Australia Approves First Daily Oral Weight-Loss Tablet Wegovy

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the country's first daily oral tablet version of the weight-loss medication Wegovy. Announced on Tuesday, the registration covers four distinct strengths of the semaglutide pill: 1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg. This marks the first time a GLP-1 receptor agonist has been approved in Australia in a tablet format specifically for chronic weight management.

Until now, widely known medications in this category, such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, have primarily required weekly injections. The new once-daily tablet provides an alternative option for patients who prefer to avoid needles or have difficulty using them. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk aims to make the tablets available to eligible Australians by the end of the year, pending final reviews of packaging, production, and retail pricing by the TGA.

The medication is intended for adults living with obesity, or those who are overweight and managing related health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Semaglutide functions by mimicking the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar, slows stomach digestion, and helps reduce appetite. Clinical trials indicate that the oral formulation results in a body weight loss of about 14 percent over 64 to 68 weeks, comparable to the 15 percent reduction seen with weekly injections.

Patients prescribed the oral tablet must adhere to strict administration guidelines. The pill requires a daily morning dose on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, followed by a 30-minute wait before consuming any food, beverages, or other medications. Because absorption is limited, healthcare professionals stress that patients must follow these instructions carefully to ensure the drug works effectively.

Official retail pricing for the Wegovy pill in Australia has not yet been released. However, industry estimates suggest that out-of-pocket costs will likely mirror the weekly injections, which generally range from A$250 to A$450 per month. Furthermore, the medication is not currently subsidized through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for weight management, meaning patients must cover the full cost out of pocket.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) President Dr. Michael Wright welcomed the development as a significant step forward for patients who declined previous treatments due to an aversion to needles. Nevertheless, medical experts emphasize that the medication should be paired with lifestyle changes, including a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise, to prevent muscle loss and potential weight regain after stopping the treatment.

Healthcare providers also warn of potential side effects, which affect roughly 80 percent of patients and commonly include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and constipation. More serious, though less frequent, risks involve kidney injury, pancreatitis, and gallbladder issues. Experts advise patients to seek prescriptions and ongoing guidance from their regular general practitioners, who can properly evaluate individual health histories and manage potential risks.