Switching from the Wegovy Injection to the Wegovy Pill

With the Wegovy pill now approved for weight loss in the UK, people already using the injection are asking whether they can switch to the pill.

Read on to find out how to switch from the Wegovy injection to the Wegovy pill, why you might consider the switch, and what to expect when you transition to the Wegovy pill.

Yes, it is possible to switch from the Wegovy injection to the Wegovy pill. Switching is clinically supported and must be done under a doctor's guidance so they can monitor how your body responds to the Wegovy pill and ensure you start on the correct dose.

When you switch from the Wegovy injection to the pill, a doctor will need to match your injection dose to the appropriate pill dose. That’s because the doses in the injection are not directly equivalent to the oral semaglutide doses in the Wegovy pill. So, it is important that you do not stop one and start the other without medical guidance.

Your starting Wegovy pill dose will depend on your current injection dose. Switching from the Wegovy injection to the Wegovy pill is simple, but you will need a doctor to help you switch, you cannot do it on your own.

To switch from the Wegovy injection to the Wegovy pill with Superdrug Online Doctor, you will need to:

1. Take your Wegovy injection as usual.
2. Wait 7 days.
3. On your next scheduled injection day, start taking the Wegovy pill at the dose recommended by our doctors.

The table shows the Wegovy pill dose you can switch to from your current Wegovy injection dose.

Do I need to start again from the lowest dose?

No, you will not need to start again at the lowest dose when you switch to the Wegovy pill, but your starting dose will depend on your current dose of the Wegovy injection.

If you are already on the 1.7mg, 2.4mg or 7.2mg Wegovy injection dose, you can move straight onto the 25mg Wegovy pill dose. If you are on a lower dose, you will need to start on a lower Wegovy pill dose and follow the Wegovy pill dosage schedule.

When do I take my first pill after stopping the injection?

You will take your first Wegovy pill 7 days after your last Wegovy injection.

Can I switch if I am currently mid-titration on the injection?

Yes, you can switch if you are mid-titration on the injection. Your doctor will advise you on the correct starting dose of the Wegovy pill based on your current injection dose.

Most people switch to the Wegovy pill for its convenience rather than its effectiveness. Research shows that after 64 weeks on the highest 25mg daily Wegovy pill dose, the average weight loss was 16.6%. At the highest Wegovy pen maintenance dose (7.2mg/day), the average weight loss was 21% after 72 weeks.

Here are some of the most common reasons for switching from the Wegovy injection to the pill.

Fear of needles or injection site reactions

At least 1 in 10 people in the UK has a fear of needles, which can put people off using weight loss injections. So, the Wegovy pill can be a good alternative for those who find self-injecting difficult or uncomfortable.

Convenience

The Wegovy pill has no specific storage instructions, no need for proper needle disposal, and no preparation instructions. This makes it a convenient alternative to the Wegovy pen, which must be stored in the fridge before opening and requires proper disposal of the needles. The Wegovy pill can conveniently fit into your lifestyle and is easier to store and travel with.

Side effects

The Wegovy pill and Wegovy injection both contain semaglutide, so their side effects largely overlap, but there are some differences. For example, the Wegovy pill does not cause injection site reactions, such as redness, swelling, and itching where the medication is injected, which affects up to 1 in 10 people.

Side effects such as abnormal or painful skin sensations, such as tingling, burning, or pins and needles, also known as dysaesthesia, are a common side effect of the Wegovy injection, particularly at the highest 7.2mg dose. However, these are slightly less common with the Wegovy pill. So if you are experiencing any of these side effects, you might consider switching to the Wegovy pill.

▶ For a more detailed comparison, read our Wegovy Pill vs Injection: Which is Better? guide.

Switching from Wegovy injections to the Wegovy pill can be a convenient option for some people, but it's important to have realistic expectations. While both treatments contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, they are absorbed by the body differently, which may affect how they work and how you respond to treatment.

Will I notice a difference in how the pill works compared to the injection?

Most people will not notice any major changes in the way the pill works when they switch from the injections. Both types contain semaglutide and work by mimicking the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to reduce your appetite and increase feelings of fullness.

Are side effects different when switching?

The Wegovy pill side effects are similar to those of the Wegovy injection because they both contain semaglutide. The most common side effects are:

• headache
• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• stomach pain
• feeling weak or tired
• upset stomach (indigestion)

Research shows that the Wegovy pill has a higher chance of causing gastrointestinal-related side effects, such as feeling or being sick. For example, 74% of people experienced GI side effects in the OASIS 4 trial compared to 70.8% in the STEP UP trial, which looked at the safety and effectiveness of the Wegovy 7.2mg injection.

The Wegovy pill also does not cause injection site reactions, such as burning, itching, or stinging where the medication is injected, which may make it more appealing to some people.

If you are switching to an equivalent dose, your doctor will advise on the most appropriate way to transition between treatments to help minimise side effects. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, or if side effects are affecting your daily life, contact your doctor for more advice.

Will my weight loss continue after switching?

Yes, many people will continue to lose weight after switching from injections to Wegovy pills if they maintain healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. However, weight loss results can vary from person to person.

Your progress will depend on several factors, including:

• how well your body responds to the Wegovy pill
• the dose you switch to
• your diet and activity levels
• how consistently you take the Wegovy pill

Some people continue to lose weight at a similar rate after switching, while others may notice their weight loss slows. In some cases, a temporary weight loss plateau can occur as the body adjusts to the new treatment. In clinical trials, the average weight loss on the maximum dose of the Wegovy pill was 16.6%.

If you’re not losing weight as you expected, speak to your doctor.

Yes, switching from the Wegovy pill to the injection is possible and clinically supported. When you switch this way, you will need to wait 7 days after your last Wegovy pill before taking your first Wegovy injection.

The table below shows the injection dose you could switch to depending on which Wegovy pill you are currently taking.

If you are interested in switching back to the Wegovy injection from the Wegovy pill, you will need to discuss this with a doctor so that they can monitor your progress and start you on the most appropriate dose.