The primary difference between the Wegovy pill and the injection is how you take them and how often. The Wegovy pill is a daily tablet you swallow, while the Wegovy injection is a once-weekly shot you give yourself under the skin.
Both forms use the same active ingredient, semaglutide, to help with weight management. Clinical trials show that both options are highly effective, though the injection may lead to slightly more weight loss for some people.
Clinical research suggests the pill and the injection offer comparable results. In a major clinical trial, adults taking the 25-milligram (mg) Wegovy pill lost about 14% of their body weight over 64 weeks. During a similar timeframe, those using the 2.4-mg injection lost about 15% of their body weight.
While the injection has a slightly higher average weight loss, experts generally consider the difference minor. The best choice often depends on which method you can stick with consistently. The injection has higher bioavailability, meaning the body absorbs it more easily. To make up for this, the pill contains a much higher dose of medicine so enough reaches your bloodstream through the digestive system.
Wegovy dosing schedules and requirements vary between the two forms of the drug. You must take the Wegovy pill every morning on an empty stomach with no more than 4 ounces of plain water. You then wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications. The Wegovy injection is more flexible; you can inject it at any time of day, with or without food, as long as you take it on the same day each week.
Regardless of the form, side effects of Wegovy are very similar because they contain the same active ingredient. The most common issues are gastrointestinal and include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain.
A disadvantage of the pill is the risk of inconsistent absorption if you do not follow the strict morning timing. However, the pill avoids injection site reactions, such as redness or bruising, which some people experience with the shot.
In 2026, the out-of-pocket cost for Wegovy often depends on your insurance coverage and the specific dose you need. Both the pill and the injection have the same list price, but many patients pay significantly less through manufacturer savings programs or insurance.
If you have commercial insurance that covers Wegovy, you may pay as little as $25 per month for either the pill or the injection.
For those without insurance coverage, the Wegovy pill often has a lower cash price than the injection, especially at lower starting doses. However, the injection remains the only form currently approved for adolescents ages 12 years and older, which may influence insurance coverage decisions for families.
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