Oral Wegovy Gains Momentum in Early U.S. Prescriptions

Novo Nordisk has made an early mark in the U.S. weight-loss market with its new oral version of Wegovy, which logged about 3,071 retail prescriptions during its first few days on pharmacy shelves. This shows how there is a meaningful interest of the public in a pill-based alternative to injectable GLP-1 treatments.

The prescription count reflects fills at U.S. retail pharmacies only. However, it does not include prescriptions processed through Novo Nordisk’s direct NovoCare Pharmacy service. It also excludes telehealth platforms and other online channels. As a result, the total number of patients starting oral Wegovy could already be higher.

Industry analysts see the early prescription data as an encouraging first step rather than a finished story. Drug launches often take time to gain rhythm as doctors and patients adjust to availability. Even so, the oral version has already carved out a small but meaningful share of total Wegovy prescriptions, including injectables.

The pill uses semaglutide, the same proven ingredient found in injectable Wegovy. What changes is the experience. Patients swallow a tablet once a day instead of reaching for a needle once a week. For many, that single shift removes hesitation and makes starting treatment feel easier.

Doctors have long said injections stop some patients before they even begin. A daily pill feels familiar and less intimidating. It also fits naturally into routine appointments, where primary care doctors can talk about weight management without adding complexity.

Novo Nordisk introduced the pill after FDA approval late last year. The company framed it as the first widely available oral GLP-1 weight-loss option in the U.S. It arrived after years of overwhelming demand for injectable Wegovy, which often struggled to stay in stock.

Price plays a role in early interest. Monthly costs vary by dose, with starter levels priced lower than maintenance doses. Novo Nordisk expects pharmacy programs and savings offers to help soften the cost over time and widen access in the future.

The company also moved quickly to get the pill into patients’ hands. Doctors can prescribe it through tens of thousands of pharmacies across the country. Digital health providers also offer access, giving patients more ways to start treatment. That broad reach could help momentum build faster.

Investors welcomed the early numbers. Novo Nordisk shares climbed after reports of initial prescription activity. The response signaled confidence in the company’s weight-loss portfolio and its grip on the fast-growing GLP-1 market.

Competition, however, is never far behind. Rival drugmakers are racing to develop their own oral weight-loss pills. Eli Lilly is advancing a similar candidate that could approach regulators later this year. The next battle may focus on ease of use, dosing rules, and side effects.

Even with rising competition, Novo Nordisk holds a powerful advantage. Wegovy already dominates the injectable market. Doctors know its data and trust its results. That familiarity can make trying the oral version feel like a natural next step.

Physicians will watch closely as real-world use expands. The pill must be taken under specific conditions, including on an empty stomach. Some patients will adapt easily, while others may prefer the simplicity of a weekly injection. These choices will shape how the drug fits into everyday care.

Early prescription numbers rarely tell the full story. Many doctors wait weeks before prescribing a new drug. Insurance coverage decisions also move slowly. As reimbursement improves, prescription counts often climb steadily.

The next few data updates should offer clearer signals. Analysts will watch for consistent growth and look at how the pill performs alongside injections rather than replacing them outright.

For patients, the launch adds another option to a rapidly expanding treatment landscape. Weight-loss care has evolved quickly, and choice now plays a bigger role than ever.

Novo Nordisk sees the oral pill as a long-term play. The company aims to reach more people while keeping outcomes strong. If interest holds, oral Wegovy could become an important driver of future growth for them.

The early U.S. retail numbers may be modest, but they matter. They show that patients and doctors are willing to try a pill-based GLP-1 therapy right out of the gate.

As more data rolls in, the industry will learn whether convenience turns into lasting demand. For now, oral Wegovy has entered the scene with steady momentum, cautious optimism, and plenty of curiosity watching its next move.