Support for every step of your journey with weight loss tablets

Weight-loss tablets work in different ways depending on their active ingredient.  

Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue. It acts as a receptor agonist, meaning it activates the GLP-1 receptor present in areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. 

Foundayo contains orforglipron, which is a nonpeptide GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it also activates the GLP-1 receptor, helping to reduce hunger and food intake. 

Both semaglutide and orforglipron support weight loss by: 

• Reducing appetite 

• Helping you to feel fuller for longer after meals 

There are other non-prescription weight loss tablets available that can support weight reduction, provided they are deemed suitable, subject to clinical assessment where appropriate. Other non-prescription weight-management options are also available:  

• Orlistat 60mg capsules, such as Orlos or Alli brands, are pharmacy medicines that may be suitable for adults with a BMI of 28 kg/m² or above and are used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet. Orlistat works by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body 

• Formoline L112 is a non-prescription medical device in tablet form. It binds dietary fats in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the amount of fat and associated calories absorbed by the body. 

Wegovy and Foundayo tablets are prescription-only medicines. They are only supplied where clinically appropriate after assessment by a clinician. Treatment is not guaranteed. Do not stop, combine or switch weight-management treatments unless advised by a clinician. 

Both Foundayo and Wegovy tablets have been licensed for use in the UK for weight-management. Wegovy has a 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg and 25 mg dose escalation schedule. Foundayo has a 0.8mg, 2.5mg, 5.5mg, 9mg, 14.5mg, and 17.2mg dose escalation schedule. 

Foundayo and Wegovy tablets are authorised in the UK for weight-management and may be offered through Pharmacy2U Online Doctor, subject to stock availability, a clinical assessment and prescription. Treatment is not guaranteed.

To find the right type of weight loss support for you, you first need to complete an online consultation at a time that suits you to let us know about you and your health profile. This will be reviewed by our expert clinicians who will consider any treatment preferences and recommend a suitable next step.

At Pharmacy2U, the standard cost of Wegovy tablets is as follows (subject to clinical assessment and prescription where treatment is considered suitable): 

• Dose level 1 – 1.5mg - £109.99 

• Dose level 2 – 4mg - £119.99 

• Dose level 3 – 9mg - £159.99 

• Dose level 4 – 25mg - £199.98 

The cost of Foundayo tablets is as follows (subject to clinical assessment and prescription where treatment is considered suitable): 

• Dose level 1 – 0.8mg - £99.99

• Dose level 2 – 2.5mg - £118.99

• Dose level 3 – 5.5mg - £138.99

• Dose level 4 – 9mg - £158.99

• Dose level 5 – 14.5mg - £178.99

• Dose level 6 – 17.2mg - £198.99

Any future NHS availability and eligibility criteria will depend on NICE guidance and NHS commissioning arrangements at that time. 

The cost of non-prescription weight-management aids can be found on their respective pages: Orlos, Alli, and Formoline L112. 

There is no single ‘best’ tablet, or treatment of any kind, for weight loss. The most suitable weight loss treatment for you depends on your individual health profile, your BMI, and your clinician’s assessment of your consultation form. 

Alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, orforglipron is authorised for weight loss and weight maintenance in adults in the UK with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of between 27 and 30, and at least one weight-related comorbidity. 

Foundayo is also authorised for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but this is separate from its use for weight-management and is outside the scope of this weight-management service 

A clinician will assess your individual circumstances, medical history and current medicines to determine whether any treatment may be suitable for you. 

The eligibility criteria for Wegovy tablets are as follows.  

Private prescribing (typical criteria):  

• A BMI of 27 or above with a weight‑related health condition (such as high blood pressure)  

• A BMI of 30 or above  

• Adults aged 18 or above 

For more information, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional. 

Wegovy tablets are taken once a day. They are swallowed whole and cannot be split of crushed. You should take Wegovy tablets first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach after a recommended fasting period of at least 8 hours, with a small sip of water (the manufacturers advise no more than 4oz, which is about 100ml). Wegovy tablets should be taken 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take any other medicines.    

During your consultation, your clinician will guide you through how to take Wegovy tablets. You can also read and follow the instructions as laid out in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medication. 

Foundayo can be taken once daily at any time, with or without food and without water restrictions. It should be swallowed whole and not broken, crushed or chewed. 

During your consultation, your clinician will guide you through how to take Foundayo. You can also read and follow the instructions as laid out in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medication. 

Although Wegovy tablets and injections contain the same active ingredient, they are taken and absorbed differently.  

For Foundayo, orforglipron and semaglutide are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, but they have different molecular structures and are absorbed and processed differently. Their dosing and administration instructions therefore differ. 

This means dosing, instructions and suitability may differ. A clinician can advise which formulation, if any, may be appropriate for you. The effects and clinical outcomes of each formulation may vary between patients.   

Wegovy tablets have been shown to be effective for weight loss when compared with a placebo (a tablet with no active medicine). In OASIS 4, the EMA reported average weight loss of 13.6% with Wegovy tablets compared with 2.2% with placebo over 64 weeks. Novo Nordisk has separately reported 16.6% average weight loss when treatment was adhered to compared to 2.7% with placebo over the same 64-week period. Individual results vary. 

Foundayo tablets have been shown to be effective for weight loss when compared with a placebo (a tablet with no active medicine). In ATTAIN-1, participants without diabetes receiving the highest equivalent dose of orforglipron who remained on treatment lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared with 0.9% for placebo. Participants also received diet and physical-activity support. Individual results vary. 

Whilst Wegovy and Foundayo tablets are approved for use in the UK, they are not currently available via the NHS. Any decision on NHS use will follow established processes, including an evaluation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).  

If semaglutide or orforglipron tablets are introduced on the NHS for weight- management in the future, the criteria would be determined by NHS guidance at that time. 

Wegovy tablets may not be suitable, or may need additional clinical review, if you:  

• have kidney problems  

• are breastfeeding  

• have diabetic retinopathy  

• have low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia)  

• are pregnant or trying to get pregnant  

• have ever had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any ingredient in Wegovy  

• have type 1 or 2 diabetes  

• have a history of pancreatitis   

• have severe congestive heart failure  

• have gastroparesis 

• are undergoing anaesthesia or deep sedation 

You should speak to your clinician if any of the above apply to you, but also if you have any other conditions. 

For more information, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional. 

Very common (more than 1 in 10) side effects of Foundayo weight loss tablets include:   

• Feeling sick (nausea) 

• Constipation 

• Diarrhoea 

• Being sick (vomiting) 

• Indigestion (dyspepsia) 

• Stomach (abdominal) pain 

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) when orforglipron is used with insulin with or without metformin and/or sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). Your doctor may reduce your dose of insulin before you start using this medicine. The warning signs of low blood sugar may include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, feeling hungry, confusion, irritability, fast heartbeat and sweating. Your doctor should tell you how to treat low blood sugar 

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are more common when starting treatment or increasing the dose and decrease over time in many patients. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If symptoms are severe or persistent, contact a healthcare professional for advice. 

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) side effects of Foundayo weight loss tablets include: 

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) when orforglipron is used with medicines that contain a sulfonylurea alone or combined with up to two additional diabetes medications for type 2 diabetes. Your doctor may reduce your dose of sulfonylurea before you start using this medicine  

• Dizziness 

• Headache 

• Fast pulse 

• Low blood pressure 

• Bloating of the stomach 

• Burping (eructation) 

• Reflux or heartburn (also called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease – GORD) - a disease caused by stomach acid coming up into the tube from your stomach to your mouth 

• Gas (flatulence) 

• Gallstones 

• Hair loss 

• Feeling tired (fatigue) 

• Increased levels of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase) in blood 

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) side effects of Foundayo weight loss tablets include: 

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) when orforglipron is used without insulin or sulfonylurea. 

• Unusual sense of taste  

• Unpleasant and abnormal feeling when touched 

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) but serious side effects may include: 

• Inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis) which could cause severe pain in the stomach and back which does not go away. This is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. You should see a doctor immediately if you experience such symptoms 

Serious side effects and symptoms requiring medical advice may include: 

• Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a rare condition associated with the potential for decreased vision, including permanent loss of vision. Any sudden changes in your vision or any other unusual visual symptoms should be reported to your doctor straight away 

• Bowel obstruction which could cause severe tummy pain, a swollen tummy, being sick (vomiting) or not being able to pass wind or open your bowels 

• Severe constipation 

• Serious allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions). You should get immediate medical help and inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as breathing problems, swelling of face and throat, wheezing, fast heartbeat, pale and cold skin, feeling dizzy or weak 

• The chance of food or liquid getting into your lungs may increase during surgery or procedures requiring general anaesthesia or deep sedation 

• Kidney problems such as acute renal failure or worsening of chronic renal failure have been reported, sometimes requiring treatment with a kidney machine (dialysis). Signs may include passing less urine than usual, nausea and vomiting, feeling more tired than usual 

Seek medical advice promptly if you experience serious or concerning symptoms. Some symptoms require immediate medical attention; follow the advice in the Patient Information Leaflet and from your clinician. 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects of Foundayo. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional.  

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Reporting a suspected side effect does not replace seeking medical advice or emergency help.  

This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice.

Very common (more than 1 in 10) side effects of weight loss tablets include:  

• headache 

• feeling sick (nausea) 

• being sick (vomiting) 

• diarrhoea 

• constipation 

• stomach pain 

• feeling weak or tired 

• upset stomach or indigestion 

These usually go away over time. If you experience vomiting or diarrhoea, you may lose more fluid than usual resulting in dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If symptoms are severe or persistent, contact a healthcare professional for advice. 

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) side effects of weight loss tablets include: 

• feeling dizzy 

• burping 

• gas (flatulence) 

• bloating of the stomach 

• inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) – the signs include stomach ache, feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) 

• reflux or heartburn – also called ‘gastro-oesophageal reflux disease’ 

• gallstones 

• hair loss 

• change in the way food or drink tastes 

• change in skin sensation 

• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with type 2 diabetes 

• diabetic eye changes (in patients with type 2 diabetes) 

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) side effects of weight loss tablets include: 

• low blood pressure 

• feeling dizzy or lightheaded on standing or sitting up because of a drop in blood pressure 

• fast heartbeat 

• increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase) shown in blood tests 

• a delay in the emptying of the stomach 

• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients without diabetes 

• increased levels of bilirubin in your blood. Signs include jaundice which is yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes 

More serious, uncommon, rare, and very rare side effects may include: 

• acute pancreatitis can present as severe persistent abdominal pain, with or without nausea or vomiting – stop using the medicine and seek urgent medical attention 

• allergic reactions including anaphylaxis with symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe rash – stop using the medication and call 999 immediately  

• kidney or bladder stones 

• hip fractures – seek medical attention after a fall where there is severe hip pain or an inability to stand or bear weight  

• sudden loss or rapid worsening of vision 

• severe constipation with abdominal pain, bloating or vomiting, or inability to pass stools or wind which can be signs of bowel obstruction 

• severe upper abdominal pain with fever, vomiting or jaundice  

• significant dehydration, including inability to retain fluids, passing less urine, faintness, or confusion 

If you experience any of the serious side effects, stop using the medicine and seek urgent medical advice.  

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with weight loss medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional.  

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Reporting a suspected side effect does not replace seeking medical advice or emergency help.  

This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. 

You should tell your clinician if you:  

• have type 2 diabetes and take insulin or sulfonylureas 

• have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or kidney concerns 

• have severe stomach problems like gastroparesis 

• have a history of diabetic retinopathy 

• have heart conditions such as severe congestive heart failure  

• take oral contraception 

• are undergoing anaesthesia or deep sedation 

• have a history of eye/vision problems including macular oedema 

• take medicines for high blood pressure 

• take any CYP3A4 enzyme inducer medication such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, St John's Wort 

Foundayo should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It should be stopped at least three weeks before a planned pregnancy and people using oral contraception should use a barrier method or switch to a non-oral method for 30 days after starting Foundayo and for 30 days after each dose increase. 

Do not take Foundayo if you are allergic to orforglipron or any of the other ingredients in the medicine. 

You should speak to your clinician if any of the above apply to you, but also if you have any other conditions. Tell your clinician about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products you take. Some medicines can affect Foundayo, or be affected by it, so your clinician will check for interactions as part of your assessment. 

For more information, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional. 

Foundayo has different doses and a schedule to help you get used to the medication. The starting dosage is 0.8mg and can be built up over a period of time to reach the dose that is appropriate for you based on your response to treatment, tolerability and clinical circumstances. 

Foundayo starts at 0.8 mg once daily. After at least 30 days, the dose is increased to 2.5 mg once daily. After at least a further 30 days, the dose may be increased to 5.5 mg and then, where appropriate, to 9 mg, 14.5 mg and 17.2 mg, with at least 30 days at each dose. Further increases depend on treatment response and tolerability. 

If you find that you are experiencing side effects that are lasting longer than expected, please speak to a clinician. 

What should I do if I miss a weight loss tablet dose? 

If you’ve missed your Wegovy tablet, you should just skip that day’s dose and resume your agreed treatment plan as normal the next day.  

If you forget to take a Foundayo dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more than one dose in one day and do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Wegovy has different doses and a schedule to help you get used to the medication. The starting dosage is 1.5 mg and can be built up over a period of time to reach a clinically appropriate maintenance dose which will be the dose a clinician considers appropriate for you. 

The recommended starting Wegovy tablets dose is 1.5 mg, which is taken daily. You stay on the same dosage for 4 weeks then may increase to a higher dose if appropriate. This gives your body time to adjust to the medicine and may help reduce side effects. 

If side effects are lasting longer than expected, or are severe or worrying, speak to a clinician. They can advise whether your dose should stay the same for longer or whether your treatment plan should be adjusted.

If you’ve missed your Wegovy tablet, you should just skip that day’s dose and resume your agreed treatment plan as normal the next day.  

If you forget to take a Foundayo dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more than one dose in one day and do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. 

Foundayo should be kept in its original package to protect it from light. Wegovy should be kept in its original package to protect it from light and moisture. Keep them out of the sight and reach of children. Foundayo and Wegovy weight loss tablets do not require any special temperature storage conditions. 

There is no single dose at which Foundayo or Wegovy starts working for everyone. Response varies between people. Treatment starts at a lower dose and is increased according to the recommended dosing schedule, with your clinician reviewing your response and how well you tolerate treatment. 

When you stop taking your weight loss medication, the effect of the medication will gradually fade. Appetite and hunger may increase, and the feeling of fullness after eating may reduce.  

This means the likelihood of putting the weight back on you have previously lost increases. In a 2022 follow-up study of people who had used once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg injections, participants regained around two-thirds of their previous weight loss during the year after treatment stopped. This study did not assess Wegovy tablets or Foundayo, so individual outcomes after stopping these treatments may differ. 

Weight regain may occur after stopping weight-management treatment. Do not stop taking Foundayo without speaking to your clinician, who can advise on ongoing treatment and weight-management support. 

Other non-prescription weight-management options are also available. 

Orlistat 60 mg capsules, such as Orlos or Alli, are Pharmacy medicines that may be suitable for adults with a BMI of 28 kg/m² or above and are used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet. Orlistat works by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body.

Formoline L112 is a medical device. Its intended mechanism involves binding dietary fats in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the amount of dietary fat and associated calories available for absorption. 

Weight loss tablets are prescription-only medicines that have been assessed by regulators for safety, quality and effectiveness. They are not suitable for everyone and should only be used under clinical supervision. 

The safety of the medication depends on several factors, including having a consultation to ensure you're a suitable candidate, following the correct dosage schedule, and regular monitoring by a clinician. This gives you professional guidance and support should you need it, such as managing side effects or issues with your medication.  

However, the popularity of GLP-1 medications has increased, which has coincided with the increase of illegal and falsified versions of the medicine. These may be falsely advertised online and on social media. Taking unauthorised GLP-1 medication can cause serious or unexpected side effects and may interact dangerously with any other medication you’re taking. GLP-1 tablets are only available on prescription and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Never buy them without a prescription or from unverified sources. 

It is possible that you can switch between Mounjaro, Foundayo, and Wegovy or injections and tablets, but it needs to be done under medical supervision. A clinician must assess current treatment, dose, timing, side effects, medical history and suitability. You should not stop, combine or switch treatments unless advised by a clinician.

You can find our guide to switching weight loss treatments here.