Wegovy now available in tablet form in France

Wegovy, an obesity treatment developed by Novo Nordisk, is now available in tablet form in some French pharmacies, offering an alternative to its previously available injectable form. This change provides patients with more options for managing their treatment.

Injectable Wegovy partially reimbursed by French Social Security

The injectable form of Wegovy has been on the market since October 2024 and is partially reimbursed by the French Social Security under specific conditions. The new tablet version, developed through a technological innovation at Novo Nordisk, provides the same benefits as the injectable version, with studies showing equivalent blood concentrations of semaglutide.

Study shows 17 percent weight loss with Wegovy tablets

The OASIS study evaluated patients with obesity and comorbidities who took either semaglutide tablets or a placebo. After one year of treatment, patients experienced a weight loss of 17 percent. The tablets have a similar effectiveness to the injectable form, with a known tolerance profile and mainly digestive side effects.

Wegovy tablets not reimbursed by health insurance

The price for the tablet form of Wegovy is not fixed, as it is not reimbursed by the Health Insurance. The recommended price for a month of treatment at the first dose is 169 euros, though some pharmacies may offer lower prices. The injectable form of Wegovy is priced at around 145 euros for a month of treatment and up to 195 euros for the highest dose.

Switching from injectable to tablet form requires a wait

Patients currently using the injectable form can switch to the tablet form, but they must wait seven days after an injection due to the seven-day half-life of semaglutide. This waiting period ensures the drug has fully cleared the body before starting the tablet regimen.

New formulations do not change care pathway for obesity treatment

Professor Sébastien Czernichow, head of the nutrition department at the European Georges Pompidou Hospital, emphasized that the arrival of new formulations does not change the necessity of managing the care pathway for patients treated with MDT (medicinal obesity treatments). He noted that dietary changes, physical activity, and monitoring for possible complications remain essential.

Proper administration is key to Wegovy tablet effectiveness

Isabelle Lonjon-Domanec mentioned that there are no interactions at the liver level but that certain administration conditions must be respected to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. The tablet should be taken in the morning after fasting for at least 8 hours, with a 30-minute wait before breakfast or taking other medications to ensure maximum absorption and effectiveness.