Australia Approves Daily Wegovy Tablet for Weight Management
04 Nov 2026
The approval allows four strengths of the oral medicine to be registered in Australia: 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg and 25 mg. It can be used for chronic weight management and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in eligible adults.
A TGA spokesperson confirmed that the approved uses are the same as those for the injectable version of Wegovy.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright welcomed the decision, describing it as an important development for patients who may prefer tablets over injections.
He said GLP-1 medicines had made a significant impact in recent years, but injections had been a barrier for some people.
The tablet is not yet available in Australia. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk said it is working towards making the treatment available to eligible Australians, with supplies expected later this year.
Australia's approval follows the introduction of oral Wegovy in the United States on 5 January 2026. According to Novo Nordisk, the tablet recorded more than three million prescriptions in the US within just over five months.
The company also reported that many people starting the tablet had not previously used GLP-1 medicines.
Patients taking the oral tablet will need to follow specific instructions. According to US product guidance, patients should take the tablet in the morning on an empty stomach with a small sip of water. They must wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking any other oral medication.
The TGA has also warned against using Wegovy tablets or injections alongside other semaglutide products or other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Although the tablet offers another treatment option, its Australian price has not yet been confirmed.
There are also concerns about affordability. Injectable Wegovy has not yet been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), despite receiving a recommendation for listing from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee almost a year ago.
Dr Wright acknowledged that medication costs remain a challenge but said an oral option could make treatment easier for some patients.
He also noted that discussions about making the medicine cost-effective and accessible were continuing.
With public interest growing, GPs may receive more questions from patients about when the tablet will be available, its cost and whether it is suitable for them.
Dr Wright said some patients who had previously avoided treatment because of injections might now consider the tablet. Others may ask about switching from injections to oral treatment.
He highlighted the importance of explaining how the tablet must be taken, particularly because food and other medicines can affect its absorption.
Dr Wright encouraged patients to discuss treatment with their regular GP, who understands their medical history and can provide advice about possible side effects and suitability.
He also stressed that weight management involves more than medication, with patients needing guidance on diet, exercise and their overall health.
Meanwhile, data from pharmaceutical intelligence firm NostraData, covering more than 90% of Australian community pharmacies, estimated that 1.6 million Australians privately purchased GLP-1 medicines over the past 12 months.
Australia Approves Daily Wegovy Tablet for Weight Management
Source: TGA, Novo Nordisk and RACGP newsGP.