How Wegovy tablets (oral semaglutide) works

Semaglutide mimics GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone released by the gut after eating. Activating the GLP-1 receptor helps reduce appetite, makes you feel full sooner, slows how quickly the stomach empties and helps regulate blood sugar. Because semaglutide is a peptide, the tablet must be taken in a specific way to be absorbed. Swallow the tablet whole on an empty stomach, after at least 8 hours without food, with a sip of water. Then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medicines.

It is taken once a day as a tablet. These effects are why digestive side effects such as nausea are common, particularly after starting or increasing the dose.