% over 72 weeks when used alongside lifestyle support. These were separate studies, so the results don’t provide a direct comparison. 

Trial results may vary because of differences in study design, dose, duration, participant characteristics and lifestyle support. Individual results also vary. 

There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to losing weight, and the medicine’s effectiveness in individuals will depend on several factors including how well it’s absorbed by the body, biological effects such as existing medical conditions, medicine adherence (taking exactly as directed), and lifestyle habits such as diet and activity levels.  

If you’re currently under the care of a healthcare professional for weight management support, your clinician will work with you to understand your individual circumstances and make a recommendation based on their medical assessment. They will also be able to discuss options with you to evaluate alternative approaches if you’re not seeing the results you’d expect over a period of time.

What are the key side effects of Wegovy tablets and injections?

Because both tablets and injections contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, side effects of these medicines have significant crossover. Common side effects of Wegovy medicines can include:  

• Feeling sick (nausea) 

• Diarrhoea 

• Being sick (vomiting) 

• Constipation 

• Stomach pain 

• Headache 

• Tiredness 

• Dizziness 

• Bloating 

• Gas 

• Heartburn 

• Fatigue  

• Changes to taste 

• Hair loss 

• Changes to skin sensation 

These side effects may ease as your body adjusts to the medicine, but if they persist or you find them difficult to manage, you should speak to your prescribing clinician for advice.  

General guidance that may help manage common side effects includes: 

• Keeping hydrated – Drinking the NHS-recommended 6-8 cups of fluids (1.5-2 litres) each day can help maintain a healthy digestive system and reduce the chance of symptoms such as constipation. 

• Eating smaller meals – Some people report that smaller meals and bland, non-greasy food helped reduce common side effects such as nausea. 

• Avoiding lying down straight after eating – Leave at least two hours between your last meal and going to bed if possible.  

Taking Wegovy when you have diabetes 

Low blood sugar is a common symptom (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) if you have diabetes. Signs you’re experiencing this may develop suddenly and include increased heart rate, headache, cold sweat, feeling sick or very hungry, vision changes, shaking, cool, pale skin, feeling weak or sleepy, or feeling anxious, nervous or confused. You may also have difficulty concentrating. Speak to your doctor if you have diabetes so they can advise you how to treat low blood sugar if you develop it.  

A serious side effect of Wegovy tablets found to be common in people with diabetes is complications of an existing condition called diabetic retinopathy (diabetic eye disease). Speak to your doctor if you experience any changes to your vision while taking Wegovy in either tablet or injection form. 

Serious side effects 

Although considered uncommon or rare, serious side effects of Wegovy may include:  

• Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis – this needs immediate medical treatment and you should call 999 if you suspect an allergic reaction.  

• Pancreatitis – seek urgent medical help if you have severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting. 

• Gallbladder issues – speak to your prescribing clinician if you suspect you’ve developed gallstones. Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever (a temperature of 38ºC or over), jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or pale stools.  

• Kidney or bladder stones – Speak to your doctor if you have pain when peeing or notice a change to the colour of your urine. Back or lower abdomen pain can also be a symptom of kidney or bladder stones.  

This isn’t an exhaustive list of side effects, and you should always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine before taking it.  

You can report suspected side effects of Wegovy via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Why you shouldn’t directly compare Wegovy tablets and injections

Tablet and injection doses are not equivalent and should not be compared milligram-for-milligram. Do not change dose or switch between formats unless your prescribing clinician tells you to. 

Both Wegovy tablets and Wegovy injections have been shown in clinical trials to support weight loss when used alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity. Because the available evidence comes from different clinical studies, the results should not be compared directly. Your clinician can advise which option may be most appropriate for your individual circumstances. 

If you’re currently under the care of our clinical team for weight management support and have questions about Wegovy tablets (oral semaglutide), you can get in touch with your clinician through your account.