Weight Loss Pill Version of Popular Wegovy Drug Arrives in Israel
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The oral pill version of the popular weight loss drug Wegovy is launching in Israeli pharmacies on Wednesday, October 26th. The pill is expected to help patients lose an average of 16.6% of their body weight after a year, though it is less effective than Wegovy injections. The monthly cost will be between 640 and 1,260 shekels, with potential for subsidies.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Wegovy's oral pill version for weight loss is launching in Israel on Wednesday, October 26th.
- The pill is expected to cause an average weight loss of 16.6% after one year.
- The oral pill is less effective than Wegovy injections, which achieve 20-25% weight loss.
- The monthly cost for the Wegovy pills will range from 640 to 1,260 shekels.
- Common side effects are gastrointestinal issues like nausea and stomach discomfort.
A new oral pill form of the popular weight loss drug Wegovy will be available in Israeli pharmacies starting next Wednesday, October 26th. This development offers an alternative for patients who struggle with obesity but prefer to avoid injections. The pill is expected to lead to an average weight loss of approximately 16.6% after one year of treatment, surpassing the effectiveness of a competing pill, Rybelsus (Semaglutide), which has shown an average reduction of about 12.4% and arrived in Israel about six weeks ago. However, both oral forms are still less effective than Wegovy injections, which can achieve an average weight loss of 20% to 25% in the same timeframe. Despite the lower efficacy compared to injections, many patients are anticipated to prefer the convenience of a pill, with estimates suggesting that oral medications could eventually account for about 50% of the weight loss drug market. The monthly cost for Wegovy pills will range between 640 and 1,260 shekels, with potential for the price to be halved if health funds decide to subsidize or fund the treatment in the future. Similar to the injectable form, the most common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea and stomach discomfort, which are typically temporary and subside after the body adjusts to the medication.
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