Overview
- Pharmacies began dispensing the prescription Wegovy tablet on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, and pharmacy groups say supply is available while distribution depends on manufacturer deliveries.
- The pill uses semaglutide, the same GLP‑1 drug as common weekly injections, and trials showed average weight loss of about 13 percent in participants.
- Patients must follow strict fasting and timing rules for the oral form and commonly report gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, with clinicians also warning about potential muscle‑mass loss.
- German statutory health insurers generally do not cover semaglutide for obesity without diabetes, leaving monthly patient costs around €170–€230 and fuelling an ongoing debate about broader reimbursement and its budget impact.
- Authorities and pharmacy groups warn that prescription fraud and online counterfeits, already seen for injectables since 2023, pose a safety and supply risk for the new tablet and call for close monitoring.