Anvisa approves Wegovy in pill for obesity

The National Agency of Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) approved on Wednesday (4.Nov.2026), the registration of the drug Wegovy (semaglutide) in oral presentation. Until then, the product was only available in Brazil in the form of a solution for injection for subcutaneous administration. The decision marks the arrival of the first agonist of the hormone glucagon type 1 (GLP-1) in tablet format approved for use in the country.

The new presentation broadens the therapeutic options for patients with obesity or overweight associated with comorbidities. According to the agency, semaglutide acts in the regulation of appetite and food intake, promoting reduction of body weight and improvement of metabolic parameters associated with obesity.

How the new oral presentation works

Wegovy tablet should be administered once daily, with progressive dosage scaling. Treatment begins with 1.5 mg, progresses to 4 mg and then to 9 mg, until the recommended daily maintenance dose is reached, set at 25 mg.

This gradual scheme is adopted to reduce the occurrence of gastrointestinal effects, common at the beginning of the use of GLP-1 analogues. The source did not detail the duration of each stage of the scaling, but the guidelines approved in the telenovela should be followed by the prescribing physician.

The medicine should be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water. After ingestion, the patient should wait at least 30 minutes before consuming food, beverages or other medications. This recommendation aims to ensure adequate absorption of oral semaglutide, which is sensitive to the presence of gastric content.

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Indications and patient profile

The product is indicated for the treatment of obesity and overweight associated with comorbidities in adults. It should be used as a supplement to a healthy diet and physical activity, not as a substitute for these measures.

Obesity is a chronic, progressive and multifactorial disease associated with an increased risk of several clinical conditions. These include type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea. Weight control therefore goes beyond aesthetics and directly impacts metabolic and cardiovascular health.

The main support for the approval of the registry was the results of the pivotal phase 3 clinical study, called OASIS 4. The trial evaluated the efficacy of oral semaglutide at the 25 mg dosage in adults with obesity or overweight associated with comorbidities. The source did not detail the primary outcomes or the magnitude of the observed weight loss.

Therapeutic flexibility and transition between formulations

For the regulatory agency, the arrival of the new presentation brings more therapeutic flexibility to patients and health professionals. This includes the possibility of transition between oral and subcutaneous formulations, when clinically appropriate, according to the guidelines approved in the telenovela.

This flexibility can be useful in different clinical scenarios, such as patient preference, difficulty in adhering to the injectable route, or the need for dose adjustment. The decision on the exchange should always be individualized and based on medical evaluation.

The availability of an oral option can reduce barriers to treatment, especially for patients with needle aversion or who face logistical difficulties with subcutaneous application. However, the efficacy and safety of each formulation should be considered within the clinical context of each patient.

Context of obesity in Brazil and in Paraná

National data indicate that more than half of the Brazilian adult population is overweight, and about a fifth already has obesity. In Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais, the prevalence follows the national trend, with increasing impact on public and private health services.

The introduction of new therapeutic options, such as oral Wegovy, can contribute to the management of obesity in the region, provided that it is accompanied by access policies and health education. The drug, however, is for continuous use and requires regular medical follow-up.

The source did not inform the price of Wegovy tablet in Brazil, nor will there be coverage by health plans or by the Unified Health System (SUS). Commercial availability was also not detailed by Anvisa at the time of registration.

Next steps and guidelines

Patients interested in the new treatment should seek a doctor for individual evaluation. The use of oral semaglutide is not indicated for all overweight people, and the prescription should consider body mass index, comorbidities and clinical history.

Multidisciplinary follow-up, with nutritionist and physical educator, remains essential for the success of the treatment. The medication acts as an auxiliary tool, but does not replace changes in the estilo de vida.

This text was originally published by Agência Brasil on November 4, 2026. The content is free for republication, cited the source, and has been adapted to the Power360 standard.

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