How to Take the Wegovy Pill: 5 Tips for Best Results

If you’ve been prescribed the Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide), how you take it plays a big role in how well it works. Unlike the once-weekly Wegovy injection, the pill has specific instructions to help your body absorb the medication properly.

Small details, such as timing, the amount of water you drink, and when you eat, can make a meaningful difference with the Wegovy pill. Following these five tips can help you get the most benefit from your treatment.

1. Take the Wegovy pill every day, first thing in the morning

The Wegovy pill should be taken once daily, ideally as soon as you wake up. Taking your dose first thing in the morning helps ensure your stomach is empty, which is necessary for proper absorption.

Try to take the Wegovy pill at the same time each day to build a routine. Consistent daily use helps the medication build up and reach effective levels in the body. Setting a reminder or keeping the medication near your bedside can help prevent missed doses.

Good to know: Wegovy pills should be kept in their original bottle — not a pill organizer or other container. The bottle contains a special drying agent, which helps prevent the pills from being exposed to moisture. Moisture can make the pills less effective.

2. Take your dose with no more than 4 oz of plain water

Swallow the Wegovy pill whole with no more than 4 oz (one-half cup) of plain water. This means holding off on other morning beverages, such as coffee or tea, juice, or sparkling water.

Consuming more liquid, or anything other than plain water, can interfere with how well you absorb the medication. To avoid this, measure out your water if you need to and take the pill in one smooth swallow. Don’t split, crush, or chew the tablet.

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If you accidentally take the Wegovy pill with more than 4 oz of water or with another beverage, don’t take an extra dose. Just return to the recommended instructions the next day.

3. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications

After taking the Wegovy pill, wait at least 30 minutes before:

• Eating food

• Drinking any other liquids

• Taking other oral medications or supplements

This waiting period gives Wegovy time to move through your stomach and be absorbed properly. Eating or drinking too soon can lower how much of the medication your body absorbs. To make this easier, consider setting a 30-minute timer after taking your dose.

4. Talk to your healthcare team about managing potential interactions

As mentioned above, Wegovy needs to be taken on an empty stomach. It can also slow how quickly your stomach empties, which may affect how you absorb other oral medications. This is especially important for medications with narrow therapeutic index, where small changes can have a meaningful impact on safety and effectiveness.

For example, studies have found that oral semaglutide can increase the absorption of levothyroxine (Synthroid), a thyroid medication, when both are taken together. Because of this, your prescriber may recommend adjusting timing or monitoring your thyroid levels more closely.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• A needle-free alternative: Did you know that Wegovy (semaglutide) comes in pill form? Here’s what you should know about the Wegovy pill.

• Injection vs. pill: Learn the key differences between the Wegovy injection and pill.

• How to save: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications like Wegovy don’t need to break the bank. Explore ways to save on your prescription with this GLP-1 savings guide.

Be sure to tell your healthcare team about all medications and supplements you take. They can help you create a dosage schedule that minimizes interactions and ensures each medication works as intended.

5. Pair your treatment with dietary and lifestyle changes

The Wegovy pill works well to help people lose weight. But it’s most effective when combined with healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. Making small, sustainable changes can help minimize side effects, support weight loss, and maintain results over time.

When taking the Wegovy pill, consider focusing on:

• Protein- and fiber-rich foods to help you feel full and satisfied

• Smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea, bloating, and other side effects

• Regular movement, such as walking, strength training, and other activities you enjoy

• Adequate sleep and stress management, which play an important role in weight regulation

Wegovy isn’t a replacement for lifestyle changes. But it can make those changes feel more manageable by reducing your appetite and food cravings. Your healthcare team can help you create a plan that fits your routine and goals.

How to save on the Wegovy pill

There are ways to save on the Wegovy pill, which is available as a brand-name medication. GoodRx coupons and manufacturer copay savings cards can help make your prescription more affordable.

• Save with GoodRx. If you're new to using GoodRx for Wegovy savings, pay an introductory price of $149 per month for the first two fills of the Wegovy pill (only available for certain doses). For future fills and for other Wegovy doses, pay $299 per month. Subscribers to GoodRx for Weight Loss can also access FDA-approved brand-name GLP-1 medications.

• Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, pay as little as $25 per month for the Wegovy pill with the card.

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Written 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.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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