Should You Consider Switching to Foundayo?

Foundayo (orforglipron) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication. But unlike many medications in its class, it’s not an injection. Foundayo is a once-daily, oral tablet.

Oftentimes, a pill is more convenient than an injection. So it’s no surprise that many people are interested in switching to an oral GLP-1 such as Foundayo. But how do you safely make this transition? And who would be a good candidate for switching to Foundayo?

Who could be a good candidate for switching to Foundayo?

Foundayo could be a good option if you:

• Don’t like needles. Many people dislike giving themselves injections. Foundayo offers an option that you take by mouth.

• Prefer daily doses. Remembering a once-weekly medication can be tricky. Taking a pill once a day can help establish a routine. So you may find it easier to remember your doses.

• Prefer flexible dosage instructions. Unlike some GLP-1 pills, Foundayo doesn’t require strict dosing instructions. You can take your doses anytime of day, with or without food. Just be sure to take it around the same time every day.

• Are looking to maintain weight loss without injections. Studies suggest that switching to Foundayo from Zepbound (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) injections can help people maintain weight loss.

• Travel a lot. Foundayo should be stored in its original bottle at room temperature. It may be easier to transport and store compared with GLP-1 injections, which are best kept in the fridge.

• Are looking to save money. In some cases, Foundayo may cost less than GLP-1 injections. This is especially true if your insurance doesn’t cover weight-loss GLP-1s.

Things to consider before switching

Your prescriber will take many things into account before recommending you switch to Foundayo. These considerations may include:

• Your other health conditions. Some GLP-1s are also FDA approved for other health conditions, such as heart disease and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Foundayo is approved only for weight loss. If you’re using a GLP-1 to manage other conditions, Foundayo might not be right for you.

• Your age. Some GLP-1s are approved to help certain adolescents lose weight. Foundayo is approved only for adults.

• Other medications you take. Foundayo interacts with many other medications. This includes interactions that are different from other GLP-1s. Depending on other medications you take, Foundayo may not be the best option.

• Your weight-loss goals. Foundayo can lead to significant weight loss. But certain GLP-1 injections, such as Zepbound and Wegovy HD, may promote more weight loss for some people.

• Your insurance coverage. It’s common for insurance plans not to cover weight-loss medications. Depending on your health history, your plan may offer better coverage for GLP-1s that have other approved uses. For instance, if you’re living with OSA, your plan may be more likely to cover Zepbound, since it’s approved to treat this condition.

Can you switch from Zepbound to Foundayo?

It’s possible to switch from Zepbound to Foundayo. Just be sure to review the timing of your first Foundayo dose with your healthcare team.

Zepbound is a once-weekly GLP-1 injection. So if you’re switching to Foundayo, you’ll likely take your first Foundayo dose a week after your last Zepbound dose.

Keep in mind that there’s no dose conversion chart if you’re switching between them. So you may need to start with a lower Foundayo dose and slowly raise it. This can help limit side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea, while your body adjusts to the new medication.

Can you switch from Wegovy injections to Foundayo?

Yes, it’s possible to switch from Wegovy injections to Foundayo. But make sure your healthcare team reviews when you should start Foundayo.

Wegovy is also a weekly injection. So you’ll likely take your first Foundayo dose a week after your last Wegovy dose.

Similar to above, there’s also no dose conversion chart when switching from Wegovy to Foundayo. So you’ll likely need to start with a lower Foundayo dose to help minimize side effects.

Can you switch from the Wegovy pill to Foundayo?

Yes, it’s also possible to switch from the Wegovy pill to Foundayo. But the timing of your first dose would be different if you were switching from most GLP-1 injections. So it’s good to review this with a healthcare professional when making the change.

The Wegovy pill is a once-daily, oral GLP-1. So you’ll likely take your first Foundayo dose the day after your last Wegovy pill dose.

As with the examples above, there’s no dose-conversion information if you’re making this switch. You may need to start with a lower dose of Foundayo to help limit side effects.

Pharmacist tip: You don’t need to time Foundayo with meals as you do with the Wegovy pill. But if you’re used to this schedule, you can take Foundayo the same way if you’d prefer. The medication is equally effective with or without food.

How to save on Foundayo

There are ways to save on Foundayo, which is available as a brand-name medication. GoodRx can help you navigate between GoodRx coupons and copay savings cards to save money on your prescription.

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you access Foundayo starting at $149 per month. Subscribers to GoodRx for Weight Loss can also access FDA-approved brand-name GLP-1 medications like Foundayo.

• Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 per month for Foundayo using a savings card from the manufacturer.

• Save with LillyDirect. Foundayo is available through LillyDirect for $149 (0.8 mg), $199 (2.5 mg), and $299 (5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg, and 17.2 mg).

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Written by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC

Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC is a senior pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019.

Reviewed by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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