Wegovy Weight-Loss Pill Sees Explosive Demand, Surpassing Ozempic Launch
Prescriptions for the newly launched Wegovy weight-loss pill are experiencing a dramatic surge, with early demand far exceeding the initial uptake seen for the popular Ozempic injection. David Moore, President of Novo Nordisk US, revealed on a recent investor call that the early adoption rate for the oral medication has been more than double that of any previous weight-loss drug introduced in the United States.
Moore noted that a significant portion of these prescriptions appear to be from patients who are entirely new to this category of medications, indicating a broadening market reach. By January 23, less than three weeks after the pill became commercially available, an impressive 50,000 prescriptions were being filled each week, with over 170,000 individuals already taking the drug.
Approval, Dosage, and Pricing Details
The Wegovy pill, an oral formulation of the injectable semaglutide found in Wegovy injections, received FDA approval in December 2023 and was released to the public in early January 2024. It is currently available in 1.5 mg and 4 mg doses, with plans to introduce higher-strength 9 mg and 25 mg options in the near future.
Pricing presents a complex picture. The injectable version of Wegovy carries a list price of approximately $1,350 per month, with some doses reaching up to $2,000. However, certain savings programs can reduce this cost to around $349 monthly. For the new pill, the 4 mg dose is priced at $149 for self-pay patients, though this will increase to $199 starting in April. The forthcoming higher-dose pills are expected to be priced at $299 per month.
User Experiences: Mixed Results and Minimal Side Effects
Despite its rapid popularity, early user feedback on platforms like Reddit reveals a spectrum of experiences. Some new patients report underwhelming initial results, with comments noting minimal weight loss or no noticeable change in appetite after several days or weeks. One user on the /WegovyPillWeightLoss forum mentioned losing only 2.5 pounds of "water weight" in three days and expressed a preference for the injectable Zepbound due to perceived superior efficacy.
Conversely, individuals who have been on the medication for longer periods report positive effects, including reduced "food noise" and cravings. A significant advantage highlighted by many users is the minimal side-effect profile, with nausea being the most commonly reported issue. The convenience of a needle-free, oral option is also a major selling point for many.
Market Dynamics and Financial Forecasts
Novo Nordisk disclosed that approximately 90% of Wegovy pill prescriptions are currently paid for out-of-pocket, rather than through insurance coverage. The company also suggested that some early demand may be stemming from users transitioning from unapproved, compounded versions of semaglutide, which are typically less expensive than FDA-approved drugs.
However, the financial outlook for Novo is facing headwinds. Company executives warned of an anticipated sharp decline in sales for the current year, projecting a drop of 8% to 13%. This would mark the end of a period of substantial profitability. The decline is attributed to several factors, including increased competition in the weight-loss drug market, the impending loss of key patent protections, and new pricing policies driven by political pressure.
Specifically, Novo cited President Donald Trump's initiatives to slash drug costs as a significant pressure point, which could potentially reduce prices from over $1,000 per month to just a few hundred dollars. Following this warning, shares in the Danish pharmaceutical giant fell by as much as 18%.
CEO Mike Doustdar described the 2026 sales forecast as reflecting "a year of unprecedented pricing pressure," but framed the challenging period as a necessary "investment for our future." Meanwhile, competitor Eli Lilly, manufacturer of Mounjaro, is expected to receive FDA approval for its own weight-loss treatments in the coming months, further intensifying the market competition.
With an estimated 31 million Americans—roughly one in eight—having used weight-loss drugs at least once, Novo Nordisk remains hopeful that the launch of its convenient oral Wegovy pill will continue to attract new customers despite the evolving market and regulatory landscape.
