For years, the newer weight-management medicines came only as injections. That has changed. There are now FDA-approved daily pills for chronic weight management, and Dr. J. Michael Conkright prescribes them when they suit the patient. You start with an in-person visit, and he sees every patient himself.
Weight-management medicine without a needle
A pill is a real choice now, not a lesser version. Both pills described here are approved by the FDA for chronic weight management, along with a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity. The choice between a pill and an injection is made with Dr. Conkright at your visit, based on your health, your other medicines and your preferences.
Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide)
The Wegovy pill contains semaglutide, the same medicine as the Wegovy injection, in a once-daily tablet. It is approved by the FDA for chronic weight management.
According to the prescribing information, the Wegovy pill has specific instructions for how it is taken, including timing around water, food and other medicines. Dr. Conkright and his staff go over them with you.
Read more about semaglutide on our semaglutide page.
Foundayo (orforglipron)
Foundayo (orforglipron) is a once-daily pill approved by the FDA in April 2026 for chronic weight management. It is made by Eli Lilly and Company. Orforglipron is a different kind of molecule from semaglutide and tirzepatide: it is a small-molecule medicine rather than a peptide, though it also acts on the GLP-1 receptor.
Its label includes its own directions about how to take it. Dr. Conkright reviews them with you at the visit.
Who might prefer a pill
Some people simply prefer a pill. Common reasons we hear:
- You would rather not use needles.
- You travel often and want something simple to carry.
- A daily routine suits you better than a weekly one.
A preference is a good place to start the conversation. It is not the only factor. Some people do better with a weekly injection, for example if a daily schedule is hard to keep, or for reasons in their health history. Dr. Conkright makes the recommendation with you.
Side effects
The pills are not free of side effects. According to the prescribing information, the most common side effects are digestive, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation, similar to the injectable medicines in this class. Each label also lists warnings about less common but serious problems.
The Wegovy pill label carries the same boxed warning about a possible risk of thyroid C-cell tumors as the other semaglutide products. Foundayo's warnings are listed in its own label, and Dr. Conkright reviews them with you.
This is general information, not a full list. See our side effects and safety page.
Pill or injection: how the choice is made
At the visit, Dr. Conkright looks at:
- Your health history and current medicines
- Your weight history and what you have tried before
- How a daily pill or a weekly injection fits your life
- Cost, including manufacturer cash-pay programs, which exist and which we explain at your visit
Then he recommends a medicine. If you want an injection instead, read about semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Starting in person
A pill does not mean a shortcut. Every patient, pill or injection, starts the same way: an in-person visit in our Evansville office, a health screen, and Dr. Conkright's judgment on whether the program fits. No one is prescribed without meeting him.
Fees are on our cost page. The visit is explained on how to start.
Questions
Are there FDA-approved weight loss pills?
Yes. The Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide) and Foundayo (orforglipron) are once-daily pills approved by the FDA for chronic weight management.
Is the Wegovy pill the same medicine as the Wegovy injection?
Both contain semaglutide. They are taken differently and have their own directions for use in the same Wegovy prescribing information.
Is a pill as effective as an injection?
That depends on the medicine and the person. Dr. Conkright goes over what the prescribing information says for each option at your visit.
Do the pills have side effects?
Yes. Per the prescribing information, the most common are digestive effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation.
Can I switch from an injection to a pill?
Possibly. That is a decision Dr. Conkright makes with you, based on your history and how you are doing.
Can I get weight loss pills online without a visit?
Not from us. Every patient starts with an in-person visit with Dr. Conkright.
What do the pills cost?
Program fees are on our cost page. Manufacturer cash-pay programs exist; we explain them at your visit.