The weight-loss pill,
decoded.
No needles. Cash prices from $149 a month. Here's what the two FDA-approved GLP-1 pills actually cost, who qualifies, and the fastest legitimate way to get a prescription.
Wegovy pill vs. Foundayo
Same drug class (GLP-1), different molecules, different daily routines. Trial results come from separate studies, not a head-to-head weight-loss trial.
Wegovy pill
- FDA approvedDec 22, 2025
- How you take itOnce daily, empty stomach; wait 30 min before food, drink or other meds
- Doses1.5 / 4 / 9 / 25 mg
- Avg. weight loss13.6% at 64 wks*
- Self-pay price$149–$299/mo
- Also labeled forCardiovascular risk reduction
Foundayo
- FDA approvedApr 1, 2026
- How you take itOnce daily, any time, with or without food
- Doses0.8 / 2.5 / 5.5 / 9 / 14.5 / 17.2 mg
- Avg. weight loss11.2% at 72 wks (top dose)*
- Self-pay price$149–$299/mopromo
- MoleculeSmall molecule (non-peptide)
*Primary trial estimates: OASIS 4 (Wegovy pill, treatment-policy estimand; 16.6% among people who stayed on treatment) and ATTAIN-1 (Foundayo 17.2 mg, treatment-regimen estimand; 12.4% among people who stayed on treatment). Individual results vary.
Cash prices by dose
Manufacturer self-pay prices (NovoCare Pharmacy and LillyDirect). Last reviewed Oct 16, 2026. Offers change, so confirm before you buy.
| Wegovy pill dose | Self-pay / month |
|---|---|
| 1.5 mg | $149 |
| 4 mg | $199 |
| 9 mg | $299 |
| 25 mg | $299 |
| Foundayo dose | Self-pay / month |
|---|---|
| 0.8 mg | $149 |
| 2.5 mg thru 12/31 | $149 (reg. $199) |
| 5.5 mg thru 12/31 | $199 (reg. $299) |
| 9 mg | $299 |
| 14.5 / 17.2 mg | $299 (reg. $349) |
Foundayo 14.5/17.2 mg: the $299 offer is kept while each refill is bought within 45 days of the last one. Both pills carry a list price of roughly $1,349/month. Almost nobody pays that.
What will you really pay?
The drug price is only half the bill. Many telehealth programs charge a separate monthly membership. Plug yours in.
Enter $0 if you already have a prescriber. Check your telehealth provider's current fee.
Do you likely qualify?
Both pills are labeled for adults with a BMI of 30+, or 27+ with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes). A licensed clinician makes the actual call.
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Four ways to get a prescription filled
Pick the route that matches your situation. You'll need a prescription from a licensed clinician either way.
Online telehealth program
Answer an intake, get evaluated by a licensed clinician, and get medication shipped if appropriate. Compare membership fees. They vary a lot.
Start an online visit → Compare another program →Buy direct from the maker
NovoCare Pharmacy (Wegovy pill) and LillyDirect (Foundayo) sell at the self-pay prices above with home delivery.
NovoCare (Wegovy pill) → LillyDirect (Foundayo) →Coverage + savings card
If your plan covers it (often with prior authorization), manufacturer savings cards can bring eligible patients' cost way down. Call the number on your card and ask.
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge
A temporary CMS program (July 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2027) covering certain weight-loss GLP-1s, including Wegovy and Foundayo, at a flat $50 regardless of dose. Generally requires BMI 35+, or 27+ with certain conditions, plus prior authorization from your prescriber. People already getting a GLP-1 through Part D for diabetes or sleep apnea typically stay on that coverage instead. Questions: 1-800-MEDICARE.
Safety, in plain English
⚠ Boxed warning (both pills)
Both carry the GLP-1 class boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents. Don't use them if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Your clinician will screen for this.
Most common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- Indigestion, reflux, decreased appetite, belly pain
- Usually worst while the dose is being increased
Label warnings also include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury from dehydration, and low blood sugar when combined with certain diabetes drugs. Read the full Prescribing Information and talk to your clinician.
Get a price-drop alert
Foundayo's lower 2.5 mg and 5.5 mg prices are scheduled to end Dec 31, 2026. We'll email you when prices change. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
FAQ
Is there really an FDA-approved pill for weight loss?
Yes, two. The Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide) was approved December 22, 2025, and Foundayo (orforglipron) on April 1, 2026. Both are once-daily GLP-1 medicines for chronic weight management alongside diet and exercise.
Which pill works better?
There's no head-to-head obesity trial. In separate studies the Wegovy pill averaged about 13.6% weight loss at 64 weeks and the top Foundayo dose about 11.2% at 72 weeks. Foundayo is easier to take (no food or water rules). The Wegovy pill also has a cardiovascular-risk indication. Your clinician can help weigh it.
Are compounded or "research" versions the same thing?
No. Compounded and "research-use" products are not FDA-approved, and their quality and dosing aren't verified the way approved products are. This site only covers FDA-approved options.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds?
Prescription medications are generally HSA/FSA-eligible, but telehealth membership fees vary. Check with your plan administrator and the provider.
How do you make money?
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