How to take the Wegovy pill: 7 tips for best results

The Wegovy pill (semaglutide) has some specific guidelines for how you take it, especially in regards to timing. It’s important to follow these instructions for the best results. 

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to take oral Wegovy and get the most out of this weight loss medication. 

The Wegovy pill is meant to be taken once daily on an empty stomach. Taking it first thing in the morning before you’ve eaten anything helps your body absorb an optimal amount of the medication. 

Set an alarm or daily reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.

You can take the Wegovy pill with 4 ounces or less of water. Do not drink more than 4 ounces of water or use other liquids. Similar to taking the pill on an empty stomach, taking your pill with the least amount of water possible helps ensure proper absorption of the medication.

(If you accidentally drink more than 4 ounces, don’t beat yourself up. You can get the measurement right the next time.)

For reference, 4 ounces is equivalent to a half-cup or 120 mL. To make it easier for yourself in the morning, you can prepare a measured glass of water before you go to bed and leave it on your nightstand. Then you can take your pill as soon as you wake up from the comfort of your own bed!

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After you take the Wegovy pill, avoid eating, drinking, or taking other oral medications for at least 30 minutes. 

Consuming any food, liquids (even water), or other oral medications within this time frame can lower the amount of Wegovy that gets into your system. You should also wait at least 30 minutes before taking any oral vitamins or dietary supplements.

If you’re able to wait even longer — up to two hours — that may be even better, according to some research. But, at a minimum, try to wait at least 30 minutes.

Important: Tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you take to avoid potential interactions. This is especially key for any other medicines that must be taken on an empty stomach, such as thyroid medications like levothyroxine (Synthroid). 

Studies show that oral Wegovy can affect the absorption of levothyroxine if they’re taken at the same time. As a workaround, your provider may recommend adjusting the timing of your levothyroxine dose.

Do not crush, chew, cut, or otherwise alter the Wegovy pill. Swallow it whole with, again, up to 4 ounces of water. 

If you have trouble swallowing the medication, talk to your healthcare provider about an alternative medication, such as injectable Wegovy.

The Wegovy pill should be stored in its original bottle. The bottle is specially designed to keep moisture out.  

Do not use a pill-of-the-day container or a little pill cup next to your bed. 

When you start taking oral semaglutide, your healthcare provider will start you at the lowest 1.5 mg dosage of the Wegovy pill. Every 30 days, they’ll likely increase your dosage until you reach the maximum dosage of 25 mg daily. 

Slowly increasing the dosage in this way (a process called titration) can help keep side effects manageable as your body gets used to the medication.

Each dosage strength of Wegovy comes in a bottle with a different color-coded label so you can tell you’re taking the right one. The tablet itself also has the strength printed on it.

For the best results, try not to miss doses of the Wegovy pill. If you do end up missing a dose, skip it and take your next dose as scheduled the following morning. Do not take double doses of the Wegovy pill.

Finally, both oral and injectable Wegovy are meant to be taken in combination with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Research shows that when people adopt a healthy diet and exercise routine, they see better weight loss results on Wegovy.

• Follow a balanced, low-calorie diet. For people taking GLP-1s like Wegovy, experts recommend reducing your daily calorie intake by 500–750 calories. Choosing smaller portions, eating more fiber and protein, and avoiding processed, fried, or fatty foods can all support your weight loss efforts and reduce common side effects of the Wegovy pill.

• Mix aerobic and resistance-based workouts. The best kind of exercise for weight loss is a mix of aerobic (e.g. walking, running, biking) and resistance training (e.g. lifting weights, Pilates), according to research. This combo helps you burn fat while building muscle. Aim for five 30-minute moderate-intensity aerobic workouts per week, plus two days of strength training. 

Now you know all the ins and outs of why the Wegovy pill must be taken a certain way. For quick reference, here’s your simple three-step list to follow every morning:

1. Take one tablet of Wegovy daily on an empty stomach as soon as you wake up.

2. Swallow the Wegovy pill whole with as little water as possible (4 ounces or less).

3. Wait at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take other oral medications.

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If you haven’t been prescribed the Wegovy pill yet, you can get a prescription by meeting with a licensed healthcare provider either in-person or online. They’ll assess your medical history and your weight loss goals to determine whether Wegovy is appropriate for you. 

Here’s a quick overview of how to get Wegovy online through Ro:

• Complete your online visit to answer questions about your health history, weight loss goals, and experience losing weight in the past.

• Wait a few days for a Ro-affiliate provider to review your information, order a metabolic lab test (if needed), and let you know if Wegovy is a good fit for you.

• Receive your Rx for Wegovy (if eligible and appropriate), either via free home delivery or pickup at your local pharmacy.

• Pay for your prescription with cash or through your insurance if Wegovy is covered on your plan. (Ro’s insurance concierge will help you through this process.)

• Get ongoing care and support, including monthly check-ins with your healthcare provider to discuss side effects, dosage adjustments, or any questions you have.

For the best results, it’s important to take oral Wegovy as directed. Here’s what that means:

• Take the Wegovy pill first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

• Swallow the pill whole with four ounces of water or less.

• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other pills.

• Make other healthy lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.